Chapter 10 - The Feast of the New Beginning
One year later.
The sun shone brightly over the lush green lawns of the Kade Estate in Lake Forest.
The waterfront patio was decorated with white roses, golden ribbons, and bright blue balloons hovering over long banquet tables set with silver, crystal, and fresh spring flowers.
The air was filled with laughter, joyful music, and the delicious scent of roasted meats, fresh pastries, and traditional South Side soul food that Priya’s family had brought up from the city.
It was Owen’s first birthday—and the first anniversary of Priya and Weston’s wedding.
Over fifty guests filled the garden. Priya’s mother and sisters were laughing with Mary near the dessert table, while Dominic, now fully recovered and serving as the Chief of Estate Security, was playing fetch with two golden retrievers on the lawn.
Priya stood on the marble steps of the patio wearing a simple, elegant ivory lace dress, her dark hair pinned back with fresh white jasmine blossoms. She held a healthy, chubby, fourteen-pound Owen in her arms. The baby was laughing hysterically, clapping his small hands as he watched the dogs run across the grass.
Weston walked up behind them, wearing a tailored navy linen suit, his arm wrapping around Priya’s waist, pulling her back against his broad chest.
"Is the birthday boy having fun?" Weston smiled, pressing a soft kiss to Priya’s cheek before nuzzling Owen’s neck, making the toddler squeal with delight.
"He loves his party, Daddy," Priya beamed, turning her head to kiss Weston’s lips.
A warm breeze blew off Lake Michigan, carrying the sweet scent of summer flowers across the patio.
Dominic walked over holding a tray with two glasses of vintage champagne. "A toast, Boss? Mrs. Kade?"
Weston took the glasses, handing one to Priya, then held his raised glass high into the bright afternoon sunlight.
The entire crowd in the garden turned toward the steps, raising their glasses in unison, their faces filled with warmth, love, and deep respect.
"To Owen!" Weston declared, his strong baritone voice ringing out clear and true across the estate. "To the miraculous little boy who brought us together!"
"To Owen!" the crowd cheered.
Weston turned to look down at Priya, his dark grey eyes filled with a boundless, eternal love that no war, no shadow, and no enemy could ever touch again.
"And to my beautiful wife, Priya," Weston added softly, his voice meant only for her ears. "The brave nurse who found the truth in the dark—and gave me my life back."
"I love you, Weston," Priya whispered, leaning up on her tiptoes.
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"I love you, my queen," Weston replied softly.
They kissed beneath the warm summer sun, while their healthy, happy son laughed in their arms, surrounded by a fortress of love that would stand forever.
