Chapter 11 - DAWN IN CHICAGO
Three months later.
The small apartment in Wicker Park smelled of cedarwood and fresh coffee. I stood by the window, watching the morning commuters rush by on the street below.
I heard footsteps behind me, followed by a pair of arms wrapping securely around my waist. A chin rested on my shoulder.
"You're up early," Robert murmured, pressing a soft kiss to my neck.
He looked entirely different from the man I had found on the street. His beard was neatly trimmed, his eyes were bright and clear, and he had regained his strength. The school board, after a massive public apology driven by the FBI's findings, had offered him his teaching position back, complete with back pay.
"Just watching the city wake up," I said, leaning back into his embrace.
He turned me around, holding my face in those hands that had endured so much pain to keep me safe. There were still scars. There would always be scars. But they were no longer badges of shame; they were the proof of a love that refused to die.
"Are you happy?" he asked, his voice rough with emotion.
May you like
I looked into the eyes of the man who had lost everything for me, the man I had found in the ruins, the man who was now my entire future.
"For the first time in seven years," I smiled, pulling him in for a kiss. "I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."
