Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO STOPPED LOOKING BACK
Blake saw Kira again one year after the wedding.
It happened at the opening ceremony of the Hudson Valley arts center.
He hadn't known she would be there.
Then he saw her standing near the entrance.
She wore a dark green dress.
Her hair fell loosely around her shoulders.
She was laughing.
Beside her stood Ethan Caldwell.
Blake stopped.
For a moment, the old jealousy rose.
Then faded.
Kira looked happy.
Genuinely happy.
He approached slowly.
“Kira.”
She turned.
Her expression softened with surprise.
“Blake.”
He smiled faintly.
“Congratulations.”
She glanced toward the building.
“Thank you.”
He swallowed.
“You did something incredible.”
Kira smiled.
“I had a good team.”
Silence settled between them.
Then Blake said, “I'm sorry.”
Kira looked at him.
He continued.
“For all of it.”
Her eyes filled slightly.
“I know.”
He swallowed.
“I wish I'd understood sooner.”
Kira nodded.
“So do I.”
Blake looked toward Ethan.
Then back at her.
“Are you happy?”
Kira smiled.
“Yes.”
He closed his eyes briefly.
Then nodded.
“Good.”
He stepped back.
“Take care of yourself, Kira.”
She smiled.
“You too, Blake.”
He walked away.
And this time, Kira didn't watch him leave.
She turned back toward the building she'd helped create.
Toward her friends.
May you like
Toward Ethan.
Toward the life waiting for her.
