Chapter 7 - The Unbroken HorizonOn a warm, clear evening in late June, the golden hour sun cast a brilliant, amber light over the Hudson Valley estate.
A long wooden dining table was set on the wide stone terrace, surrounded by blooming rose bushes and warm fairy lights hanging from the oak trees above. Marco and several of Elias's closest, most trusted staff were sitting near the end of the table, laughing and enjoying a feast of grilled meats, fresh pasta, and vintage wine.
I stood near the edge of the terrace, looking out over the glittering waters of the river below, holding Maya against my hip while Lily slept peacefully in Elias's broad arms beside me.
Elias walked up to my side, setting his arm around my waist, pulling me flush against his side.
"What are you thinking about, Ava?" Elias whispered into my hair, his breath warm against my skin.
I leaned my head against his shoulder, looking out at the endless, glittering horizon of our new life.
"I was thinking about the midwife's room four months ago," I admitted softly, a gentle smile touching my lips. "About the man who looked at these two precious girls and called them a curse."
Elias tightened his grip around my waist, his gray eyes shining with an absolute, eternal warmth.
"He was a blind fool, Ava," Elias murmured, leaning down to press his lips against mine in a deep, sweet, consuming kiss that sealed our promise under the summer sky. "They were never a curse. They were the miracle that brought you to me."
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Down in his arms, Lily let out a tiny, happy sigh in her sleep, while Maya cooed softly, reaching her small hand toward the golden light of the setting sun.
The cold pavement was gone. The shadows were buried forever. And as the warm summer breeze carried the sound of laughter across the terrace, I knew that our home was finally, beautifully, and forever unbroken.
