Chapter 13 - THE FIRST DATE AFTER GRIEF
Elena didn't answer immediately.
She needed time.
Cole understood.
He arranged for her to report to Margaret rather than directly to him.
He made clear that her employment would not depend on her response.
Then he waited.
For the first time in his life, Cole Mercer waited without trying to control the outcome.
Three weeks later, Elena found him in the library.
“Cole.”
He looked up.
“Yes?”
“Would you like to have dinner?”
He blinked.
“With you?”
She smiled.
“No, with the chandelier.”
He laughed.
A real laugh.
Warm.
Unexpected.
Then he nodded.
“I'd love to.”
Their first date took place at a quiet restaurant overlooking the river.
No bodyguards at the table.
No intimidating entourage.
Just two people who had lost spouses and were learning that grief didn't have to be the end of love.
Elena told him about her husband.
His illness.
Their marriage.
The nights she'd slept in hospital chairs.
Cole told her about Claire.
Her kindness.
Her stubbornness.
Her love of music.
They didn't compete with memories.
They made room for them.
At the end of dinner, Cole took Elena's hand.
“Can I ask you something?”
She nodded.
“Do you ever feel guilty for being happy again?”
Elena's eyes filled.
“Sometimes.”
He looked down.
“Me too.”
She squeezed his hand.
“Maybe happiness isn't betrayal.”
Cole looked up.
She smiled softly.
“Maybe it's proof that love didn't end when they died.”
For a long moment, he simply stared at her.
May you like
Then he whispered:
“I think you're right.”
