Chapter 9 - The Sanctuary
A year after the incident in the boutique, Sadie and Roman stood on the back terrace of their estate in Lake Forest.
The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow across the rolling green lawn that stretched down toward the calm, blue waters of the lake. Roses of red and white bloomed along the stone terrace walls, filling the soft breeze with their sweet perfume.
Sadie stood near the stone balustrade, wearing a simple, elegant yellow sun hat and a flowing white linen dress. Her hair fluttered gently in the wind, and her skin was warm and radiant.
Roman walked up behind her, wrapping his strong arms gently around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"What are you thinking about, my love?" Roman asked softly, kissing the side of her neck.
Sadie rested her hands over his arms, leaning back into his solid, comfortable warmth.
"I was thinking about how big the world felt when I was twenty-two," Sadie murmured, looking out at the glittering water. "I used to think that happiness was something you had to fight for... something that belonged only to people who were born rich or powerful."
Roman turned her around gently in his arms, looking down at her with deep, unshakeable devotion.
"And now?" he asked softly.
Sadie reached up, her fingers tracing the sharp, clean line of his jawline, stepping closer until there was no space left between them.
"Now I know that happiness is just being home," Sadie said softly. "With you."
Roman smiled—that rare, breathtaking smile that only ever appeared when he was looking at her. He pulled her close, lowering his lips to hers in a slow, deep, passionate kiss that seemed to erase every dark memory, every cold night, and every tear she had ever shed.
From the terrace steps, Elias Grant walked out, carrying a silver tray with two glasses of chilled champagne.
He stopped at a respectful distance, waiting until Roman and Sadie stepped apart.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mercer," Elias said with a warm bow. "The evening edition of the Chicago Tribune has just arrived."
He handed a folded newspaper to Roman.
On the front page was a large, beautiful photograph of Sadie cutting the ribbon at the opening of the foundation’s third women's shelter in the city.
The headline read:
BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW SADIE BENNETT-MERCER IS REDEFINING PHILANTHROPY AND JUSTICE IN CHICAGO.
Roman looked at the photograph, then looked at his wife, his dark eyes brimming with unconditional love and admiration.
"A perfect article for a perfect woman," Roman said softly, lifting his champagne glass toward her.
May you like
Sadie picked up her glass, her eyes sparkling with joy. "To new beginnings, Roman."
"To us, my sweet Sadie," Roman replied, clinking his glass against hers. "Forever."
