Mrs. Ramirez was crying openly.
I thought the hardest part of the day was over.
Then Daniel appeared.
“Claire.”
His voice sounded different.
Stripped of the arrogance he'd worn that morning.
I turned.
Vanessa followed several steps behind him.
Mason stood near the entrance.
Daniel looked past me toward the boys.
“Those are Eli and Owen?”
I held his gaze.
“Yes.”
He swallowed.
“My sons?”
“Your sons.”
His face changed.
For an instant, I saw the young man I had once loved.
Then the moment vanished.
“Why didn't you tell me they were here?”
I stared at him.
“Excuse me?”
“You should have told me.”
“Daniel, you didn't even recognize them.”
His jaw tightened.
“They've changed.”
“They were three when you left.”
“I know that.”
“Do you?”
He flinched.
Behind him, Vanessa stepped forward.
“This isn't the time for accusations.”
I laughed once.
It wasn't a pleasant sound.
“Thirteen years, Vanessa. I think we've passed the point where you get to decide when the time is appropriate.”
