Chapter 29

Three hours had passed when Jasper's fever finally subsided.

Florrie breathed a deep sigh of relief and grasped Evelina's hand tightly, her voice filled with heartfelt gratitude. "Evi, I don't know what we would have done without you! Uncle Jasper was really in a bad way!"

The family doctor, realizing her initial skepticism was misplaced,approached Evelina with a humble apology "Ms. Marsh, I apologize for doubting your methods..."

Evelina, recognizing the stress the doctor faced,dismissed the apology with a forgiving gesture. "It's all right, no worries," she responded warmly.

Impressed by Evelina's gracious demeanor and medical expertise, the doctor couldn't help but admire her.

Soon after, Jasper stirred awake.

Instantly, Florrie was at his side,her emotions a mix of joy and complaint. "Uncle, you almost gave me a heart attack! We're so lucky Evi was here! Imagine if something worse had happened-what would wve do without you?"

As Jasper regained his bearings, his eyes caught Evelina standing by the window, the morning light casting a halo around her. Time seemed to pause for a moment.

"Jasper, here, you need to drink this," Evelina said,pulling him back from his daze as she held the cup to his lips.

Florrie was bubbling with excitement next to him."Evi made this special herbal concoction for you! It's a blend of several remedies; she calls it 'miracle tea.'If those allergies ever flare up again, this tea's your quick fix."

Evelina had anticipated future allergic reactions and came up with a plan. "I've passed the recipe to your physician. She'll prepare it daily and it'll be ready in a thermos for you to carry around."

Florrie sulked a little. "It's not fair, Evi's keeping it all for you, Uncle. She won't even let me try it."

Jasper quickly finished his drink, the mild bitterness offset by its soothing effect. As the warmth spread through his body,he felt genuinely relieved.

He turned to Evelina with a look of deep appreciation "You concoct the medicinal brews? That's quite impressive. Thank you,really." Her smile was radiant in response. "It's my pleasure."

With Jasper seeming cheerful, Evelina decided to broach another topic. "I have a favor to ask. I know Caleb can be overwhelming, but he means well.Please don't hold his antics against him."

The warmth in Jasper's expression faltered. Had she been doing all this just to plead Caleb's case?

Even so, the word no just wouldn't come out.

"I won't," he said finally. But the way his fingers clenched around his cup said plenty about how he felt.

Evelina's relief was evident. "Thank you, Jasper," she said,her tension easing visibly.

Evelina had not been aware that Caleb's newly discovered aunt was actually the matriarch of the influential Marsh family, a clan that held sway nearly equal to the Russells.

Florrie, bubbling with a sudden idea, leaned closer to Jasper and murmured, "Uncle, Evi just saved your life,risking her own. Don't you think... maybe you should marry her?"

She then slyly addressed Evelina, giggling softly."Evelina, you did see him in his most vulnerable state today. Thnat makes you responsible for him, right? If you don't look after him now, I'lI hold it against you forever."

Evelina, however, was lost in thought, a distant look in her eyes. "There's something... I'm sure I'm forgetting something crucial."

Florrie pondered momentarily before her face lit up."Oh, is it time for lunch? That must be it!"

Acknowledging the importance of a meal,Evelina agreed absentmindedly.

Yet, as she entered the dining room and caught sight of her phone on the table, the forgotten urgency hit her all at once. She had missed her crucial 8 a.m.appointment at the courthouse to finalize her divorce with Cary.