Chapter 14 - THE LOVE THAT HAD TO BE EARNED
Amelia's first birthday arrived in early autumn.
Eliza hosted a small party in her garden.
There were pink balloons.
A strawberry cake.
And flowers everywhere.
Dominic attended.
He arrived early.
Helped arrange chairs.
Carried boxes.
And stayed out of the way when Eliza needed space.
Paige watched him carefully.
After the guests left, Dominic helped clean the kitchen.
Eliza stood beside the sink.
“You don't have to do that.”
He smiled faintly.
“I know.”
She looked at him.
He continued washing dishes.
For a moment, she remembered the man she'd married.
The young Dominic who had once cooked breakfast for her in a tiny apartment.
The man who had laughed when he burned the toast.
The man who had promised she'd always have a place beside him.
She swallowed.
“Dominic.”
He looked up.
“Yes?”
“Why are you doing all this?”
He dried his hands.
Then answered quietly.
“Because I want Amelia to grow up knowing I was there.”
Eliza nodded.
“And because I love you.”
She looked away.
Dominic continued.
“But I know that doesn't mean you owe me anything.”
Silence filled the kitchen.
Eliza took a breath.
“I don't know if I can ever trust you again.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
She looked at him.
“But I see that you're trying.”
His eyes filled.
“That's all I can ask.”
Eliza hesitated.
Then said, “Maybe we could have coffee sometime.”
Dominic went still.
“Coffee?”
She smiled faintly.
“Just coffee.”
May you like
He laughed softly.
“I'd like that.”
