Chapter 3 - The Angel Lady
Julian did not let Sarah stay in the ravine for another minute.
He gently guided her up the steep hill, ignoring the strange looks from his armed security guards.
When they entered the grand foyer of the mansion, Sarah looked overwhelmed by the marble floors and crystal chandeliers.
"You don't have to do this, Mr. Ashford," she mumbled, looking down at her muddy boots.
"I am just a nobody trying to survive out there."
Julian shook his head firmly.
"You are a hero, Sarah, and this house owes you a debt I can never fully repay."
He led her toward the kitchen, where a private chef was already preparing a massive, hot breakfast.
Suddenly, tiny footsteps echoed down the long, echoing hallway.
Ivy ran into the room, wearing a clean dress, with Maeve following closely behind her.
The moment Ivy saw Sarah, she gasped and let go of her father's hand.
"Angel lady!" Ivy cheered, running as fast as her little legs could carry her.
She crashed into Sarah's legs, wrapping her tiny arms around the woman's dirty pants.
Maeve joined the hug, burying her face into Sarah's oversized, frayed sweater.
Sarah dropped to her knees, tears spilling down her weathered cheeks as she hugged the girls back.
"You're okay," Sarah whispered, kissing the top of Ivy's head.
"You're safe now, little birds."
Julian watched his daughters smile for the first time in an entire year.
He realized that all the security cameras and armed guards in the world could not buy the pure love radiating from this stranger.
"Sarah," Julian said, his voice thick with emotion.
"I want you to stay here with us."
Sarah looked up, her eyes wide with shock.
May you like
"I want to hire you as their personal guardian," he continued.
"Name your price, anything you want, just please do not leave them."
