Chapter 5

Sarah Quinn couldn’t pay attention to the words that followed. Dragging her heavy steps, she returned to her hospital room. When her eyes fell on the bowl of chicken soup, she felt only bitterness. Not long after, Jack Cheney came back as well. Seeing her awake, he froze for a moment. “You’re awake. Why didn’t you have someone call me? How are you feeling? Still uncomfortable?” Sarah shook her head. “I’m fine. I just went out and saw you. You were with Lily.” Jack was silent, clearly caught off guard that she had seen him. Quickly, he forced a smile and tried to explain, using the same excuse he always did to seek her forgiveness. “This morning, Lily almost fainted from low blood sugar. I just happened to bring her to the hospital, that’s all. Besides, Mom always said Lily’s health is fragile, and we should take care of her more, so I thought…” “Whatever you say.” Jack’s words were cut off by Sarah’s calm response. Their eyes met, and she quietly gave him the answer he wanted to hear. “It’s true Lily doesn’t come by often. We can’t let her leave looking so ill. I’ve been under the weather with this fever and cold, so I’m not in a position to care for her. I’ll leave that to you.” “I can handle things here myself. You focus on her.” For a moment, Jack seemed stunned by her words. He knew Sarah was always understanding, always accommodating. But something about her felt different today, though her gaze and tone remained calm, giving nothing away. Unable to pinpoint what was off, Jack didn’t think too much of it. He offered a few more words of acknowledgment before heading back to Lily’s room. Through the hospital window, Sarah watched as Jack moved back and forth, busying himself for another woman. At last, the final shred of attachment lodged in her throat dissolved. She collected her medication from the doctor and prepared to leave. Passing Lily’s room, the sound of laughter spilling out was grating, but it no longer stirred anything within her. … Over the next few days, Jack spent his time shuttling between home and the hospital, under the pretense of taking care of Lily. Meanwhile, Sarah busied herself with preparations for the teaching program in the Everglades. The two of them hadn’t seen each other in a week. As her departure neared, Laura Jenkins, ever curious, sidled up to Sarah during lunch break. “Hey, Sarah, have you told your hubby about this teaching thing yet?” Without looking up, Sarah replied, “Not yet. He’s been busy lately. I haven’t had the chance.” “Busy, my foot!” Laura scoffed. “I saw him this morning, clear as day, taking your cousin into town to shop for clothes. Don’t try to pull one over on me.” “Listen, you better tell him sooner rather than later. What if Captain Cheney really doesn’t agree? At least you’ll have time to work things out. And you know, before you leave, we could even throw you a little farewell party. Might as well break the news then.” Sarah kept her head down, silent. Would Jack disagree? Hardly. He was so wrapped up in the bliss of being with Lily that he’d probably be relieved if his “official” wife stepped aside. He wasn’t likely to object. In fact, he’d probably applaud the decision. If that was the case, then so be it. She’d follow Laura’s suggestion and use the farewell gathering to make things clear. From then on, each would go their separate ways. She’d walk away cleanly. Swallowing the last of her cold medicine, Sarah winced as the bitterness spread across her tongue. She reached for the framed photo of her and Jack on the table, flipping it face down with a firm hand. “Alright,” she said to herself. “I’ll tell him tonight.”