CHAPTER 34: THE VISIT
Daniel came to the lake house for the first time.
He stood on the porch, looking out at the water.
"This is beautiful," he said. "I can see why you love it here."
"It's my sanctuary," I said.
"I can feel it. It's peaceful."
We sat on the porch swing, watching the sun set.
"Can I ask you something?" he said.
"Of course."
"After everything you went through. The wedding. The attack. The trial. Do you still believe in family?"
I thought about it.
"I believe in the family I chose," I said. "Sophie. My father. The friends who stood by me. The family I built is the family that matters."
"What about your mother?"
"I've made peace with it. She made her choices. I made mine. I don't hate her. I just don't need her."
Daniel nodded.
"You're amazing," he said.
"I'm just trying to live my life."
"You're doing more than that. You're thriving."
He leaned over and kissed me.
It was soft. Sweet. Gentle.
And I kissed him back.
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Because for the first time in a long time, I felt ready to let someone in.
And that was the most beautiful feeling of all.
