Chapter 10 - The Salt of the Earth
Two years later, the morning sun poured through the massive windows of a beautiful waterfront home in Marblehead, just outside the city. The sound of the ocean waves crashing gently against the rocks filled the quiet house.
Maeve stood by the kitchen island, wearing an oversized shirt belonging to Rafe, a soft smile on her lips as she poured fresh coffee into two mugs.
Through the window, she could see Finn and Cecily out on the lawn, playing with a golden retriever puppy Rafe had bought for Finn’s eleventh birthday. Finn was running without any breathlessness, his heart completely healed.
A pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped around Maeve’s waist from behind, and a warm mouth pressed a kiss against the silver scar on her shoulder. Rafe pulled her close, his chin resting against her neck as he inhaled the scent of her hair.
"Morning, Mrs. Colazo," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
"Morning, Don Rafe," she teased, turning in his arms to wrap her hands around his neck. The dangerous edge of his past was still there, but it was entirely insulated by the profound, deep peace of the family they had built together. Rafe had officially transitioned the Colazo empire into entirely legitimate enterprises, using his vast wealth to fund community housing and healthcare across Massachusetts.
"Finn wants to go out on the boat today," Rafe said, his gray eyes shining with an immense, unshakeable contentment. "Are you up for it?"
May you like
Maeve looked out at her brother, then back at the man who had rescued her from the cold floor of a restaurant and given her a kingdom built on love and truth.
"As long as you're steering, Rafe," she whispered, leaning in to kiss him deeply as the morning sun illuminated their beautiful, peaceful tomorrow.
