Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Awesome!" Jenna's excitement was palpable as she nodded vigorously, a sudden thought making her turn towards Sherilyn. "Mommy, can we please?" she pleaded.

"Jenna..." Sherilyn frowned, hesitant to agree, "Sophia has already prepared dinner."

"Oh."

At that, Jenna's spirit deflated, her lips pouting in disappointment.

"Sherilyn," Gilbert interjected, his voice laced with concern, "it's just dinner. Jenna and I haven't spent time together in ages." "Mommy, please?" Jenna's eyes were wide with hope, looking earnestly at her mother.

Faced with their pleading, Sherilyn felt like the 'villain' of the piece.

After a moment of hesitation, Sherilyn finally nodded, "Alright."

"Yes!" Jenna's cheer filled the room as she waved her arms excitedly. "Let's go, let's go! Time for a treat!"

Gilbert pinched her nose affectionately. "What treat would Jenna like?"

"Cake! Blueberry cake!"

"Alright. I will get you one," Gilbert agreed, a hint of sadness in his tone. Jenna, I wish I could tell you I'm your dad, not just a mister. Driven by Jenna's craving for cake, Gilbert drove to The Crimson Table.

Once there, Jenna immediately clamored for cake. "Sir!"

"Got it," Gilbert signaled with an OK gesture.

"Not so fast," Sherilyn interjected sternly. "Dinner first. If you have cake now, you won't eat your dinner."

"Oh." Jenna pouted but didn't dare argue with her mom, instead turning hopeful eyes to Gilbert.

But Gilbert was no help, siding with Sherilyn. "Mom's right. We eat dinner first."

Jenna sighed. This gentleman is not so heroic after all. Mom's the real boss!

When the food arrived, Sherilyn served Jenna a small portion of rice and some vegetables. "Eat up. You need to finish this if you want cake."

"Okay."

Jenna obediently started eating with her little spoon.

While Sherilyn took care of Jenna, Gilbert for

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"Thanks."

The phone rang, and Sherilyn

glanced at it, deciding not to answer. But when it rang persistently, she excused herself to take the call.

"Outside," she said tersely upon answering, her voice cold, "What do you want?"

"Sherilyn," came the voice of Farley Martin from the other end.

"Galen's been discharged from the hospital. We thought a family dinner to celebrate would be nice."

Sherilyn almost laughed, "That's nice for you, but why involve me in your family matters?"

"Sherilyn," Farley's tone deepened, "you're part of this family. Dad thought it'd be nice if you could come too..."

"Spare me," Sherilyn cut him off, her voice icy, "Get lost!"

She hung up sharply and blocked Farley, her face flushed with anger, hands shaking slightly.

Needing a moment, she lingered outside the door to calm down.

Inside, the server brought out the cake.

"Wow!" Jenna's eyes sparkled, her tongue licking her lips in anticipation.

Gilbert, amused, scooped up a piece of cake, whispering, "Quick, before Mom comes back."

Jenna gleefully opened her mouth for the bite.

Gilbert fed her another spoonful, just as Sherilyn walked back in, catching them in the act. Her eyes narrowed in disapproval. "Mommy..."

"Sherilyn..."