Chapter 9 - Forever at DeLuca House
One year later.
It was Christmas Eve once again at DeLuca House.
A massive blizzard was raging outside, the wind howling across the Sound, battering against the thick glass windows of the grand mansion.
Inside, however, the house was filled with roaring fireplaces, the rich aroma of roasted prime rib and fresh pine, and the sound of warm laughter echoing through the halls.
In the private family sitting room on the second floor, a massive fifteen-foot Christmas tree glowed with golden lights and hand-blown glass ornaments.
Lily sat on a comfortable sofa, opening a stack of presents, her legs tucked under a warm blanket. Mrs. Patel and Chef Alvarez were sitting nearby, sipping hot mulled wine, chatting casually like old friends.
Beside the grand fireplace, sitting in a plush leather armchair, was Claire.
She wore a soft emerald green velvet velvet dress that draped beautifully over her full figure. In her arms, wrapped in a soft white cashmere blanket, was a two-month-old baby girl with a tuft of dark hair and dark grey eyes.
Roman stepped into the room, carrying two mugs of hot cocoa. He set the mugs on the side table, walked over to the armchair, and knelt beside Claire’s seat.
He looked down at his newborn daughter, his large, scarred finger gently stroking the baby’s soft cheek.
"She’s asleep," Claire whispered, a radiant smile gracing her face as she looked up at her husband.
"She has your peace, Claire," Roman said softly, reaching up to kiss Claire’s forehead. "She knows she’s safe."
Roman stood up, extending his hand to help Claire stand. He carefully held the baby in one arm while wrapping his other arm around Claire’s waist, leading her over to the wide bay window looking out over the snow-covered lawn.
Out in the darkness, the storm raged on, cold and relentless.
But inside the window, reflected in the warm glass, was a family—whole, protected, and bound by an unbreakable love.
Roman leaned down, pressing his lips against Claire’s hair as they watched the snowflakes fall into the night.
"One year ago, I found you in the snow," Roman whispered, his heart filled with a deep, eternal peace. "And I found my life."
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Claire leaned her head against his broad chest, holding their daughter close, feeling the warm, steady beat of his heart.
"You rescued me from the cold, Roman," Claire whispered back, smiling into the warm, glowing light of their home. "And we are never going back."
