CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO - The Claim of Fatherhood

"Hey, you," Claire said, turning to greet him with a smile. Her smile faltered when she saw his expression. "Mason? What's wrong?" Mason took a deep breath. "Claire, we need to talk." Over dinner, Mason recounted his encounter with Elena and Sofia. Claire listened in stunned silence, her food growing cold on her plate. "A daughter?" Claire finally said, her voice trembling. "Are you sure?" Mason shook his head. "Not completely. I've agreed to a paternity test. But Claire, the resemblance... it's uncanny." Claire pushed her plate away, her appetite gone. "What does this mean for us, Mason?" "I don't know," Mason admitted. "But I need to figure this out. If Sofia is my daughter..." "You'll want to be part of her life," Claire finished for him. Mason reached across the table, taking Claire's hand. "I love you, Claire. That hasn't changed. We'll get through this together." Claire nodded, but Mason could see the doubt in her eyes. The next few days were a whirlwind. Mason arranged