Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1795

"Just look at Janelle, and then think about Zane Livingston's mother. It's night and day."

"That awful Priscilla actually had the nerve to criticize Winona, calling her disrespectful, dramatic, and a failure of a daughter-in-law!"

"She should have taken a long, hard look in the mirror!"

"If she had loved Winona even half as much as Janelle does, Winona would have treated her like her own mother."

Elysia completely agreed with Blossom.

Empathy was a two-way street. What woman went into a marriage not wanting a good relationship with her in-laws?

If things turned toxic, was it really always the daughter-in-law's fault?

If every mother-in-law treated people with Janelle's level of sincerity and warmth, no one would ever have a fractured family.

...

Inside the penthouse suite.

The moment Keaton stepped through the door, he pressed Winona against the heavy wood.

His eyes were bloodshot, his brows drawn together in torment as his chest heaved with frantic breaths.

"Tell me the truth," he demanded hoarsely. "What is going on with this baby?"

In his volatile emotional state, his grip on her wrists was completely unchecked.

Winona winced, her brows pulling together. "You're hurting me."

Keaton flinched, instantly releasing her. A faint red ring had already formed on her pale skin.

Guilt and heartache slammed into him.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I... I'll get a doctor!"

He spun around toward the door, but Winona grabbed his arm.

"My wrist is just a little red. It's not a real injury. Why on earth would you call a doctor?"

"It looks pretty bad," Keaton insisted, staring at it.

Winona let out a soft sigh. She knew he was spiraling in a panic, completely unmoored.

Taking his hand, she led him out onto the private balcony.

Two woven chairs sat facing each other. Winona gestured for Keaton to sit down, then took the seat across from him.

The afternoon sunlight streamed in, casting a comforting, golden warmth over them.

Winona looked into Keaton's eyes, her demeanor entirely calm.

"The baby really is yours. It happened that night."

A violent shudder ripped through Keaton. Even though he already knew the answer deep down, he couldn't help but ask.

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