Chapter 7 - The Spring Awakening
Three months later, the grounds of DeLuca House were transformed.
The harsh white snow of winter had melted away, giving rise to lush green lawns, blooming cherry blossoms, and fields of yellow daffodils along the cliffs overlooking Long Island Sound.
Claire stood in the estate’s conservatory, surrounded by sunlight and fresh flowers.
She was no longer wearing a black maid's apron. She wore a soft lavender linen dress that hugged her gorgeous, rounded hips and waist, a dainty gold pendant resting against her collarbone.
She was working with a team of historical art restorers, managing the estate’s newly announced charitable foundation—The Bennett-DeLuca Arts & Recovery Fund—which provided grants for disabled young adults pursuing creative careers.
The glass doors of the conservatory opened, and Roman walked in.
He looked striking in a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, his dark hair slightly windblown from a morning walking the estate grounds with his security chief.
"You look busy, Mrs. DeLuca," Roman murmured, walking up behind her and wrapping his massive arms around her waist, pulling her soft back against his chest.
Claire giggled, leaning her head back against his shoulder. "We're not married yet, Roman. The wedding is still two weeks away."
"In my heart, you've been my wife since the night I carried you out of the snow," Roman whispered, pressing a warm kiss to the sensitive spot behind her ear, making her gasp softly.
Claire turned in his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck, looking into his grey eyes—eyes that were no longer cold, but filled with a deep, boundless warmth every time he looked at her.
"Lily had her physical therapy session today," Claire said excitedly. "She walked thirty feet with just a cane, Roman! The doctors say she might be able to walk down the aisle at our wedding!"
Roman smiled, his eyes lighting up. "That's incredible news, sweetheart. I'll make sure the aisle platform is wide enough for her comfort."
"Thank you," Claire whispered, her heart swelling with love. She reached up, running her fingers through his dark hair. "For everything, Roman. You gave us our lives back."
May you like
"You gave me my soul back, Claire," Roman answered softly, his gaze dropping to her full, rosy lips. "Before you, this house was just a cold fortress. You made it a home."
He bent his head and kissed her—a deep, slow, passionate kiss that tasted of sweet sunshine and warm promise. Claire melted into his embrace, her fingers gripping his shoulders, yielding completely to the strength and love of the man who had chosen her above all others.
