Chapter 13 - THE PROPOSAL THAT CAME WITH FIVE QUESTIONS
I proposed on a Sunday afternoon.
Not at a gala.
Not in a ballroom.
Not with a crowd watching.
At Claire's kitchen table.
The children were gathered around.
I had planned something romantic.
Candles.
Flowers.
A carefully rehearsed speech.
But Lily found the ring box before dinner.
She ran into the kitchen.
"DADDY ALEXANDER!"
I froze.
Claire looked up.
Lily held the box over her head.
"IS THIS FOR MOMMY?"
The room went silent.
Then Emma screamed.
Grace started laughing.
Olivia covered her face.
Ethan looked at me.
"Dad. Seriously?"
I sighed.
"Well. That went perfectly."
Claire stared.
"Alexander?"
I stood.
Then knelt.
The children crowded around us.
I opened the box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
"Claire Bennett."
She covered her mouth.
"Eleven years ago, I lost you because someone convinced you my world wasn't safe."
My voice trembled.
"They weren't entirely wrong."
Claire's eyes filled.
"But I've spent the last two years learning what safety actually means."
I looked at the children.
"It means showing up."
Then back at her.
"It means listening."
I swallowed.
"And it means loving someone without trying to own them."
Claire began crying.
I smiled.
"Will you marry me?"
Before she could answer, Lily raised her hand.
"I have a question."
Everyone laughed.
I looked at her.
"Yes?"
"Will you still make pancakes?"
"Yes."
Emma raised her hand.
"Will we still live together?"
"If your mom agrees."
Grace asked:
"Can we get a dog?"
Claire laughed through tears.
"We'll discuss it."
Olivia looked at me.
"Will you always be our family?"
My throat tightened.
"Always."
Then Ethan spoke.
"Can I call Claire Mom?"
Claire began crying harder.
She opened her arms.
Ethan hugged her.
I looked at Claire.
She smiled through tears.
"Yes."
The children screamed.
Lily jumped.
Emma cried.
May you like
Grace started chanting, "We're getting a dog!"
And I laughed harder than I had in years.
