He laughed, lifting her effortlessly despite the visible wince from his earlier falls at the rink.
He spun her around, her giggles filling the hallway.
“Mia, slow down,” a woman called gently as she stepped into view.
Claire froze, her chest tightening as the woman appeared. She was beautiful, with soft features and a warm smile.
Claire’s mind raced, piecing together every assumption she had made.
Daniel set Mia down and turned to Claire.
“This is Mia,” he said, gesturing to the beaming little girl. “And this is her mom, Laura.
They’re my family—but not in the way you think.”
Claire’s confusion must have been obvious, because Laura stepped forward. “Danny’s my brother-in-law,” she explained softly.
“My husband—his brother—passed away last year.” Her voice faltered for a moment before she continued.
“Danny promised to help take care of us. He’s been like a second father to Mia ever since.”
The words hit Claire like a wave.
Her face flushed, shame creeping up her neck. “I’m so sorry,” she stammered. “I jumped to conclusions and…”
“It’s okay,” Daniel said, cutting her off gently.
“I get it.”
Before Claire could respond, Mia tugged on Daniel’s sleeve. “Uncle Danny, who’s this?”
Daniel smiled, glancing at Claire. “Someone I really like,” he said simply.
Later, as they walked back to his car, Claire couldn’t help but steal glances at him, the warmth in his voice replaying in her mind.
She stopped by the car and took a deep breath.
“Can we start over?” she asked, her voice soft but sincere.
“Maybe… another date? I promise not to make you fall again.”
Daniel chuckled, his grin infectious. “Too late for that,” he said, holding her gaze.
“I’ve already fallen for you.”
For the first time in years, Claire felt her walls crack.
She smiled, the weight in her chest lifting, and for the first time in a long time, she let herself believe in love again.
Source: amomama
