Chapter 10 - Walking Softly Into the Sun
Six months later.
The sound of the Pacific Ocean rolled gently across the smooth, gray stones of the beach below our house.
It wasn't a mansion. It was a spacious, two-story wooden home built on a cliff in Oregon, surrounded by tall pine trees and wild sea grass. Sunlight streamed through wide glass windows, illuminating wooden floors that were warm beneath bare feet.
I stood on the back deck, wearing a soft cream sweater, holding six-month-old Leo against my shoulder. He was chubby now, healthy and bright, his giggles echoing over the sound of the waves as he reached for a passing seagull.
From inside the house, the sound of a piano drifted through the open door.
My father sat at the grand piano in the living room, playing a slow, beautiful piece of classical music he had composed years ago. Beside him, my mother sat on the sofa, folding little baby socks, humming along to the melody.
Footsteps sounded behind me on the wooden deck.
Not heavy. Not disciplined like the boots of security guards. Just steady, warm, familiar steps.
Julian walked out into the sunlight. He wore a simple flannel shirt, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his hands dusty from working in his new woodworking shop behind the garage.
He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder, breathing in the scent of my hair.
"Is my boy behaving?" Julian asked softly, pressing a kiss to Leo’s tiny, chubby neck.
Leo babbled happily, grabbing Julian’s thumb with his whole hand.
"He's perfect," I said, leaning back against Julian's broad chest, feeling the steady, powerful beat of his heart against my back.
Julian looked out over the ocean, his arms holding us both tight against the cool sea breeze.
"I talked to the lawyers today," Julian said quietly. "The trial is over. Evelyn accepted a plea deal. She will serve fifteen years without parole."
I stayed silent for a moment, listening to the waves. The ghost of Armitage House, the cold marble stairs, the smell of expensive perfume—it all felt like a dream that had dissolved in the morning light.
"Do you feel sad?" I asked softly, turning my head to look at his profile.
Julian looked down at me, his eyes soft, filled with a deep, unshakeable peace.
"No," he said gently. "My family is right here."
He turned me in his arms, his hand coming up to gently stroke my cheek, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
"You know," Julian whispered, a tiny smile playing on his lips, "she told you to walk softer."
I smiled, holding his gaze as our son reached out to touch his father’s cheek.
May you like
"I do walk softly," I murmured, leaning up to press my lips against his. "Not because I am afraid. But because I have nowhere I need to rush to anymore."
Julian kissed me back—a long, sweet kiss filled with the warmth of the sun and the promise of a lifetime—as the music from inside the house carried us into the quiet afternoon.
