Chapter 8 - The Cookie
Claire wiped down the counter of the floral shop, listening to the soft chime of the rain against the front window.
It was closing time. Ellie was sitting at a small table in the back room, coloring a picture with absolute focus.
The bell above the shop door jingled.
"I'm sorry, we're closed," Claire called out without looking up.
"I'm looking for a specific arrangement," a deep, familiar voice said.
Claire dropped her rag.
She turned around slowly, her heart stopping in her chest.
Julian Moretti sat in the center of her small shop. He was wearing a dark, casual sweater. He looked healthier, stronger, and more devastatingly handsome than she remembered.
"Julian..." Claire breathed, her hand flying to her mouth.
"You didn't spend the money," Julian said.
"I didn't earn it," she whispered, taking a step toward him.
"Claire, I was a fool," Julian said, his voice thick with emotion. "I thought I was saving you. But all I did was lock myself back in the dark. I don't have enemies coming for me anymore. I just have a very big, very empty house, and a wall that needs some purple cats."
Before Claire could answer, small footsteps came running out of the back room.
Ellie froze. She looked at the man in the wheelchair. She dropped her crayon.
"Julian!" Ellie screamed.
She ran across the shop and practically threw herself into his lap.
Julian let out a breathless laugh, wrapping his strong arms around the little girl, burying his face in her hair.
"Hey, kid," he whispered. "Happy birthday."
Ellie pulled back, her little face serious. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a slightly squished, lint-covered chocolate chip cookie in a plastic wrapper.
"I saved this for you," Ellie said. "Because Mommy cries when she misses you, and you have to eat when you're sad."
Julian looked at the crushed cookie. Then he looked up at Claire, who was crying freely now, walking around the counter toward him.
May you like
Julian took the cookie. He put it in his pocket, then reached out and grabbed Claire’s hand, pulling her down into his lap alongside Ellie.
"I'm not sad anymore, Ellie," Julian said, kissing the top of the little girl's head, and then pulling Claire in for a kiss that promised forever. "I'm finally home."
