"If you like that date, then that's the date we'll set," Timothy replied. “Pick out any wedding dress you want. Do you want the ceremony here or abroad?"

Seeing Timothy so earnestly planning the details, Sheila felt a flicker of happiness, even though she knew he was only doing it to save Jessica. At least she would finally get to marry him.

"Let's do it here," she said. Timothy's entire social and professional circle was here; of course the wedding had to be here. She wanted everyone to see her become Mrs. Lawson, officially and indisputably.

Seven years ago, everyone in the Lawson family, including her own adoptive parents, had been against their relationship. This time, she would finally have her moment of triumph. She especially looked forward to putting Sallie in her place. She had always tolerated that woman's awful attitude for Timothy's sake, but once she was his wife, that would end.

If Sallie hadn't shown up and caused a scene on Timothy's birthday, she and Timothy might have gotten together long ago.

Timothy paused for a moment before continuing. "A wedding on the ninth is a bit tight. I'll have Secretary Allen contact a few wedding planners. You pick one, and I'll have him expedite everything."

He sounded so attentive, yet so mechanical. The small spark of joy Sheila had felt was extinguished. He was only willing to do all this because her liver could save Jessica.

Sheila fell silent, her expression darkening. Timothy glanced at her. "Are you not satisfied?"

"No, it's not that," she said, a bitter taste in her mouth.

"If not, then we'll proceed with this plan."

"You can decide everything," she said, her eyes pleading for a sign of affection. "You know me. As long as I can marry you, I'll be happy with anything."

But the Timothy before her now was even colder than the one from the past. He wouldn't offer her even a shred of warmth. No matter how unhappy she was with his attitude, she had to endure it. She wanted to be his wife.

Once Jessica's surgery was over and they were married, she would devote herself to him. He would eventually see how good she was for him. They had grown up together; there was a bond between them. She couldn't let her emotions get the best of her. She couldn't let Jessica win.

"Timothy, I'm sorry," Sheila said, composing herself. This was a time to be understanding. "I know you're worried about Jess right now and probably not the mood for a wedding tow about this? We'll get our marriage license after the surgery, and we can have the big

ceremony later, when you're feeling better."

Sheila felt the marriage license was the most critical part. She remembered Timothy once saying that his marriage certificate with Jessica should have been enough to make Jessica feel secure. That meant he valued the legal document. After all, the certificate was what made a couple legally husband and wife.

"Getting the license might take some time," he said.

"Why?" Sheila was confused. By her count, their legal cooling-off period had ended two months ago. They should have been officially divorced for a month already.

"Jess and I haven't finalized the divorce yet."

Sheila's heart sank. "You're not divorced? If we have a wedding, what does that make me? The other woman?"

"Don't worry," he said calmly. "We

vel

didn't finalize it because her condition worsened, and Vince brought her here for treatment. She's the one who wants the divorce. I'm sure she'll contact me about it after the surgery It's just one last step. Given her condition, she'll need time to recover, so getting the papers signed by early January might not be possible."