Chapter 10 - An Unbreakable Family
One year later, the Ashford mansion was completely unrecognizable from the dark fortress it used to be.
The heavy iron bars on the nursery windows had been permanently removed.
The security cameras inside the house were dismantled, leaving only normal perimeter checks to keep them safe.
The garden was filled with colorful plastic toys, a massive wooden swing set, and the sound of endless, echoing laughter.
Julian stood on the patio, holding a glass of iced tea and watching the most beautiful scene he could ever imagine.
Ivy and Maeve were chasing a golden retriever puppy across the bright green lawn.
Sarah was running right behind them, laughing loudly as the puppy stole one of Maeve's small shoes.
Sarah's hair was shiny and neat, her cheeks were full of color, and her eyes sparkled with genuine happiness.
Julian set his glass down and walked out into the warm grass to join them.
When he reached Sarah, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and kissed her softly on the cheek.
She leaned back against his chest, sighing in perfect contentment.
"They are getting so fast," Sarah laughed, watching the girls tackle the puppy.
"They get their energy from you," Julian teased gently.
He turned her around to face him, his expression growing serious and tender.
"I love you, Sarah," Julian said softly.
Sarah smiled, resting her hands on his broad shoulders.
"I love you too, Julian."
He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket, dropping to one knee right there in the sunny grass.
May you like
The girls stopped playing and ran over, their eyes wide with excitement.
The iron cradle was gone forever, replaced by a beautiful, unbreakable family.
