“Bella. I just wanted to say how sorry I was for what Mark and Michael did. I know Dad is still bitter and I’ve tried talking to him about it but he refuses to discuss it. He’s always spoiled the boys and there was nothing I could do about it, mainly because my husband and I are divorced. My ex moved away, but I wanted a father figure in their lives.”

Elyse didn’t say anything for a moment. “I hope Dad will eventually realize his part in all this, and although I miss my sons, they were getting too out of hand. I’ve been assured the place they are going will teach them discipline. I just wanted you to know I was wrong for listening to everything Dad said about you and when I found out you even offered to help pay for my sons’ attorney I thought that was generous of you.”

Bella nodded. “Uncle Kenneth turned down my offer.”

“Yes, but just the thought touched me deeply considering everything. You and I are family and I hope that one day we can be friends.”

A smile touched Bella’s lips. “I’d like that, Elyse. I really would.”

“Bella, are you sure you’re okay? You might want to go see the doctor about that stomach virus.”

Bella glanced over at Chloe. On her way home she had dropped by to visit with her cousin-in-law and little Susan. Bella had grown fond of the baby who was a replica of both of her parents. The little girl had Ramsey’s eyes and skin tone and Chloe’s mouth and nose. “Yes, Chloe, I’m fine.”

She decided not to say anything about her pregnancy just yet until after she figured out how and when she would tell Jason. Evidently Chloe had gotten suspicious because Bella had thrown up the other day when Chloe had come to deliver a package to Jason from Ramsey.

Bella knew from the bits and pieces of the stories she’d heard from the ladies that Chloe was pregnant when she and Ramsey had married. However, Bella doubted that was the reason Ramsey had married her. Anyone around the pair for any period of time could tell how in love they were.

Bella never had a best friend, no other woman to share her innermost feminine secrets with. That was one of the reasons she appreciated the bond she felt toward all the Westmoreland women. They were all friendly, understanding and supportive. But she was hoping that because Chloe had been pregnant when she’d married Ramsey, her in-law could help her understand a few things. She had decisions to make that would impact her baby’s future.

“Chloe, can I ask you something?”

Chloe smiled over at her. “Sure.”

“When you found out you were pregnant were you afraid to tell Ramsey for fear of how he would react?”