Foreword
A solid thank you to everyone returning to dive deeper into Sara's world.
Book Two will be released in two parts, and days apart. Part One focuses on Sara, Jon and the ensemble cast. Progressing familiar storylines while introducing new ones that will splinter off.
Consider it a moment to learn more about the ensemble cast, because Part Two shifts the main story arc away from Sara and Jon, and to the main event: Julie and Tony.
As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback--positive and definitely negative. I'm here to grow as a writer, not get my ass kissed. 😉
Previously on Daughter, Book One:
Sara Williams thought she had everything. A successful career, a loving husband, and a carefully curated life in Westchester.
But beneath the surface, she struggled with the fear of losing Jon's affection, especially as they tiptoed around the question of starting a family. When her mother's shocking betrayal shattered the family, Sara's carefully ordered world cracked. Julie's affair drove a wedge through the heart of their home, and Sara found herself questioning relationships, loyalty, trust, and what it truly means to be in love.
Amid deep internal reflection, a strained marriage, and family wounds, Sara shed the polished version of herself... and learned that growing up isn't about having all the answers, but about choosing who you want to be when everything else falls apart.
Daughter Book Two, Part One.
******
Chapter 01 | Dad
SUNDAY APRIL 21 2024 | 10AM | Jon & Sara's Apartment
Dark roast lingered in the air... part comfort, part cover, like a peace offering.
Sara set two mugs down on the kitchen island, then grabbed the white paper bag from the counter, rolling it open. The sugary scent of day old donuts filled the space, slightly stale but still tempting.
Tony took a seat, his movements slower than usual. He wasn't cold, wasn't angry, but there was still a weight between them. He reached for his coffee first, taking a slow sip before glancing at the bag.
"Good coffee. Nice and strong. You got any maple crullers left?" he asked.
Sara rifled through the bag and pulled out a donut, holding it out with a smirk. "Lemon Lust?"
Tony shot her a dry look. "Lust has gotten us in enough trouble, don't you think?"
Sara snorted, rolling her eyes as she swapped it out for a Macadamia Maple. Tony took it without hesitation, breaking off a piece but not eating it yet.
A quiet settled between them.
Sara cupped her mug, her fingers tapping against the ceramic. She took a deep breath, with a slow release, staring down at the swirling coffee before speaking.
"I should've told you," she said. "I should've fought for you."
Tony watched her, fingers resting on the donut.
"I kept hoping it would fix itself," she continued, voice softer. "That she'd wake up before it was too late. And that was stupid. Because while I was waiting for things to fix themselves... she was making sure they never would."
Tony exhaled through his nose, breaking off another piece of the cruller.
"Yeah," he said, chewing slowly. "That's what stings." He swallowed and met her gaze. "I never blamed you for what your mother did, Sara. That was her choice. Not yours."
"But," he continued, leaning forward, "what hurt was feeling like my daughter wasn't in my corner. That day at the diner, when it all came out? I needed my kids. And you..." he exhaled, shaking his head. "You were silent."
Sara's throat tightened. She had no defense.
"I know," she whispered.
Tony leaned back, rubbing his thumb along the rim of his mug. His voice was calmer now, the edge of betrayal dulling into something else... acceptance.
"I needed my daughter to see me," he said. "To stand with me, the way I've always stood with her. And that morning, I didn't feel like I had you."
Sara blinked, looking at him, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat.
"I see you," she said. "And I will always stand with you, dad. I'm sorry... Had it been anyone else but mom, there wouldn't have been any hesitation. No confusion."
Tony studied her, measuring the words. And this time, he nodded.
A beat of silence passed before Sara inhaled, pushing forward with the thought that had gnawed at her for weeks.
"What if I become like her?" she asked, her fingers curling around her coffee mug.
Tony frowned. "What?"
"What if it's in me?" she pressed. "Mom, didn't wake up one day and decide to cheat, right? It was the buildup of small things, little justifications, one step after another. What if that's in me, too? What if I wake up one day and..." she swallowed hard. "And I ruin everything with Jon?"
Tony set his mug down. He looked at his daughter, really looked at her, the tension in her shoulders, the flicker of fear behind her green eyes.
"No," he said firmly.
Sara blinked. "But..."
"No," he repeated, shaking his head. "Listen to me. It's true, your mother didn't just wake up and do this. But she made the choices, over and over, until she convinced herself she was right. She didn't stop to think about who she was hurting."
He leaned forward, his voice steady.
"And that's the difference, Sara. You care."
Sara bit her lip.
"You're scared of it. She never was. That's why you won't become her."
Her chest rose and fell as she processed his words.
She let out a breath, nodding. "Jon said something similar. You really believe that?"
Tony reached for her hand. "With everything I have. You made a good choice with Jon. Never stop communicating and respecting each other."
Sara's fingers tightened around his, and for the first time in weeks, the crushing guilt loosened its grip.
They sat like that for a moment, just holding onto each other.
Tony exhaled and glanced at the clock. "C'mon, let's go. Scott and Jon are probably halfway through the coffee at Meadows by now."
Sara sniffed and gave a small smile. "You sure? I feel like there's more to say..."
"Why? What's that going to do? I don't need to hear you say I'm sorry a hundred times. Your actions from this point forward will let me know if you get it."
