Chapter 10 - THE DIVORCE THAT SET ME FREE
The divorce was finalized fourteen months after the terminal.
The financial settlement reflected the evidence gathered through the legal process.
Parenting arrangements were established with the girls' welfare as the priority.
Ryan was required to contribute financially and follow the agreed parenting schedule.
It wasn't a perfect outcome.
Nothing about divorce with young children ever felt simple.
But it was stable.
And stability mattered.
After the hearing, Ryan approached me outside the courthouse.
He looked older.
Tired.
Less certain of himself.
“Claire.”
I stopped.
“Yes?”
He hesitated.
“I'm sorry.”
I studied him.
For a long time, I'd wanted those words.
I'd imagined them.
Waited for them.
Now that he'd finally said them, they felt smaller than expected.
“Thank you,” I replied.
He looked surprised.
“That's it?”
I nodded.
“That's it.”
He swallowed.
“I really did love you.”
I looked at him.
“Maybe you did.”
His eyes filled.
“But love isn't just something you say.”
I stepped back.
“It's something you do.”
Then I walked away.
Natalie waited beside my car.
She hugged me.
“How do you feel?”
I considered the question.
May you like
Then smiled.
“Free.”
