Chapter 3 - The First Toast
The dining table stretched beneath white flowers and gold candles.
Judith stood with a crystal glass in her hand.
“To my son,” she began, smiling toward the guests.
Daniel relaxed.
Claire did not.
Judith continued.
“Daniel has always sacrificed for the people he loves.”
Her eyes moved to Claire.
“Sometimes far more than they deserve.”
Several guests looked down.
Daniel whispered, “Mom.”
Judith ignored him.
She praised the Harper family name.
Their real estate holdings.
Their charitable foundation.
Their place in Boston society.
Then she turned toward Claire.
“And now Daniel has chosen a woman who has spent most of her adult life leaving.”
The room tightened.
Claire kept her expression neutral.
“I served where I was ordered.”
Judith smiled.
“Yes. Orders always come first with you.”
Daniel reached for his wine.
He did not defend her.
Then Judith announced that the wedding would take place at the Harper estate in six weeks.
Claire turned sharply.
They had agreed on a small ceremony near her base three months later.
Daniel stared at his plate.
Judith continued as if the decision had already been made.
“And after the wedding, Claire will finally resign her commission.”
Claire set down her fork.
“No, I won’t.”
Judith’s smile vanished.
May you like
Across the table, Daniel went completely still.
👉 Claire had just discovered Daniel had promised his mother something he never dared discuss with his future wife.
