The Day Our Promise Breaks

"Mom, let Evelyn have something to eat first."

Brooks was the first to regain his composure after the sudden turn of events and stepped in to smooth things over.

"Yes, yes, look at me! I'm so happy I forgot what I was supposed to do!" Wiona tapped her own forehead, laughing at herself.

"Eve, are you okay to get out of bed?"

"I'm fine."

As soon as Evelyn answered, Wiona hurried over to help her up.

"Careful."

Evelyn didn't actually need help, but she accepted Mrs. Robinson's kindness without protest.

She climbed out of bed and headed for the dining table. Brooks followed behind, carrying a tray of nutritious food. He set everything out on the table.

"Eve, try this. See if you like it. If it's not to your taste, just let Aunt Josephine know, and the kitchen will fix it."noveldrama

"It's delicious, thank you, Aunt Josephine."

Evelyn's heart felt heavy, and she didn't really have an appetite, but she forced herself to eat a little so Mrs. Robinson wouldn't worry.

"Eve, is there anything you want to eat tomorrow? Aunt Josephine will have the kitchen make it for you."

"Mom, you're practically a pro at this. You decide."

Brooks could see how uneasy Evelyn was and just wanted his mom to leave her be.

"I'm asking Eve."

"Aunt Josephine, I'm not picky. Whatever you think is best is fine. Thank you for taking care of me."

"We're going to be family soon, you don't need to be so polite with Aunt Josephine."

Right now, in Wiona's eyes, Evelyn was the Robinson family's lucky charm. She wanted nothing more than to treat her like a treasure and help her get back on her feet.

"Mom, what Evelyn needs most right now is rest. If there's anything else, let's wait until she's feeling better."

Brooks gave Mrs. Robinson a look, signaling her to leave.

Mrs. Robinson shot Brooks a knowing glance-she understood. She got up. "Eve, you have a good rest. If you need anything from Aunt Josephine, just call me, okay?"

"Okay, Aunt Josephine."

Evelyn smiled as she watched Wiona leave. Wiona reminded her to get back in bed and rest before heading out.

When the door closed, Brooks

looked at the clearly troubled Evelyn and spoke gently. "Evelyn, I know

you don't want to keep this baby. But

now, my mom and Grandpa Both know about it."

"Can we put things on hold for a little while? Let's wait until you're feeling better. Then, we can find a reason to say the baby couldn't be kept. Would that be alright?"

"Okay."

Evelyn nodded. She didn't want to lie to Mrs. Robinson or Mr. Robinson, but if she told the truth, it might be impossible for her and Brooks to move forward.

"Don't worry. I've got your back. Just listen to me and rest up, okay?"

Brooks helped her lie down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

She'd been through so much lately, her body was drained-rest was exactly what she needed.

"Mm."

Evelyn closed her eyes. Maybe it was the exhaustion, but she soon drifted off into a deep sleep.

Brooks stayed by her side all night, never leaving her for a second.

***

On the third day, Evelyn was discharged from the hospital and went to see Mr. Robinson first.

With the news of Evelyn's pregnancy, the old man looked so much more energetic.

After dinner, Wiona spoke up, "Brooks, Eve, your granddad checked the calendar —there aren't any good dates for the first half of the year. We'll have to wait until later."

"But by then, Eve's belly will be showing and the wedding dress won't fit as nicely. I was thinking,

maybe we wait until after the baby is

born and then have the wedding.

What do you two think?"

Evelyn's heart tightened with guilt about the baby, and she didn't know how to respond.

Wiona, worried Evelyn might take it

the wrong way, quickly reassured her, "Eve, please don't worry. The Robinson family would never let you feel left out or without a name. Why don't you and Brooks go get your marriage license first? Aunt Josephine will make sure your wedding is beautiful when the time

comes."

Every time someone mentioned getting married, Evelyn felt like she was living a

lie.

Brooks squeezed her hand. "Alright. Eve and I will get our marriage license first."