Chapter 17 - LEO ASKS A QUESTION
Leo was six when he asked about his mother.
Mark had always shown him photographs of Anna.
But this question was different.
"Why don't I have a mommy like Ben?"
Mark sat beside him on the bed.
"You had a mommy."
"I know."
Leo looked toward Anna's photograph.
"But she's in heaven."
Mark nodded.
Leo thought.
"Is Elena my mommy?"
The question took Mark's breath away.
"No."
Leo frowned.
"Why?"
Mark smiled sadly.
"Because Elena is Elena."
"She loves me."
"Very much."
"And you love her."
Mark froze.
Children were terrifyingly observant.
"Why do you think that?"
Leo rolled his eyes.
"Dad."
Apparently six-year-olds could communicate disappointment with the same efficiency as board members.
Mark laughed.
Later that evening, he found Elena on the patio.
"Leo thinks I love you."
Elena nearly dropped her tea.
"Oh."
"I told him he's wrong."
Her expression changed.
Mark continued:
"Then I realized I lied to my son."
Silence.
The lake shimmered beneath the moon.
Mark took a breath.
"I love you."
Elena stared at him.
"I've loved you for a while."
"Mark..."
"You don't owe me an answer."
"I know."
"You don't owe me anything."
"I know that too."
She stepped closer.
"I think that's why I can finally answer."
Mark waited.
Elena smiled.
"I love you too."
There was no orchestra.
No photographers.
No diamond ring waiting in his pocket.
Mark simply reached for her hand.
And she allowed him to take it.
Inside, Leo watched through the window.
Then whispered to himself:
May you like
"Finally."
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