Chapter 14 - THE FAMILY THEY HAD TO BUILD AGAIN
A year passed.
Claire moved to Seattle.
Alexander continued visiting the twins regularly under their parenting arrangements.
He also began spending time with Claire.
Not as her husband.
Not as someone entitled to forgiveness.
But as a man trying to earn her trust.
They talked.
Sometimes argued.
Sometimes laughed.
They attended family counseling.
They learned how to communicate without reopening every old wound.
And slowly, something changed.
One evening, after putting the twins to bed, Alexander stood beside Claire's kitchen window.
“Claire.”
She looked up.
“Yes?”
“Would you ever consider trying again?”
She was quiet.
Then asked, “As what?”
He swallowed.
“As us.”
Claire looked toward the hallway.
Oliver and Emma were asleep.
The house was peaceful.
She turned back.
“I don't know.”
Alexander nodded.
“That's fair.”
She studied him.
Then smiled faintly.
“But I'd consider dinner.”
His eyes filled.
“A date?”
She laughed.
“One date.”
May you like
Alexander smiled.
“I'll take it.”
