Chapter 10 - A New Dawn
Five years later, the heavy oak double doors of the Buckhead estate flew open to the sound of pattering footsteps and ringing laughter.
"Daddy! Daddy, look what I drew!"
A five-year-old girl with dark, expressive curls and bright, fearless eyes came barreling down the hallway, clutching a crayon drawing of a rather lopsided cat with green whiskers.
Colton Beckett—now looking every bit the polished billionaire philanthropist and shipping magnate—instantly dropped his briefcase, scooped his daughter up into his arms, and spun her around in a wide circle as she shrieked with delight.
"Oh, sweetheart, that’s a masterpiece," Colton laughed, pressing a loud kiss to Ren’s cheek. "We're going to frame this right behind my desk so everyone knows how talented my favorite artist is."
Lauren walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a linen dish towel, a soft, content smile gracing her lips as she watched her husband and daughter. The shadows of the past were long gone, buried beneath years of quiet loyalty, shared laughter, and an unbreakable bond.
Colton set Ren down, sending her off to play in the sunroom with her new puppy, before walking over to Lauren. He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pressing his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her familiar scent.
"You're quiet today," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin.
"Just thinking," Lauren smiled, leaning back against him and placing her hands over his. "Remembering how far we've come."
Colton turned her around so she was facing him, his gray eyes shining with an intensity that time had only deepened. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, sleek leather passport holder, sliding it across the kitchen counter.
Lauren raised an eyebrow, picking it up. She opened it to find two newly printed business-class tickets.
Passengers: Colton Beckett, Lauren Beckett.
Route: Atlanta to Lisbon.
Date of Departure: Next month.
Ticket Type: Round trip.
She looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat with sudden amusement. "Lisbon again? Are we running from the cartel?"
May you like
Colton laughed, a rich, genuine sound that echoed through their home. "No cartels, sweetheart. Just a ten-year wedding anniversary vacation. And this time, I’m letting you pack your own bags."
Lauren smiled, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him down into a deep, passionate kiss. The past was a ghost story they had survived together; the future was entirely theirs.
