Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1257

Was his little cousin already worrying about him?

Nanson chuckled and shook his head. "I have feelings for her, yes, but... that's as far as it goes for now. I'm not trying to rush into anything."

He paused and then sighed. "I'll let things happen naturally. Even if it doesn't work out, or if it just fades away, at my age... there's nothing I can't handle." He wasn't some lovesick teenager who would fall apart over a relationship.

"What do you mean, at your age?" Joyce pouted, feeling a surge of protectiveness for her cousin. "You're at the prime age for a man, when you're most charming, okay?"

"...Alright," Nanson said, momentarily surprised, then smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, little cousin." He pointed to his watch. "Come on, let's not keep your mom waiting."

"Oh, okay."

The two of them gathered their things and headed out. On the way, Joyce was still chattering. "You're my cousin, and Sherilyn is my best friend, so I can't take sides. You're going to have to work for this yourself."

"I know, I know," Nanson said, exasperated but amused. "Am I the kind of guy who needs his little cousin's help?"

"I guess not..." Joyce grinned and raised an eyebrow.

Her cousin was the most independent one in the entire Cooper family. After graduating from Yale Law School, he hadn't joined the family business, instead starting his own law firm and investment company. But it was true that he was quite a bit older than Sherilyn and had been married and divorced before. Then again, those weren't necessarily flaws. Being older and having been betrayed by his ex-wife might make him more caring and appreciative of his next partner. Joyce mused that if her cousin and Sherilyn actually got together, it would be a wonderful thing.

...

In the afternoon, after Jenna's nap, Sherilyn received a phone call from an unfamiliar landline number.

"Hello, may I ask who's calling?" she answered, puzzled.

After hanging up, Sherilyn frowned, a wave of anxiety washing over her. Relocating graves was no small matter. It wasn't about the money—she had plenty—but it was a complex process with many traditions and procedures. What was she supposed to do? As her mother's only child, she had no one to even discuss this with.

Her cell phone rang. It was Galen Martin.

"Hello?" Sherilyn answered quickly. "Galen?"

"Sis," Galen said right away. "Did you hear about the Ivy Hollow redevelopment?"

"I did," Sherilyn confirmed. "Someone from the town government just called me." But how did Galen know? It was probably through Malvina Clayton. On paper, besides her, Malvina was also listed as next of kin to her grandfather and mother. She didn't ask, and Galen didn't explain. They had an unspoken understanding about certain things.

"Sis, don't you worry about this. I've got it," Galen said. "But you'll need to decide where to move Grandpa and Auntie's graves... It's not something we should discuss over the phone. I'll come see you after I get off work tonight."