Chapter 9 - The Rebuilding of a Home
Two months later.
The historic Valente estate in Beacon Hill—which had sat dark and empty for five years—was fully restored.
Warm yellow lights streamed from every tall window, illuminating the long stone driveway lined with fresh evergreen trees and blooming winter flowers.
Inside the grand living room, a roaring fire crackled in the stone fireplace.
Noah sat on a plush velvet rug near the fire, playing with a giant wooden train set that Roman had custom-built for him. He wore a warm woolen sweater, his cheeks healthy and pink, his gray eyes bright with endless joy.
Grace stood near the tall bay window, wearing an elegant white silk dress, watching her son play.
Roman stepped into the room, wearing a tailored navy suit without a tie, carrying a small tray with warm cocoa and a fresh bouquet of rare white orchids.
He set the tray on the side table and wrapped his arms around Grace, pulling her gently against his chest.
“He loves the train set,” Grace smiled, leaning her head against Roman’s shoulder.
“He deserves the world, Grace,” Roman whispered, kissing her temple. “And so do you.”
Grace turned in his arms, resting her hands on his chest, looking up into his scar-etched face.
“The flower shop in town opened yesterday,” Grace said softly. “We had fifty customers before noon.”
May you like
“I know,” Roman smiled faintly. “I bought half of your stock through anonymous orders to make sure you sold out.”
Grace laughed—a rich, beautiful sound that filled the grand room with genuine warmth—and hit his chest playfully. “You cheater!”
