Chapter 9 - The Dawn of a New Home
By sunrise, the police cars had left, the shattered glass was swept away, and the cold morning sun washed over the estate in brilliant rays of amber and gold.
Federal prosecutors had officially dismantled Victor Vance’s syndicate using evidence Adrian had secretly provided over the last year as part of his long-term deal to exit the underworld entirely and legitimize all his business holdings. Adrian Vale was no longer a feared crime boss—he was a free man.
In the warm kitchen, the four boys were sitting around the island, devouring a massive breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit that Nia had prepared.
Laughter echoed off the walls—real, genuine, joyous laughter.
Caleb was showing his father a new design for a birdhouse he wanted to build in the backyard. Evan was chatting with Noah about chess strategies. And Luke was sitting on Nia’s lap, happily eating strawberry slices.
Adrian walked over to the kitchen island, holding a thick leather folder. He placed it gently in front of Nia.
Nia looked up from Luke, confused. “What’s this?”
“That,” Adrian said, his dark eyes filled with absolute warmth and tenderness, “is a legal resignation form for your position as a nanny.”
Nia’s heart dropped into her stomach. Her breath hitched. “You’re... you’re firing me?”
The four boys instantly stopped eating, looking up in shock.
“No, Dad! You can't!” Evan shouted, standing up from his stool.
“We won't let her leave!” Caleb cried out, grabbing Nia’s arm.
Adrian raised his hands, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Let me finish, boys.”
He knelt down on one knee right beside Nia’s chair, reaching into his pocket to pull out a small velvet box. He opened it, revealing a stunning, simple diamond ring that caught the morning light.
Nia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, tears instantly spilling over her eyelashes.
“I’m terminating your contract as a nanny,” Adrian said softly, his voice thick with raw emotion, “because I want to offer you a lifetime position. As my partner. As my wife. And as the mother of these four boys who love you more than life itself.”
He looked up at her, his eyes searching hers. “Nia Carter, you came into this cold stone house and turned it into a home. You saved my sons, and you saved me. Will you marry me?”
Nia looked at the four boys standing around them, their young faces glowing with hopeful anticipation.
“Say yes, Miss Nia!” Luke squealed, clapping his small hands.
“Please say yes!” Noah chimed in.
Nia let out a joyous, tearful laugh, leaning down to pull Adrian up into a passionate, loving kiss.
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“Yes!” Nia cried against his lips. “Yes, absolutely yes!”
The kitchen erupted into loud cheers. The four boys rushed forward, throwing their arms around Nia and Adrian in a massive, warm group hug that filled the grand stone house with pure, unadulterated happiness.
