Chapter 13 - Claire Sets Ethan’s New Rules
Ethan wanted time with Noah.
Claire agreed gradually.
No surprise visits.
No expensive gifts used to manufacture affection.
No private security following them without consent.
No promises about inheritance.
Most importantly:
“No using Noah to fix what happened between us.”
Ethan agreed.
Their first outing was painfully ordinary.
Miniature golf.
Noah beat him by four strokes.
Ethan suspected cheating.
Noah proudly confirmed it.
Claire laughed.
Ethan had forgotten that sound.
He did not chase it.
At the end, Noah asked whether Ethan could come to his school science
night.
Ethan looked at Claire.
She nodded.
“I’ll be there.”
Noah pointed at him.
“Grandpa says Blackwoods are always late.”
Richard, standing nearby, protested.
“I said your father is always late.”
Noah grinned.
May you like
For the first time, Ethan felt like he was entering his son’s life
rather than purchasing a place inside it.
