Chapter 19 - The Peaceful Horizon|
Six months later.
The autumn sun bathed the hills in shades of gold, orange, and deep red.
I sat on the wooden porch of the cottage, rocking six-month-old Leo in my arms. He was a happy, active baby, babbling softly as he reached for a falling yellow leaf drifting past the railing.
Silas walked out onto the porch carrying two warm mugs of cider.
He sat beside me, handing me a mug, then leaned over to kiss Leo’s chubby cheek, making our son break into a loud, bubbly laugh.
"He has your eyes," I smiled, leaning my head against Silas’s shoulder.
"He has your heart," Silas replied gently, wrapping his arm around us both. "That’s what matters."
For the first time in my life, the world felt complete. The nightmare was behind us, the debt was paid, and our family was safe.
Then, a quiet acoustic chime echoed from the satellite console inside the house.
Silas didn't move at first. His shoulders stiffened slightly, his gray eyes dimming as he looked toward the open door of the cottage.
May you like
"Stay here," Silas said softly, setting his mug down and standing up.
He walked into the house, returning two minutes later holding a small black satellite tablet.
