The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 667

Evelyn’s lashes fluttered, but she didn’t open her eyes.

Instead, she just hugged Charlie a little tighter, holding her close in silence.

She waited.

When it came to Charles, all Evelyn could do was this: if Charlie ever softened and wanted to accept him as her dad, Evelyn wouldn’t stand in the way. That was the limit of what she could offer.

That night, Charles sat in his wheelchair by the bed, keeping quiet watch over mother and daughter.

Charlie slept soundly.

Early the next morning, the little one blinked her eyes open, still half-asleep, and snuggled instinctively into her mother’s arms.

Charlie’s movement woke Evelyn, who’d slept light all night, her mind full of worry.

“Morning, sweetheart,” Evelyn greeted, her voice husky with sleep—just as she had every morning for the past five years. She leaned down and kissed her daughter’s soft, chubby cheek.

“Morning, Mommy…” Charlie mumbled, her arms wrapping around Evelyn’s neck in a practiced hug. She kissed Evelyn back, then nuzzled into her neck like a little kitten finding its favorite spot, breathing in that familiar scent that made her feel safe.

Home at last! She could stay with Mommy now—forever!

Feeling her daughter’s complete trust, Evelyn’s heart melted. She stroked Charlie’s hair, resting her chin on the little girl’s head, wishing she could just absorb this precious child right into her bones.

Her darling, her everything.

While the two basked in their morning ritual, Charles, who’d been slumped over the side of the bed, also woke up. He hadn’t slept long—his eyes were red and tired when he opened them.

He glanced at the bed.

His presence was impossible to ignore. Evelyn and Charlie both noticed the weight of his gaze and froze, their affection paused mid-motion.

Evelyn looked up first, and Charlie turned in her arms to look too.

Their eyes met.

...

Charlie’s body was still fragile; the doctor had said she needed several days of bed rest.

Evelyn wrung out a warm towel and carefully wiped her daughter’s face and hands.

Just then, the phone on the nightstand rang.

Evelyn’s hands were still damp, but Charlie, as she’d done so many times before, reached over and grabbed the phone, swiftly answering and putting it on speaker.

“Evelyn!” Ms. Taylor’s voice came through, sharp with worry and a hint of irritation. “The contest deadline is just days away! Where are you? If you don’t come back soon, you won’t finish your entry! Do you realize how important this award is? You’ve dreamed about this opportunity for years! What could possibly be more important than this?”

Ms. Taylor clearly wasn’t happy about Evelyn’s sudden disappearance.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Taylor,” Evelyn said, drawing a steadying breath, ready to explain, “Something more important has come up. I’m afraid I might have to—”

“Mommy!” Before Evelyn could finish, Charlie grabbed her wrist, looking up at her with bright, earnest eyes. “Please, Mommy, go enter the contest, okay?”