Chapter 19 - The Family They ChoseTwo years passed.
Lianna completed her degree.
She joined an independent financial ethics foundation created in Daniel's name.
Austin grew into a cheerful little boy who believed Corbin's shoulders were designed specifically for transportation.
Richard resigned permanently from business life.
He spent years repairing relationships he had nearly destroyed.
Corbin eventually asked Lianna to marry him.
Not in a restaurant.
Not beneath chandeliers.
Not with photographers.
He asked her in the small kitchen where she had once shown him Daniel's blue envelope.
Austin was sitting nearby eating cereal.
Lianna cried.
Then laughed.
Then said yes.
Their wedding took place beside the Rhode Island coastline.
Small.
Quiet.
Beautiful.
Harrison attended.
Richard sat near the back.
And one empty chair remained beside Lianna's mother.
On it rested Daniel's photograph.
Lianna placed a white rose beside it.
May you like
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Then she walked toward Corbin.
