Chapter 9 - THE SUNRISE
Two weeks later, the morning sun poured through the windows of our home.
Not the lake house. The main house. The house we had rebuilt together.
I stood in the kitchen, pouring two cups of coffee.
Outside in the backyard, Mateo and Lucas were running through the grass, chasing a brand new puppy we had adopted the day before. Their laughter drifted through the open window, bright and unburdened.
I smiled, picking up the mugs.
I walked into the living room.
Elena was sitting on the couch, her legs tucked underneath her, reading a book.
She looked up as I handed her the mug. The scar on her cheek was still healing, but to me, she had never looked more beautiful.
"Thank you," she smiled, taking a sip.
"The boys want to know if we can take the boat out later," I said, sitting beside her and pulling her close.
"Absolutely," she said, leaning her head on my shoulder.
A lot had happened in two weeks.
Arthur’s body was recovered by the Coast Guard three days after the ferry incident. The evidence Elena had gathered was handed over to the FBI. The corrupt local inspector was arrested, and the massive financial fraud Arthur had orchestrated was completely dismantled.
My company was safe. My family was safe.
Victoria had packed her things and moved to a small town on the coast. I had paid for her relocation. She needed a fresh start away from Arthur’s ghost, and we both agreed it was best she heal on her own.
Isabel had been promoted to estate manager, with a massive raise to thank her for her absolute loyalty to my children.
I reached into my pocket.
"I have something for you," I said softly.
Elena looked at me curiously.
I opened my hand.
Sitting in my palm was her gold wedding band. The one I had found in the walking stick.
"I think this belongs back where it started," I said.
Tears welled in Elena's eyes. She held out her left hand.
I carefully slid the gold band onto her ring finger. It fit perfectly.
"I promised you forever," I whispered, kissing her hand. "Even a fire couldn't stop that."
Elena smiled, a bright, radiant smile that reached all the way to her eyes.
"Forever," she agreed.
The front door banged open, and Mateo and Lucas rushed into the living room, the puppy trailing wildly behind them.
"Mom! Dad!" Mateo yelled. "The dog ate my shoe!"
Elena laughed, a rich, full sound that filled the house with life.
She stood up, grabbed my hand, and pulled me toward our children.
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We were a family again.
And this time, nothing was ever going to tear us apart.
