Chapter 6 - The Rose at Chestnut HillSix months after the afternoon at Pier 14, a warm, clear spring sun painted the sky over the oceanfront estate in Chestnut Hill.
On the vast oceanfront terrace overlooking the Atlantic, two hundred prominent business leaders, supreme court judges, federal prosecutors, and close friends gathered around white-linen tables set up along the stone patio for an official celebration.
I stood near the marble balustrade wearing a breathtaking, floor-length ivory silk gown designed to celebrate every line of my figure. My dark hair fell in glossy waves over my shoulders, my hazel eyes shining with absolute, unshakeable victory.
Down on my left hand rested an eight-carat flawless emerald-cut diamond engagement ring set beside a simple platinum band.
Six-year-old Lily and Emma—wearing matching yellow silk sun dresses and crowns of white daisies—ran across the manicured green lawn, giggling happily as they played tag with a golden retriever puppy Adrian had bought them for their seventh birthday.
Adrian walked out onto the terrace wearing an immaculate black tuxedo, stepping up behind me, wrapping his broad, warm arms around my waist, pulling my back flush against his solid chest.
He pressed a sweet, lingering kiss against my temple, his storm-gray eyes shining with an absolute, unshakeable devotion.
"What are you thinking about, my queen?" Adrian whispered softly into my ear.
I looked out over the vast, sparkling blue waters stretching before us into the unbroken horizon, feeling a deep, weightless peace settle into every corner of my soul.
"I was thinking about a dark nursery six months ago," I answered softly, turning in his arms to rest my hands against his broad chest. "When a terrifying Don sat beside a nanny and told her the truth."
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Adrian offered a rare, breathtaking smile—a look of pure, eternal love that lit up his handsome, carved face.
"I didn't just tell you the truth, Claire," Adrian promised, leaning down to press his lips softly, fiercely against mine in a deep, unhurried kiss. "I found the angel who saved my family."
