The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

"Didn't you say Jessica would regret it? That she'd be the first to cave and

apologize? So what's going on now?" she asked.

Julia had always thought Casper and Jessica got along well, though she never felt

Jessica was good enough for him. But since Casper had chosen her, Julia kept

her complaints to herself.

On the other hand, Gary never stopped claiming Jessica was just after their

money. Because of that, the Gibsons couldn't afford to be nice to her, or she'd

suck them dry.

Julia had to admit what he said made sense. So whenever she dealt with Jessica,

she couldn't help but be curt and dismissive.

Gary looked just as baffled. "Do you think this is one of her plays? Pulling back so

she can hit even harder later?"

Julia shook her head. "I don't think so. Casper wouldn't be so worked up if that

were the case."

They exchanged another look.

"Either way, it doesn't matter," Gary said. "It's over. Casper can be with Ruby now,

and we can finally live our dream."

Julia smiled. "That's true. You're right."

"Why don't you call Ruby and let her know?" Gary suggested.

"Good idea." Julia dialed Ruby right away, her tone turning noticeably warmer.

"Casper finally dumped Jessica. He might be back soon. Why don't you bring your

kid and move in right away?"

Ruby sounded hesitant. "Really? What if Casper gets mad?"

Julia didn't miss a beat. "Then that's his problem. This is my house. He can leave

if he doesn't like it!"

Gary was totally on the same page. "Exactly. He's got no money or a place. He's

got no choice but to listen to us."

Ruby's voice finally carried a hint of a smile. "I'll go along with what you decide."

Julia chuckled. "Your kid's our grandchild. It's only fair we take care of you both."

"Yeah. You guys are way better than Jessica and Cody! I can't believe Casper

picked Jessica over you!" Gary muttered.

Ruby's child was Casper's. Gary and Julia stood by her without question because

she and her child were always sensible.

Meanwhile, Gary and Julia couldn't stand Jessica and Cody-to the point where

they secretly felt Ruby had gotten the short end of the stick.

She was with Casper first, so why

should she be the one stuck raising

a child alone just because he moved

on? Meanwhile, Jessica-the 'other

woman'-got to enjoy everything

without an ounce of guilt.

Julia figured Casper could be as

fickle as he wanted, but as his

mother, she had to take Ruby's side.

Ruby was with him first, after all.

Otherwise, people would think Julia

had lost it for backing Jessica, the

homewrecker.

"Can you help me keep Casper from finding out about the kid?" Ruby asked.

Julia didn't get it. "Why?"

If Casper learned that Ruby had hisnoveldrama

child and went through everything

alone, he might feel something, and

maybe he'd even want to be with her

again.

Julia couldn't understand why Ruby wanted to keep it a secret.