Time moved differently when you were happy. Days blurred together, the weight on my chest finally lifting, allowing me to breathe. For the first time in years, I wasn’t living in the past. But there was still one place I needed to go.”
One last thing I needed to do. That’s how I found myself standing before a small white headstone, the name Amara Laurent etched into the cold marble.
My daughter. My baby. I knelt down, pressing my fingers against the stone, tracing the letters as if I could somehow feel her through them. The wind was soft today, the sky clear, as if the universe itself was at peace.
Just like me.
“Hey, baby,” I whispered, swallowing against the lump in my throat. “I’m sorry it took me so long to visit.”
The wind rustled the grass, as if she was answering me.”
I smiled faintly, brushing away a tear. “A lot has happened, Amara. Things I never thought I’d survive. But I did. And I wanted to tell you…” I inhaled deeply. “I’m okay now.”
The words felt surreal leaving my lips. I had spent so long living in pain, trapped in the cycle of betrayal and grief. But I wasn’t trapped anymore.
I ran my fingers across the petals of the fresh flowers I had brought for her. “I met someone when you were still with me. You probably don’t remember him, but… his name is Cole.”
let out a soft laugh. “He’s been taking care of me. He makes me happy.”
I sighed, shaking my head. “I just wanted you to know that you don’t have to worry about me anymore.” My voice softened. “You can rest, my love.“}
Lleaned forward, pressing a soft kiss against the stone.
And before I knew it, exhaustion took over, pulling me into sleep.
Laughter. Bright. Joyful. Familiar. I turned my head and there she was–Amara. She was running barefoot through a field of flowers, her golden curls bouncing with every step.
She turned, her face lighting up the moment she saw me. “Mommy!”
I let out a breathless laugh. “Amara…”}
I didn’t question it. I didn’t fight it. I just ran to her. She launched herself into my arms, her tiny hands gripping my dress, her giggles filling the air.
I held her close, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. “I missed you so much, baby.”
Amara pulled back, grinning. “But I never left, Mommy! I’ve been with you the whole time!”
My heart clenched. “You have?”
She nodded eagerly. “Mhm! I watch you every day! Even when you cry.” Her little face scrunched up. “But you don’t cry as much now.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “No, I don’t.”@
She smiled. “Because you’re happy again.”
I cupped her face, memorizing every detail. “I love you, Amara.”
“I love you too, Mommy.” She beamed. “But I have to go now.”
Panic flared in my chest. “No–please, stay–“>
Amara shook her head, touching my cheek. “I’m always with you, silly.”
The warmth of her fingers lingered even as she stepped back, her small form beginning to blur.
“I’ll see you in your dreams, Mommy,” she whispered.
And then–She was gone.
I woke up with a sharp inhale, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. For a moment, I just lay there, staring up at the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. A shadow moved beside me.
I turned my head–and found Cole sitting there, watching me with a soft smile.
I blinked, groggy. “Cole?“}
His gaze was gentle. “Hey, sleepyhead.“}
I slowly sat up, rubbing my eyes. “What are you doing here?“N
Cole leaned back on his hands, glancing at Amara’s headstone. “I wanted to talk to her.“”
I frowned. “To Amara?“}
He nodded, his expression unreadable.}
I studied him carefully. “Why?”
His lips curled into a small smile. “Because I wanted to ask for permission.“”
Something in my chest tightened.
“Permission for what?” I whispered.§
Cole turned to me, his gaze filled with something deep, something certain.
Then, slowly, he reached into his pocket->
And pulled out a small, velvet box.
My breath hitched.
Cole exhaled, his voice steady as he held my gaze.”
“Evelyne,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I have loved you for as long as I can remember. And I have waited years for the chance to stand beside you again.”}
I covered my mouth, my heart hammering against my ribs.
He smiled. “I don’t want to wait anymore.”
And then–He kneeled.
There, beside Amara’s grave, with the wind carrying whispers of the past and promises of the future, he looked up at me, eyes full of unwavering devotion.
“Will you marry me?“>
I sucked in a shaky breath.”
For a moment, I couldn’t speak.
Because this–this was real. This wasn’t a business deal. This wasn’t an arrangement. This was love.
Pure. Honest. Undeniable.
A new beginning.
Tears blurred my vision, but I smiled through them.
“Yes,” I whispered.
Then, louder-
“Yes!”
Cole let out a breath of relief before slipping the ring onto my finger. And when he stood, wrapping his arms around me, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against my lips–I knew.
I was finally home.
hapter 17
