Chapter 14 - THE QUESTION AT THE CHRISTMAS TABLE
Christmas arrived with heavy snow.
Sophie was nine now.
She had grown taller.
Lost another tooth.
And developed a habit of asking questions that made adults reconsider their entire lives.
Olivia and Noah joined us for dinner.
We decorated the tree.
Made cookies.
Watched an old Christmas movie.
Then Sophie announced:
“I have a question.”
I looked at her.
“That sounds dangerous.”
She smiled.
“Daddy, are you going to marry Olivia?”
The room went silent.
Noah choked on his hot chocolate.
Olivia turned bright red.
I stared at my daughter.
“Sophie.”
“What?”
“That's a very personal question.”
She shrugged.
“I know.”
Olivia began laughing.
Noah shook his head.
“Your kid has no filter.”
Sophie looked offended.
“I have a filter.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Do you?”
“Yes. I didn't ask at dinner.”
Everyone laughed.
Later that evening, after the children went upstairs, Olivia and I sat beside the fireplace.
She looked at me.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded.
“Embarrassed.”
She smiled.
“She's a wonderful kid.”
I looked toward the staircase.
“She is.”
Olivia took my hand.
“Daniel, we don't have to rush anything.”
I looked at her.
“I know.”
She smiled.
“I care about you.”
My heart tightened.
“I care about you too.”
We sat quietly.
Then I said:
“I'm afraid.”
She nodded.
“So am I.”
I looked at her.
“Of what?”
“Losing something good again.”
I understood.
I squeezed her hand.
“Maybe that's why we should appreciate it while we have it.”
She smiled.
Then leaned closer.
And kissed me.
Softly.
Gently.
May you like
Without promises neither of us was ready to make.
For the first time, that was enough.
