Chapter 4 - Daniel Comes LookingThree days later, Daniel found me.
I was standing outside the bookstore when a black SUV stopped across the street.
My heart dropped.
Claire stepped outside.
"Amy."
"I know."
Daniel got out.
He looked exhausted.
His suit was wrinkled.
His hair was messy.
He crossed the street.
I didn't move.
"Amy."
"How did you find me?"
"Your credit card."
I closed my eyes.
Of course.
He stopped several feet away.
"I won't come closer."
"Good."
He nodded.
"I just need five minutes."
"You have three."
He looked at my stomach.
His eyes filled with tears.
"Can I?"
"No."
He looked down.
"I understand."
"Do you?"
"I didn't."
He swallowed.
"But I do now."
I crossed my arms.
"I tried to tell you."
"I know."
"You left."
"I know."
"I spent months being sick alone."
"I know."
"You were dancing with another woman while I carried your child."
His face broke.
"I'm sorry."
I looked away.
"Sorry isn't enough."
"I know."
He reached into his pocket.
He removed a small box.
"What is that?"
"Your grandmother's ring."
I stared.
"I don't want it."
"I know."
He held it out anyway.
"Your mother gave it back to me."
"I gave it to her."
"She said it belonged with you."
I didn't take it.
Daniel lowered his hand.
"I won't ask you to come home."
"Good."
"I won't ask you to forgive me."
"Good."
"I only want to be involved with the baby."
I looked at him.
"You don't even know if it's a boy or girl."
"I don't care."
"What do you care about?"
His eyes filled with tears.
"You."
I shook my head.
"You don't get to say that now."
"I know."
"Love is not something you announce after losing someone."
He nodded.
"Then I'll prove it."
I almost laughed.
"You don't know how."
"You're right."
He looked at me.
"Teach me."
I stared at him.
For the first time, he wasn't demanding.
He was asking.
That was different.
May you like
But different wasn't enough.
Not yet.
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