CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO - A New Beginning

Mason's silence was answer enough. Claire leaned forward, her voice intense. "Mason, I understand the fear. Believe me, I do. But shutting down, pushing me away... that's not the answer. We're both adults. We can acknowledge the connection we have without letting it complicate our lives." Mason's eyes met hers, a spark of hope flickering in their depths. "Can we? It's not that simple, Claire. The way I feel when I'm with you..." He trailed off again, leaving the words unspoken. But Claire understood. She felt it too – the depth of their connection, the potential for something more. "I know," she said softly. "But we don't have to figure everything out right now. Can't we just... enjoy the time we have left? Be present in the moment without worrying about what comes next?" Mason was quiet for a long moment, considering her words. Finally, he nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'd like that." Claire felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Good. Because I've m