Chapter 638

The garden at Barker Heights was expansive. This wasn't my first visit to this cottage garden. The last time I came was for Zane's birthday. At that time, the guests were all Zane's friends and peers, and Marie wasn't present. This time, however, Marie was waiting for me at the door. Also, she called me Nance. "Nance" was my nickname, used only by family and close friends. Marie used to address me as "Ms. Fisher," but she greeted me with the affectionate "Nance." Her speech carried a soft, melodious Southern accent, and the way she said "Nance" felt like a warm embrace. I couldn't help but reach out to hold her hand, a pang of concern hitting me. "Why are you out here in such a thin coat? Your hands are freezing." I handed her the heat pack Jonah had given me. "You're really considerate." Marie's eyes shimmered with warmth as she smiled at me. Then, she teasingly made a face of disdain at Zane. "Not like that rascal. I've taken care of him for 18 years, and he never thought to