The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 440

"What about me and Julian?"

Penelope paused for a few seconds before breaking into a gentle smile.

"Nothing. I just think you two get along incredibly well."

Jocelyn didn't read too much into it.

"We do. We have a lot in common and share similar interests, so conversation is easy."

Penelope probed, "So, what do you think of him as a person?"

Jocelyn blinked.

"Why are you asking me that?"

Penelope smiled faintly.

"Has someone else asked you?"

Jocelyn recalled, "Sarah did."

Penelope asked, "Your best friend?"

Jocelyn nodded, "Yeah."

Penelope asked, "And what did you tell her?"

Jocelyn thought about it for a long time.

"I don't remember."

She burst out laughing.

"They say pregnancy brain ruins your memory. I swear I've been so forgetful lately. Am I getting stupid?"

Penelope looked at her with overwhelming fondness, the way a mother looks at an adorable child.

"Yes. I'm looking at a very silly little girl right now."

Jocelyn playfully pouted.

"Hey! Am I really?"

Penelope reached out and stroked her hair.

"You're only foolish when it comes to one specific thing. You're brilliant at everything else."

Jocelyn asked, "What am I foolish about?"

Penelope just smiled and kept quiet.

Jocelyn nudged her arm playfully.

"Come on, tell me. What am I missing?"

Penelope decided to let it go.

Some things were better left unsaid until the time was right.

Forcing it would only make things awkward.

What a foolish girl.

Everyone else could see it clear as day.

Yet she remained completely oblivious.

But it made sense.

She had just dragged herself out of a toxic, abusive marriage. Romance was the absolute last thing on her mind.

And maybe that was for the best.

"And I..."

Julian suddenly spoke up, but stopped abruptly.

Jocelyn and Penelope both turned to look at him, waiting for him to finish.

When a long moment passed in silence.

Penelope prodded him.

"What is it, Julian? Go on."

Julian cleared his throat, looking unusually flustered.

"When the time comes... can I..."

He trailed off again.

Penelope was losing her patience.

"Why are you stammering like a nervous schoolboy? Can you what? Just spit it out!"

Julian shifted his weight, his expression uncharacteristically shy.

"When the baby is born... can I be the first one to see him?"

Penelope burst into laughter.

"You silly boy. We'll all be there waiting together! Of course you'll see the baby as soon as he's brought out."

"But I... want to be the very first."

Jocelyn paused mid-bite of her sweet potato, her jaw dropping slightly as she stared at him in utter shock.

"Why?"