Chapter 13 - The Man I Became
On my fortieth birthday, the company held a private celebration.
People gave speeches.
My oldest executive said:
“You built Bellamy back from the edge.”
I smiled.
But I knew the truth.
Maren rebuilt me.
My sons rebuilt me.
The truth rebuilt me.
That night, after everyone left, I stood on the balcony.
Maren joined me.
“You're thinking.”
“Yes.”
“About?”
“Everything.”
She smiled.
“You're getting old.”
“Thank you.”
She laughed.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
She leaned against me.
“Do you ever wish we'd never gone through it?”
“Yes.”
“Me too.”
“Then why do I feel grateful sometimes?”
“Because we're here.”
I looked at her.
Three sons.
One home.
One family.
A second chance.
“Yes.”
She kissed me.
“I wouldn't erase the past.”
“Why?”
“Because it taught us what mattered.”
I nodded.
“You're wiser than me.”
“No.”
May you like
She smiled.
“I just had to learn sooner.”
