Chapter 11 - THE WOMAN WHO NO LONGER WAITED
Daniel met Joanna three days later.
Not at their old house.
Not at a restaurant.
At a family counseling office where she had arranged a meeting to discuss the children.
When Joanna entered, Daniel stood.
She looked different.
Her hair was shorter.
She wore a navy blouse and simple gold earrings.
She looked rested.
Confident.
Older in some ways.
Younger in others.
Daniel stared.
“Jo.”
She nodded.
“Daniel.”
He stepped forward.
Then stopped.
He didn't know whether he was allowed to hug her.
She sat across from him.
He followed.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Daniel said:
“I'm sorry.”
Joanna nodded.
“I know.”
He swallowed.
“I made a mistake.”
“Yes.”
“I want to come home.”
Joanna looked at him.
“You can't.”
His chest tightened.
“Why not?”
“Because there isn't a marriage waiting for you.”
Daniel stared.
“Joanna—”
She shook her head.
“We're divorced.”
He looked down.
“I know.”
“You signed the agreement.”
“I thought—”
“What?”
He hesitated.
“I thought maybe you'd change your mind.”
Joanna looked at him sadly.
“Daniel, you left us.”
“I know.”
“You missed birthdays.”
“I know.”
“You broke promises.”
His eyes filled.
“I know.”
“And you let the children believe they weren't important enough for you to show up.”
Daniel covered his face.
Joanna continued quietly.
“I spent two years helping them understand that your choices weren't their fault.”
He looked up.
Tears streamed down his face.
“I want to fix it.”
May you like
She nodded.
“Then start by being their father.”
