Chapter 10 - Galway Stars
Two years later.
The summer breeze swept through the rolling hills of the Vance family farm, carrying the sweet fragrance of blooming lavender and ripe peaches.
The backyard was alive with the sound of laughter and music. It was Lily’s seventh birthday—her first officially celebrated birthdate, calculated accurately from the hospital records uncovered during the trial.
A long picnic table was covered with a pastel unicorn tablecloth, piled high with barbecue, watermelon slices, and a towering homemade chocolate cake with seven glowing candles.
Lily ran across the lush green lawn, her long, dark brown hair flowing behind her in waves, catching the afternoon sun. She was wearing bright pink sneakers and a flower crown made of daisies. She wasn't frail anymore. Her legs were strong, running with boundless energy, chasing Toby and their golden retriever, a goofy, loving dog named Barnaby.
"You can't catch me, Toby!" Lily giggled, dodging behind a massive weeping willow tree.
"Oh yeah? Just watch!" Toby shouted, diving onto the grass as Barnaby barked joyfully, licking both of their faces until they collapsed in a heap of breathless laughter.
Ryan stood near the porch, leaning against the wooden railing, a glass of iced tea in his hand.
Beside him on the outdoor table sat a framed silver photograph. It was a picture of Claire, radiant and laughing on their wedding day, holding a bouquet of wildflowers. Her piercing sapphire eyes looked out from the frame, seemingly smiling down at the two children playing in the grass.
"We did it, Claire," Ryan whispered softly, touching the edge of the silver frame. "They're safe. They're together."
The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in breathtaking strokes of violet, amber, and gold. The summer evening settled in, warm and comforting.
"Daddy! Cake time!" Toby shouted, dragging Lily toward the porch by the hand.
Ryan walked over to the table and lit the seven candles. Friends from their church and school gathered around, singing the birthday song at the top of their lungs. Lily stood before the cake, her sapphire eyes reflecting the dancing flames, completely radiant with joy.
"Make a wish, sweetheart," Ryan said, wrapping his arm around her small shoulders.
Lily looked up at Ryan, then looked at Toby, then looked out at the wide, endless open sky.
"I don't need to wish for anything, Daddy," she said, her voice clear, confident, and full of light. "I already have everything I ever wanted."
With a deep breath, she blew out all seven candles in a single puff. The crowd cheered, clapping and hugging her.
Later that night, after the guests had gone and the crickets began their gentle chorus in the meadow, Ryan sat on the porch swing. Lily was curled up in his lap, her head resting against his chest, watching the first stars appear in the darkening indigo sky. Toby was sitting beside them, resting his head on Ryan’s shoulder.
Ryan began to hum softly.
Then, he sang the words Claire had sung all those years ago:
*"The night is deep, the stars are high,*
*Close your eyes and do not sigh,*
*The morning sun will find your grace,*
*Safe within your father's place."*
Lily smiled, her tiny hand reaching up to touch Ryan’s jaw.
"I know that song, Daddy," she murmured sleepily. "Mommy told me the stars would guide you to the wall to get me."
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"They did, baby," Ryan whispered, kissing the top of her head. "And they'll keep shining on us forever."
Lily closed her eyes, breathing softly against his chest, completely unafraid of the dark, knowing that she would never be hidden, forgotten, or alone ever again.
