Chapter 9 - THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
The guests cleared out rapidly after the federal agents departed. Within an hour, the grand ballroom was empty, leaving behind only the soft hum of the rain tapping against the tall bay windows and the faint scent of lilies in the air.
Nathaniel sat on the wide velvet sofa near the fireplace in the main living room, his tuxedo jacket discarded on the armrest, his black tie completely undone.
Lily was sound asleep on his chest, her little head rising and falling in rhythm with his deep, steady breathing. Her small thumb was tucked securely into her mouth, her tiny body completely relaxed in her father's arms.
Rosa walked into the room carrying a tray with two mugs of warm tea. She set one down on the coffee table beside him and stood quietly for a moment, watching the fire crackle in the hearth.
“It’s finally over, isn't it?” Rosa asked softly.
“The board meeting is tomorrow,” Nathaniel said, his voice quiet so as not to wake the baby. “We’ll restructure the executive committee. Evelyn will take over as Vice Chair.”
“That’s not what I meant, Mr. Cross,” Rosa said gently, a warm smile touching her eyes. “I meant the storm inside you. It’s finally over.”
Nathaniel looked down at Lily. He gently brushed a stray curl of brown hair away from her forehead.
“I thought if I stopped moving... if I stopped working... the pain of losing Clara would swallow me whole,” Nathaniel admitted, speaking the truth aloud for the first time in ten months. “I built a prison out of this company, Rosa.”
“Clara didn't leave you in a prison, Nathaniel,” Rosa whispered. “She left you her best part.”
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Nathaniel looked at the fireplace. The flames cast long, warm shadows across the room, illuminating the dark corners that had felt cold and hollow for so long.
He realized then that he didn't need to forget Clara to move forward. He didn't need to numb his heart to survive. Every time Lily smiled, every time she scowled, every time she made that ridiculous angry face to mock his corporate stoicism, Clara was right there with them, teaching him how to live again.
