Chapter 9 - Healing at the Coast
Two months later.
The sound of crashing waves replaced the high-pressure atmosphere of corporate boardrooms and courtrooms.
Daniel had leased a small, warm cedar-wood house on the Maine coast, far away from the marble floors of Bennett Hall and the high-rises of the city. He had appointed a professional, independent management team to run Bennett Grand Hotels, retaining his seat as Chairman while stepping back from day-to-day operations.
The sun was setting over the Atlantic, painting the water in shades of gold and deep violet.
On the wooden deck, Lily was sitting in a cozy armchair, her leg finally free of the heavy cast. She wore a thick navy blue sweater and was carefully drawing a picture of a sailboat in her sketchbook.
Daniel walked out onto the deck, carrying two mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
"Here you go, sweetheart," he said, handing her one.
"Thanks, Daddy," Lily said, setting her markers down and taking a slow sip.
She looked out at the ocean, then down at her sketch. "Daddy?"
"Yeah, Lily bug?"
"Are we ever going back to the big house?"
Daniel sat down beside her, wrapping his arm around her small shoulders, feeling the sturdy, healthy warmth of his child.
"No," Daniel said softly. "We're going to build a new house. Right here near the water. Just for us."
Lily nodded slowly, resting her head against his side. "I like it here better. It's quiet. And nobody gets mad."
May you like
Daniel swallowed hard, kissing the top of her dark hair—hair that looked just like Caroline's. "Nobody is ever going to hurt you again, Lily. I promise you that on my life."
"I know," she whispered. "You stopped her."
