Chapter 21 - The Fourth CallTwo weeks later, Nathaniel was in Boston when Clare collapsed.
She had been working too much.
Nothing catastrophic.
Dehydration.
Exhaustion.
But when Maya called Nathaniel, he abandoned the meeting instantly.
He reached Newport Hospital before Clare was discharged.
She woke from a nap and found him sitting beside her bed.
For a second, neither spoke.
Then Clare smiled weakly.
“You answered.”
Nathaniel’s eyes filled.
“Always.”
She reached for his hand.
“Don't say always.”
He nodded.
“You're right.”
Clare squeezed his fingers.
“Say today.”
Nathaniel leaned closer.
“Today, I answered.”
She smiled.
“That’s enough.”
And Nathaniel finally understood.
Love wasn't promising forever.
It was answering today.
Then tomorrow.
May you like
Then the day after.
One choice at a time.
