Francis helped Regina upright and said with a gentle smile, âYou know, Emma knows your tastes better than anyone. Had I not insisted that she give you some time to recover, I bet sheâd be here right now and crying her eyes out in front of you.â
At the mention of Emma, Reginaâs face softened into a smile. âThen youâll have to tell her Iâm feeling better and thereâs no need to worry!
Just then, with perfect timing, Imogen suggested that Regina should come back home to stay.
Regina quietly nibbled on a bagel, a familiar comfort made by Emmaâs own hands.
Francis didnât immediately respond but listened as Imogen continued, âAfter such a scare, and with her still so frail, it doesnât make sense for Regina to be living alone. How can she possibly take care of herself properly?
Itâs better for her at home with the family. We can look after her, and she can enjoy her favorite foods.
Sheâll heal faster that way, right Francis?â
Francis nodded in agreement, yet he didnât make any decisions for Regina.
âRegina, do you want to come home? If you donât want to, I can ask Emma to send some folks over to look after you for a while.â he offered.
Regina caught Imogenâs calculating gaze and couldnât help but smile. âI appreciate your kind offer. After Iâm discharged, Iâll come home for a while. Itâll give everyone some peace of mind.â
Imogen gritted her teeth in frustration. She had never expected Regina to actua Francis was also surprised by Reginaâs decision. He had been prepared to arran few people to stay with her at her current place, not expecting her to nod her hea acceptance.
âRegina, youâre really growing up. Having you at home, where we can all take care will set our minds at ease.â
Regina smiled and nodded. âDad, I know everyone cares about me. You all have your lives to lead, and I wouldnât want you to worry. Itâs better for me to be at home, althoug Iâm not sure if Imogen would agree.â
Imogen forced a smile, âWhy wouldnât I welcome you? I was the one who suggested to your father that we bring you home. Donât you believe me? Just ask your dad.â
Francis nodded to confirm her claim. âItâs true, Imogen has always been very about you.â concerne Regina inwardly smirked at the irony. Yes, Imogen was always âconcernedâ about her, often in ways that felt more like setting traps than genuine care.
The conversation continued with Regina sitting in silence, as if the other three were real family.
âDid you go for a check-up at the hospital yesterday? You said you werenât feeling well, right?â Francis suddenly asked, recalling their previous exchange.
Imogenâs shy smile quickly turned into a beaming grin, and Madeline stepped forward, looking at Francis with pure joy.
âDad, I really have to congratulate you.â
âWhat are you talking about, child? Your motherâs not been feeling well, whatâs there to congratulate me about?â
As the words left his mouth, Francis looked at mogen with disbelief.
Could it be what he was thinking?
Imogen nodded, âFrancis, weâre finally going to have our own child.â
Francis was still in shock, grasping Imogenâs hands as if to seek confirmation. He had always wanted another son, and after so many years without Imogen conceiving, he had thought it would remain one of his lifeâs regrets. But at his age, Imogen had just given him the most wonderful surprise!