Chapter 9 - The ChoiceSix months later, Harlan sold the last company connected to his father's old network.
He used the money to establish a children's cardiac foundation.
Named after Belle's mother.
He also funded emergency shelters across Detroit.
I opened my own small café.
Harlan hated the coffee.
Belle loved the cupcakes.
I considered that a fair compromise.
One snowy evening, Harlan came into the café after closing.
Belle ran behind him.
“Daddy!”
He lifted her.
Then looked at me.
“I have a question.”
“That's dangerous.”
He smiled.
“Would you move into the house?”
I froze.
He quickly added:
“Not because I own it.”
He placed his hands on the counter.
“And not because I want to control your life.”
He took a breath.
“I want to build one with you.”
My eyes filled with tears.
“Harlan…”
“I don't expect you to forget what my world did to you.”
“I won't.”
“I don't expect you to trust me overnight.”
“I already do.”
His eyes softened.
“I love you.”
The café became silent.
Belle gasped.
“You said it!”
Harlan closed his eyes.
“Apparently I did.”
I laughed through my tears.
Then I walked around the counter.
Belle watched as I kissed him.
When we separated, she clapped.
“Finally!”
Harlan looked at his daughter.
“Were you waiting for that?”
“Yes.”
“For how long?”
“Forever.”
I laughed.
And Harlan did too.
For once, there were no guards.
No guns.
May you like
No secrets.
Just three people standing in a little café while snow covered Detroit.
