Chapter 13 - The Winter SolsticeWinter arrived early in Ohio, blanketing the estate in pristine drifts of white snow and turning the bare branches of the oak trees into sparkling pillars of ice.
We celebrated our first truly peaceful Christmas in three years.
There were no forced smiles, no walking on eggshells, and no cold shadows lurking in the corners of the rooms. The living room was anchored by a massive, brilliantly decorated pine tree, beneath which sat neatly wrapped presents for Lily, Clara, and Julian.
On Christmas Eve, after putting Lily to sleep and reading her favorite holiday storybook, Julian and I sat by the crackling stone fireplace in the living room, sharing a quiet glass of spiced wine.
Julian reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, dark velvet box.
My breath caught. I turned slowly to face him, my heart pounding against my ribs with pure, unadulterated joy.
Julian opened the box, revealing a stunning platinum band set with a brilliant, clear diamond flanked by twin sapphires.
"Daniel," Julian whispered, his hazel eyes shining with absolute devotion in the firelight. "You walked through the coldest winter imaginable and emerged with grace, strength, and an open heart. Will you let me spend the rest of my life protecting your family, loving you, and sharing every sunrise by your side?"
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Tears of absolute happiness pricked my eyes.
"Yes, Julian," I choked out, pulling him into a deep, passionate embrace as he slipped the ring onto my finger. "Yes, a million times yes."
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