"And I think I might say no," Elena admitted. "It feels... complicated. Being a widow, running this place, having you here. I don't want things to get messy."
Julian stopped his work and turned. Marcus was a local painter—kind, talented, and clearly smitten with Elena for months. "And?" mom mature son sex
Elena felt a weight lift, one she hadn't realized she was carrying. She reached out and squeezed his hand. "When did you get so wise?" "And I think I might say no," Elena admitted
Elena sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I was actually thinking about the gallery opening tonight. Marcus asked if I’d go." Being a widow, running this place, having you here
As Elena headed toward the stairs, she felt a strange, new sense of freedom. She was still a mother, and Julian would always be her priority—but for the first time in years, she felt like she was allowed to be Elena, too.