Chapter 7 - Unbroken and Forever HomeAt 8:30 p.m., as the May sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky over Long Island Sound in brilliant shades of rose, gold, and deep sapphire, the private garden was illuminated by dozens of soft, twinkling fairy lights.
Seven-month-old Lily was fast asleep inside her second-floor nursery, wrapped in her cozy fleece blankets, her breathing soft, peaceful, and unbroken.
Frank Moretti and Dr. Vance sat near the stone hearth on the patio, drinking fine wine, laughing happily as they watched the ocean waves crashing against the rocks below.
I stood near the wooden balustrade overlooking the water, holding a warm cup of tea, feeling a deep, weightless peace settle into every corner of my soul.
Grace walked out onto the porch, sliding her broad, warm arms around my waist from behind, resting her chin comfortably against my shoulder blade.
"Look at the water, Vincent," Grace whispered softly into my ear. "It's clear."
I reached down, covering her warm hands with mine, holding her tight against my body.
"It’s clear because we’re home, my queen," I murmured, turning around in her arms to look up into her clear hazel eyes.
There were no diamond necklaces buying fake affection in Chicago. There were no arrogant mistresses standing in dark hotel doorways. There were no tears swallowed in empty nurseries.
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The arrogant, selfish Don was dead forever. The sovereign father had claimed his throne.
And standing under the vast, unbroken sky, wrapped in the arms of the woman who loved me, holding my daughter's future safe in my hands, I knew that my life, my heart, and my family were finally, beautifully, and forever home.
