Daniel did that himself. One night, after she mentioned a promotion, he sat on the edge of the bed longer than usual. “Does it ever bother you?” he asked. When she looked up, he added, half-smiling, “That you married a guy who keeps missing his moment.” Clare closed her laptop. “You didn’t miss anything,” she said. “You’re building. That counts.”
He nodded, relieved. Kissed her forehead. And for a long time, she believed that was enough. Work stayed demanding. Clare liked the responsibility, even when it followed her home. When stress began disrupting her sleep, her doctor suggested mild medication.