The restaurant Jack selected was elegant, draped in soft lighting and accented by luxurious furnishings. Hazel, their daughter, was wide-eyed as they walked through the glass doors, marveling at the chandeliers overhead.
“Daddy, this place is beautiful!”
Hazel exclaimed, clutching Jack’s hand as they were led to their table by a polite maître d’.
Jack chuckled, giving her a gentle squeeze.
“Only the best for my two favorite ladies,” he said warmly, smiling over at Sarah.
Sarah felt a flicker of warmth at his words, surprised by how easily they settled into this high-end setting.
She had always known Jack as a quiet, strong figure in her life, but lately, she’d noticed subtleties about him she’d overlooked before—a quiet thoughtfulness, a depth of care, and an ease around Hazel that f
