Chapter 9 - Sunset at Blue HarborOwen walked up to me beneath the red maple tree, the falling crimson leaves drifting around us in the ocean breeze.
âFor seven years, Claire,â Owen spoke, his voice trembling with raw, unconditional devotion, âI stayed away because I thought loving you would hurt his memory. But every beam I laid in this house, every stone I set in that fireplace... I was building a home for you.â
He reached out, his thumb gently wiping the tears from my cheek.
âEvan showed you what light looked like, Claire,â Owen whispered, looking deeply into my eyes. âLet me be the man who stands in the storms with you for the rest of your life.â
I looked at Owenâat his strong, honorable face, his deep, devoted eyes, and the quiet, unshakeable love he had carried for me in silence for seven long years.
I realized that my heart wasn't broken beyond repair. It had simply been waiting for the courage to walk toward the light.
May you like
âOwen...â I whispered, stepping into his arms, resting my head against his chest.
His arms wrapped tightly around my waist, pulling me close, holding me as if he would never let me go.
