Chapter 10 - A New HorizonOne year later.
The afternoon sun blazed golden over the backyard of a gorgeous, warm colonial home—not a staged real estate property, but a real, bustling home filled with life.
In the backyard, a big white canopy was set up over long wooden tables filled with food, flowers, and laughter.
Arthur sat in a rocking chair on the porch, joyfully feeding tiny bite-sized fruit to one-year-old Noah and Oliver, who were now chubby, laughing toddlers crawling around in matching little overalls. Julian was beside him, sketching a new children's book inspired by the sea.
I stood on the lush grass, wearing a stunning white lace dress with a soft, open back, my blonde hair styled in loose waves.
Mark stood beside me in a sharp navy suit, his arm wrapped securely around my waist. We had gotten married an hour ago under the shade of an old oak tree in the garden.
"Are you happy, Mrs. Miller?" Mark whispered in my ear, pulling me close and kissing my temple.
May you like
I looked at my father laughing with my nephews, at Julian smiling peacefully, and then up into the eyes of the man I loved. In my pocket, I held a framed photograph of Rachel—not a memory of grief, but a blessing of love that had brought us all home.
"I'm completely home," I whispered, smiling radiant and bright as Mark kissed me under the warm afternoon sun, starting our beautiful forever.
