Chapter 15 - The Sunrise Over Lake Michigan
Six months later, the sun rose over Lake Michigan, painting the sky in strokes of gold, amber, and soft violet.
In the master suite of the Alfieri estate, the heavy antique curtains were pulled wide open to welcome the morning light. On the polished hardwood floor, a pair of small blue sneakers sat side-by-side with a pair of heavy leather boots and a pair of sensible nurse’s flats.
Down in the massive kitchen, the smell of fresh coffee and cinnamon filled the air.
Wes sat at the marble island, carefully folding a new fleet of paper cranes while the radio played softly in the background.
Nico stood by the French doors leading out to the terrace, holding a steaming mug of coffee in one hand while his other arm wrapped securely around Adeline’s waist as she leaned against him, watching the horizon.
“You’re thinking about the quarterly audit, aren't you?” Adeline asked teasingly, sipping her coffee.
“I was thinking,” Nico murmured, kissing the top of her head, “that your brother was right.”
“About what?”
“About worrying.” Nico smiled, his dark eyes bright with a peaceful future neither of them had thought possible. “He told me once you’re supposed to worry after dinner, because worrying before dinner makes you mean.”
Adeline laughed, the sound bright and clear, echoing through a house that was finally, truly a home.
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“And did you learn your lesson?”
“Every single day,” Nico said, pulling her closer as the sun broke fully over the lake, washing the world in golden light. “Every single day.”
