Chapter 22

For the twins’ sixth birthday, Louis decided to throw a party. Jolene applied for two days’ leave from the kindergarten. Then, their family of four went to the Norwood residence the day before the party.

As the party approached, the cake they had ordered days earlier hadn't arrived. Cedric considered driving to the shop, but Jolene wouldn't let him. She preferred the maids bake replacements.

Cedric knew how much the twins wanted the castle-shaped cake; he didn't want to disappoint them. Louis also wanted to fulfill their wish, so he told Cedric to get the cake. However, Jolene remained firm.

Cedric was about to argue, but seeing her trembling hands and anxious expression, he changed his mind, putting down his car keys.

“What’s wrong? It’s supposed to be a happy day. I won’t go if you don’t want me to. Don’t be so tense, alright?”

Jolene gradually calmed down, but still clung to Cedric’s hand. Her reaction stemmed from a memory of Cedric’s car accident on her child’s sixth birthday in her previous life. Though things were different now, she couldn’t risk losing him. She'd experienced the agony of loss before and wouldn't let it happen again.

Learning the castle cake wouldn't arrive, the twins looked gloomy. They sat on a garden swing, holding hands and sighing.

Preston arrived, smiling softly as he saw them. He approached quietly with their gifts. He overheard them whispering:

“Why won’t Mommy let Daddy go get the cake?”

“I don’t know, but Daddy always listens to Mommy.”

“Well, never mind. We’ll ask Daddy for a bigger, prettier castle cake next year!”

Preston’s thoughts shifted.

“What cake are you talking about?”

The girls, spotting him, clung to him, explaining the situation. Preston nodded, gave them their gifts, and patted their heads.

“You two be good. I’ll get the cake.”

The girls hesitated. One grabbed each of his hands.

“You don’t have to, Preston. Mommy said we’ll have a simple cake. She’ll be angry.”

“Right. You’ll miss us blowing out the candles! And there won’t be leftovers for you!”

For a moment, Preston felt he faced two Jolenes. He remembered Jolene following him as children, and the impossibility of changing the past. He briefly closed his eyes, then smiled.

“It’s fine. Don’t tell your mommy. I’ll get the cake. Save me a piece!”

They pinky-swore. Preston took his keys and left, glancing back. He saw Jolene leading the girls inside. She looked much as she had at twenty; time seemed to have slowed for her. But Preston knew nothing was the same; Jolene wasn’t his.

Once she was out of sight, a dispirited Preston got in his car. The day was gloomy. He watched his progress on the GPS. A shabby car pulled up beside him. The driver lowered the window. Preston turned, his brow furrowing at the thin, gaunt face.

Chapter 23