I buried my face in my hands, unable to contain the sobs that suddenly ripped through my chest. For two years, collectors called daily, threatening legal action while I mourned Elena.
Maya wrapped her arms around my neck, cheek against mine. “Don’t cry, Daddy. It’s okay. Don’t be sad anymore. We’re going to Mama’s favorite beach.”
“I’m not sad, baby,” I choked out, wrapping my arms tightly around her small frame. “These are happy tears, Maya. Daddy is just so very thankful for good people in this world.”
Thomas waited in respectful silence until I had composed myself, handing me a clean linen handkerchief from his pocket. I wiped my face and studied Daniel’s smiling photograph.
“He looked so much like you,” I murmured, studying the strong jawline and kind hazel eyes in the picture. “He made jokes even while we were waiting for the medical evacuation chopper to arrive.”
“That was Daniel,” Thomas chuckled softly. “He always tried to make everyone else feel comfortable, even when he was in terrible pain. He spoke about your strength every single time we gathered as a family.”
