Chapter 13 - THE FAMILY THEY CHOSE
Leo turned eight on a rainy Saturday.
He wanted a small birthday party.
No crowded ballroom.
No photographers.
No elaborate entertainment.
Just cake, a few friends, and a dinosaur-themed treasure hunt.
Dominic organized it himself.
He made a terrible treasure map.
Leo corrected the spelling.
Clara brought homemade cupcakes.
One was missing frosting because she had dropped the tray while getting out of the car.
Leo declared it the best cupcake.
After the party, he sat beside Clara on the porch.
“Are you going to marry Uncle Dom?”
She nearly dropped her coffee.
“Why do you ask?”
“He smiles more when you're here.”
Clara looked toward the kitchen, where Dominic was washing dishes.
“That doesn't mean people have to get married.”
“I know.”
Leo considered the question.
“Mom said family means people who come back.”
Clara felt her throat tighten.
“Your mom sounds wise.”
“She was.”
He leaned against her shoulder.
“Will you come back?”
Clara put an arm around him.
“Yes.”
She did not promise to replace Sofia.
She would never try.
But she could promise to remain part of Leo's life.
That evening, Dominic found her standing beneath Sofia's portrait.
“Do you think she'd have liked me?” Clara asked.
Dominic looked at the photograph.
“She would have loved you.”
Clara smiled sadly.
“That's a dangerous thing to promise.”
He nodded.
“Then I'll say something I know.”
“What?”
“She would have thanked you for saving her son.”
May you like
Clara looked toward the hallway where Leo was laughing.
“That would have been enough.”
