"Family, friends, and honored guests," I began, my voice carrying a weight of grief yet firm with resolve.
I stood at the head table, flanked by my stepdaughters.
Chloe was on my right, Isabella on my left.
I paused, my gaze sweeping over the more than two hundred people gathered in the grand hall of Blackwood Manor.
"I want you all to know how deeply your presence here today touches me, and my daughters."
I drew both young women into a brief, encompassing embrace.
Tears traced fresh paths down Isabella's cheeks.
Chloe offered a steadying pat on my back.
"And I know your kindness would have meant the world to Kate. God rest her soul. I believe she is watching over us from a far better place. And she would not want us to dwell in sorrow, but to move forward. So, my friends, that is what we must do."
I took a steadying breath.
"You may be wondering about the future of Blackwood Intel Tech. As you all know, Kate was instrumental to the company's success. Her drive, her business acumen, her unwavering integrity… these will be profoundly missed."
A respectful silence held the room.
"However, on a positive note, I am pleased to announce that Chloe will be stepping into a key leadership role at BIT."
I placed a hand on Chloe's shoulder.
"A role that will help us navigate the immense void left by her mother's passing."
A wave of applause rippled through the seated guests.
"Today is not a day for lengthy speeches. Once more, I thank each of you for your sympathy. I look forward to expressing my gratitude to you all personally. Now, please, enjoy the wonderful food prepared in Kate's memory."
I kissed each daughter on the cheek and took my seat.
More applause followed, soon giving way to the murmur of conversation and the gentle clink of silverware.
"Daddy, you never told me Chloe was joining the company," Isabella said, her voice tight.
She speared a piece of lobster from her plate, shooting a venomous look across the table.
"Isabella, you're still so young," Chloe replied, her tone cool as she delicately forked her salad. "Perhaps when you're a bit older and have gained some maturity, you can discuss a position with father."
"I don't need a position. Dad and I have our own… understanding."
"I know exactly what you're referring to, little sister. And believe me, that particular understanding is concluded."
"You don't know anything, you pretentious, over-educated witch."
"Girls," I interjected softly, maintaining a placid smile for the benefit of nearby tables. "Not here. Not now."
Chloe leaned closer to me, her whisper barely audible. "You need to speak with her. Immediately. Before she causes a scene and humiliates us all."
"Point taken. I'll handle it."
"What are you two whispering about me?" Isabella's voice rose sharply, turning several heads.
"Darling, please," I said, my hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. "I think the stress of the day is catching up with you. Come, let me walk you back to the house."
I stood and offered my hand.
"I don't need your help, Dad. She can have it all."
She pushed her chair back and stormed out of the hall, heading toward the path that led to the private beach.
I followed at a quick pace.
I caught up to her near the water's edge, where the gentle surf kissed the sand.
I took her hand, and we walked silently for a moment, the rhythmic sound of the waves filling the space between us.
"This is a good time to clarify a few things, sweetheart," I said finally. "I love you. You know that."
"You've chosen her over me, haven't you?"
"Absolutely not."
"Don't lie to me, Daddy."
"That's unfair. Let's be rational. Chloe is stepping into a role at BIT because of her education and training. That is the only reason. I need you to understand that."
"I don't want you spending all your time with her. I don't want to be forgotten."
"That will never happen. I love you both, equally."
I stopped walking and turned her to face me, my gaze firm and direct.
"Do you understand me?"
She gave a small, miserable nod, her eyes glistening.
"Now, listen to me about our… special connection. What happened between us the night of the accident was born of extreme circumstances. It was about survival. What happened today in the woodshed… that was an echo. A release of residual tension. The trauma is behind us now. We must let those intense feelings go and return to being a normal family."
"I don't want it to end," she cried, throwing her arms around my neck and clinging tightly. "I want you forever. You were my first. We belong to each other."
"I know, sweetheart. I know it's difficult."
Her hand drifted down, her fingers brushing against the front of my trousers.
I was not entirely soft.
I covered her hand with my own, gently lifted it away, and brought her fingertips to my lips for a tender kiss.
Then I wrapped her in a long, tight embrace, holding her until I felt the frantic tension begin to leave her body.
"I will help you through this," I murmured.
I bent down and removed her simple flats.
Then I kicked off my own shoes, leaving both pairs on the dry sand above the tide line.
Arm in arm, father and stepdaughter walked into the shallow, gentle surf, letting the cool Atlantic water wash over our feet as we moved slowly along the shore.