Chapter 9 - the first unassisted step
Three months later, a brilliant, warm morning sun shone over the manicured lawns of the Moretti estate.
The dark clouds that had hung over the property were completely gone. Richard Vance and Evelyn Crane were serving life sentences in federal maximum-security prison, the maritime logistics enterprise was thriving under Anna’s leadership, and peace had returned to the mansion.
Out on the sunlit stone terrace, four-year-old Lily ran across the green grass in a bright new pale-yellow dress—walking completely on her own, without her orthopedic leg brace, her small feet moving smoothly and effortlessly through the air.
She was chasing a small golden retriever puppy that Dominic had bought for her birthday, her bright, innocent laughter echoing warmly across the grounds.
"Look, Mommy! Look, Dominic!" Lily cheered, running up the stone steps of the terrace, jumping into Dominic's broad arms. "I ran all the way to the oak tree!"
Dominic caught her effortlessly, lifting her high into the air as she giggled happily. "You're faster than the puppy, Lily!"
Anna stood beside them, wearing a simple white linen dress, her brown hair loose over her shoulders, her fair face radiant and completely free of sorrow. She leaned against Dominic's side, wrapping her arm around his waist.
"The doctor said her leg is one hundred percent healed, Dominic," Anna whispered softly, tears of joy sparkling in her eyes. "She can start ballet lessons in the spring."
Dominic looked down at Anna, his dark eyes filled with deep, unshakeable love. He reached out, taking her hand in his broad palm, slipping a breathtaking three-carat oval diamond ring onto her left ring finger.
Anna’s breath caught in her throat as she looked at the brilliant diamond shining in the sun.
"Anna Carter," Dominic murmured gently, his deep voice thick with emotion. "Will you marry me and make this house a real home?"
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Anna smiled through her tears of pure happiness, leaning up to kiss him—a deep, sweet, passionate kiss that sealed their love forever. "Yes, Dominic! Yes!"
Lily cheered happily, waving her stuffed rabbit in the air. "Mommy and Dominic are getting married!"
