Chapter 10 - The Sunshine in the House
One year after the night the kitchen rang with song, we stood on the cliffside lawn overlooking the ocean behind the estate.
A small, elegant white tent was set up near the edge of the lawn, surrounded by white hydrangeas and blooming lilies. Thirty close friends, neighbors, and foundation staff sat in wooden chairs, smiling as the soft sea breeze drifted over us.
A string quartet played softly in the background.
I stood near the wooden altar, wearing a tailored navy suit, my hands resting comfortably at my sides. Beside me stood Marcus, who had become one of my closest advisors and a true brother in arms.
The music shifted to a sweet, gentle melody.
Olivia and Sophie walked down the grass aisle first, wearing matching light blue dresses, carrying baskets of pink rose petals that they scattered over the green grass with bright, glowing smiles.
Then came tiny Nora, holding a silver ring box with both hands, concentrating so hard her tongue poked out the corner of her mouth, making the entire crowd chuckle softly.
And then, Grace appeared.
She took my breath away.
She wore a classic, simple white lace gown that flowed softly in the ocean breeze. She carried a bouquet of white roses—Isabelle’s favorite flowers—a quiet, beautiful tribute to the woman who had laid the foundation of this family.
As Grace reached the altar, she set her hand in mine. Her grey eyes were bright with tears of pure happiness.
"You look breathtaking," I whispered.
"You look like a man who finally has everything he ever wanted," she whispered back.
The minister spoke warm words of love, resilience, and second chances. But the most important part of the ceremony came when the minister asked if anyone had vows to share.
Grace looked at my daughters, who stood beside us holding hands.
"Olivia, Sophie, Nora," Grace said, her voice clear and sweet across the lawn. "One year ago, you gave me the greatest gift of my life. You let me into your world when it was dark and quiet. I promise to spend every day of my life making sure you always feel safe, always feel loved, and always have a reason to sing."
The girls beamed, tears shining in their eyes.
Then I took Grace’s hands in mine, looking deep into the eyes of the woman who had saved us all.
"Grace," I said, my voice rich with emotion. "I spent my whole life building walls to keep the world out, thinking strength meant never letting anyone close. You taught me that true strength is having the courage to heal. You brought light back into a house that had been dark for far too long. You gave my daughters their voices back, and you gave me back my heart. I am yours, forever."
We exchanged rings—simple, clean gold bands that represented a fresh start built on truth and love.
"By the power vested in me," the minister announced with a wide smile, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dominic, you may kiss your bride."
I pulled Grace close, wrapping my arms around her waist, and kissed her deeply as our guests erupted into joyful applause and cheers.
My three daughters threw their arms around our legs, giggling happily, joining the tightest, safest circle on earth.
As the sun began to set over the Long Island Sound, painting the sky in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and purple, my daughters began to sing that familiar, beautiful song once more.
And this time, I joined them.
May you like
The ghost of Blackthorn was gone. The shadows of the past were washed away.
And in our home, the sunshine was here to stay.
