He could remember Daniel’s laugh without immediately returning to the worst day of his life.
It wasn’t a miracle.
It was progress.
Then, six months after the divorce, his phone buzzed.
A message from Claire.
I heard your business is doing well. I’m happy for you. Would you be willing to meet me for coffee? There is something I need to say in person.
Cole read it twice.
He didn’t know whether she wanted forgiveness, reconciliation, or simply a chance to speak without the weight of their old arguments.
For the first time, he understood that he didn’t have to decide what the message meant before he answered it.
He typed:
Saturday at two. One coffee.
And put his phone away.
— THE MAN HE FINALLY BECAME
Claire was already sitting by the window when Cole arrived at the coffee shop.
She stood when she saw him.
For a moment, neither seemed to know whether a handshake or a hug would be appropriate.
