Daniel's Second Attempt
Chapter 13 - Daniel's Second Attempt
A year passed.
Claire's foundation grew.
Sophie turned seven.
William entered counseling and began volunteering anonymously with organizations supporting fire victims.
Claire allowed supervised visits with Sophie.
Slowly.
Carefully.
One Sunday afternoon, Daniel took Claire back to Harrington Jewelers.
She stopped outside.
"Absolutely not."
Daniel laughed.
"Trust me."
"That phrase has ruined my life."
"Fair."
Inside, Eleanor waited.
There were no customers.
No photographers.
No dramatic audience.
Daniel led Claire to the exact spot where he had knelt a year earlier.
"This place destroyed my original plan."
Claire smiled.
"Technically, my family did that."
"True."
Daniel took out the ring.
This time, he didn't kneel immediately.
"Claire, I'm not asking because I want to rescue you."
Her expression softened.
"I'm not asking because Sophie needs a father."
Claire's eyes filled.
"She already has people who love her."
He took her hand.
"I'm asking because after everything, you're still the person I want to tell the truth to first."
Then he knelt.
"Claire Bennett, will you marry me?"
Claire looked at Eleanor.
The older woman was openly crying.
Sophie emerged from behind the counter.
"Say yes!"
Claire laughed.
"You planned this?"
Daniel looked guilty.
"You said no secrets. Technically Sophie knew."
Claire shook her head.
Then she looked at him.
"Yes."
Sophie screamed.
Eleanor applauded.
May you like
Daniel slipped the ring onto Claire's finger.
This time, when Claire cried inside Harrington Jewelers, the tears had nothing to do with loss.
