CHAPTER 33: THE FIRST DATE
Daniel asked me on a real date.
A dinner date. A reservation. Candlelight and tablecloths and everything I hadn't experienced in years.
I said yes.
I spent the whole day nervous. I tried on five different outfits. I changed my mind twice. I called Sophie for advice.
"Mom, just relax," she said. "He already likes you. Just be yourself."
"Who is myself? I don't even know anymore."
"You're the woman who survived everything and came out stronger. That's who you are."
I smiled. "When did you get so wise?"
"I learned from you, Mom."
I hung up and took a deep breath.
The restaurant was beautiful. Daniel had chosen a small Italian place with candlelit tables and soft music. He was already there when I arrived, dressed in a navy suit that made him look like he had stepped out of a movie.
"You look beautiful," he said.
"You look pretty handsome yourself."
We talked for hours. About everything. Our pasts. Our hopes. Our fears.
I told him about my grandfather. About the trust. About the lake house. About the years I had spent fighting.
He told me about his wife. About the grief that had consumed him. About the moment he realized he had to start living again.
"I didn't think I could ever love anyone again," he said. "But then I met you."
"Daniel—"
"I'm not asking you to love me back. I know you've been through a lot. I just want you to know that I care about you."
I reached across the table and took his hand.
"I care about you too," I said.
We walked out of the restaurant hand in hand.
For the first time in years, I felt like I was falling in love.
May you like
And it didn't scare me.
It felt like coming home.
