Chapter 10 - A Life Worth Living
Five years later.
The morning sun was warm and bright over the rolling hills of the Rossi estate.
A soft, cool breeze swept through the open french doors of the sunroom, rustling the white sheer curtains. The scent of fresh coffee, warm pancakes, and ocean air filled the bright, spacious house.
Four-year-old Leo Jr.—a handsome little boy with dark curly hair and his father’s sharp, dark eyes—was giggling loudly as he ran across the polished hardwood floors in his bare feet.
“I’m fast, Mommy! Look how fast I am!” Leo Jr. shouted, trailing a blue toy sailboat behind him.
“Slow down, little Don!” I laughed, coming out of the kitchen wearing a soft cream sweater and jeans, holding a tray of fresh fruit. “Or you’re going to crash into—”
Oof!
Leo Jr. ran straight into a pair of long, black-trousered legs.
Dominic caught his son beneath his arms, lifting the squealing boy high into the air with one strong arm, tossing him up toward the ceiling before settling him onto his broad shoulder.
“What did your mother say about running in the house, Leo?” Dominic asked, trying to sound stern, though the massive, proud grin on his face completely ruined the act.
“He gets his stubbornness from his father,” I said, walking over and setting the tray on the dining table, leaning up to kiss Dominic’s cheek.
“I am a model of obedience,” Dominic claimed smoothly, sliding his free arm around my waist, pulling me close for a deep, lingering kiss that left me breathless.
“Gross!” Leo Jr. giggled, covering his eyes with his hands.
Dominic laughed, setting our son down on a soft armchair, handing him a slice of strawberry.
He turned back to me, taking both of my hands in his.
Dominic was thirty-eight now. A few silver strands had appeared at his temples, adding a distinguished grace to his sharp, handsome features. The scars on his shoulder were still there—a permanent reminder of the violence we had survived—but the darkness in his eyes was gone, replaced by a deep, unwavering peace.
Jenkins-Rossi Maritime was now the largest green shipping corporation on the East Coast, employing thousands of people under fair, honorable conditions. The city was peaceful, our foundation was thriving, and the Rossi name was spoken not with fear, but with immense respect.
Leo, now fully retired from household duties, lived in a beautiful guest house on the estate, spending his days gardening and teaching Leo Jr. how to fish in the estate pond.
Dominic wrapped his arms around me from behind as we stood by the sunroom doors, watching our son play on the lawn outside with Leo and our two golden retrievers.
“What are you thinking about, Nurse Hayes?” Dominic whispered into my ear, his chest warm and solid against my back.
I rested my hands over his, looking out at the sunlit gardens, the blooming roses, and the sound of my son’s laughter floating on the wind.
“I was thinking about the day I walked into your bedroom,” I said softly, turning my head to look at him. “When I saw blood on your sheets and a gun on your nightstand.”
Dominic smirked, kissing the tip of my nose. “You told me 'No.' Nobody had ever said that to me.”
“And it was the best decision I ever made,” I whispered, leaning my head against his shoulder.
May you like
Dominic tightened his grip around me, resting his chin on my head, as the sun climbed higher into the sky, illuminating a life built on courage, fierce loyalty, and a love that had conquered the darkest shadows.
The storm was over. The sun was here to stay.
