Chapter 14 - The Toast

As the sun began to set over the Mobile Bay, casting brilliant streams of gold, orange, and purple light across the water, Daniel raised his glass to the assembled guests.
"Thank you all for being here today," Daniel announced, his voice carrying over the peaceful garden. "Eight years ago, when I lost my sister, I thought my world had permanently shrunk. I thought I would raise Lily alone, doing my best, but always knowing something vital was missing."
Daniel turned to look at me, his eyes filled with endless warmth and devotion.
"Then Nora walked into our lives," Daniel continued. "She didn't just fill the missing space—she expanded our world beyond anything I could have imagined. She taught us that love isn't something that can be stolen, measured, or broken by the past. It’s something you choose to build every single day."
The crowd cheered softly, raising their glasses in unison.
May you like
Lily ran up to us, sliding her little hand into mine and her other hand into Daniel’s. "Mom, can we cut the cake now?!"
I bent down, kissing her soft cheek. "Yes, sweetheart. Let's cut the cake."