Hearing Xavier's steady, supportive words, Cassidy felt the weight on her shoulders lift a little. Her chest loosened, her breath came easier.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Xavier gave a gentle smile. "I just want what's best for you and for Claire."
Cassidy's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "I know."
There was a pause before Xavier, a bit hesitant, asked, "Can I ask something? Why didn't you ever tell Zeke about Claire? I mean, if you don't mind sharing."
Cassidy's gaze drifted past him, toward some distant spot above his head. Her expression turned thoughtful, a little heavy.
"Maybe… because I thought he already had someone he loved," she said slowly, her voice quiet but steady. "We were already divorced at that point. And I didn't want my pregnancy to ruin that for him."
Xavier gave a slow nod, taking it all in. Honestly, he hadn't even known Cassidy had been married until that flight back to the States.
