Chapter 28

"No need to be embarrassed. We've all been through it," Daphne said, gently holding Jolene's hand. "It's probably why Steven is so eager to get better quickly." Rita chimed in, "That's right. We can't have a young and beautiful new bride living like a widow forever. Once Dr. Zimmer gets him fixed up, you'll have kids in no time. I'm also eager to care for children." Rita was close with the Welsh family members and spoke without reserve. Jolene felt a buzzing in her ears, her mind struggling to process their words. She desperately tried to piece together fragments of that night. It was vivid yet hazy. Were the urgent, breathless murmurs in her ear and the searing heat of hands roaming her body real? She was frozen, and her legs felt heavy. "Honey, it's getting late. Let's head home," Alfred called out as he descended the stairs. Daphne stood up, patting Jolene on the shoulder. "Honestly, when I think about it, neither you nor Steven is reckless. We overreacted tonight." Her conc