“This isn’t your house!” Daniel shouted back. “It’s Mom’s.”
I stood up.
“Mark, leave. Now.”
“Grace, he’s being ungrateful…”
“Mom, you should’ve married someone like Coach Charles.”
“He’s being honest. You don’t get to walk back into our lives and demand respect.”
Mark stood up. “You’re choosing his side over mine?”
“I’m choosing my son’s side. Now get out.”
He grabbed his coat and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
***
The next day, I called my lawyer and filed for divorce. I should’ve done it years ago, but my only concern back then was protecting my son.
No more second chances.
I called my lawyer and filed for divorce.
Over the next few months, Charles visited often.
He and Daniel would sit in the backyard, talking about soccer, school, and life.
I watched them from the kitchen window, my heart full.
One afternoon, after Daniel went inside to do homework, Charles and I sat on the porch together.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you think there’s a chance for us? After everything?”
Charles visited often.
I looked at him.
The boy I’d loved in high school was still there. But now he was a man. A good man. The kind of man who’d sacrifice his own happiness for someone else’s dreams.
“I think… that maybe we were always meant to find our way back to each other. Maybe we just needed to grow up first.”
He smiled.
“Does that mean… yes?”
“It means let’s take it slow. I need to make sure this is real. That it’s not just nostalgia or regret.”
The boy I’d loved in high school was still there.
He reached for my hand.
“I’ve waited 16 years. I can wait a little longer.”
***
Three months later, Charles and I were officially together.
Daniel was thrilled.
And you know what? I was happy.
Last week, Charles proposed.
For real this time. Down on one knee in our backyard. With a ring.
Last week, Charles proposed.
Daniel was hiding in the bushes with his phone, recording the whole thing.
I said yes.
We’re getting married this May. Daniel’s going to walk me down the aisle.
My father isn’t invited. I haven’t spoken to him since that night at his house.
But that’s okay.
Because I’m finally living the life I was meant to live. With the man I was meant to love.
We’re getting married this May.
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