Chapter 9 - Sanctuary of Sun and Stone (Epilogue)
Six months later.
May arrived at the Vance estate with warm, golden sunshine, soft blue skies, and the rich scent of blooming white jasmine floating through the open stone archways.
The heavy black iron gates at the front of the property were open wide. The high perimeter walls, which had once looked like a terrifying prison to a broke, desperate maid walking up the street in hole-ridden shoes, were now covered in bright green ivy and climbing roses.
The Vance Syndicate’s illegal shipping operations had been completely liquidated or transformed into legitimate maritime logistics corporations under Dante's new corporate direction. The war was finished. The city was quiet.
In the center of the restored garden, where the wet stone steps had once caused a girl to drop a bucket of soap water, sat a brand-new, state-of-the-art veterinary rescue sanctuary—funded entirely by Dante Vance and directed personally by Clara Doyle.
At 10:00 AM, Clara walked through the sunlit glass doors of the sanctuary wearing a simple yellow summer dress. Her brown hair flowed softly down her back, and a brilliant diamond ring sparkled on her left ring finger, catching the bright morning light.
Following happily behind her was Titan. The 150-pound mastiff was fully healthy, his coat shining like dark silk, playing gently with three rescued puppies running across the lush green lawn.
A pair of strong arms wrapped around Clara’s waist from behind.
Dante pulled her back against his chest, resting his chin on her shoulder. He wore a crisp white linen shirt, his dark eyes soft and filled with an undeniable, deep peace as he watched her smile.
"The expansion on the west clinic was completed this morning," Dante whispered softly into her ear, kissing her jaw. "The first ten rescue dogs arrive from the city shelter at noon."
Clara turned around in his arms, smiling up at him, resting her hands against his chest. "Thank you, Dante."
"Don't thank me," Dante smiled, a genuine, breathtaking smile that warmed his entire face. "I'm just the landlord."
Clara laughed—a bright, beautiful sound that echoed through the sunny garden. "A very demanding landlord."
"You haven't paid your rent this month, Mrs. Vance," Dante murmured, his dark eyes gleaming with deep love and playful affection.
"And how much do I owe you?" Clara asked, stepping closer, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Dante leaned down, taking her soft lips in a sweet, lingering kiss that tasted of warm sunshine and deep, everlasting devotion.
"Just stay right here," Dante whispered against her lips as the golden sun warmed the stone courtyard around them. "For the rest of your life."
May you like
Clara smiled against his mouth, holding him tight as Titan barked happily on the lawn.
"I'm never leaving."
