Chapter 10 - Where Belonging Truly Begins
Declan walked back inside the warm, radiant glow of the workshop.
As he entered, Laney met him near the center of the floor. She didn't ask what Gideon had said. She only looked into Declan’s eyes, saw the absolute peace reflected there, and smiled.
""Good?"" she asked softly.
""Completely,"" Declan replied.
The music shifted to a slow, melodic ballad. Around them, guests began swaying, laughing, and celebrating.
Declan took Laney’s hand, leading her toward the polished concrete floor in front of the showroom.
""What are you doing, Mr. Mercer?"" Laney teased, her hazel eyes sparkling. ""Are you going to dance in front of all these distinguished clients?""
""I am,"" Declan whispered, pulling her close. ""Because eighteen months ago, an aunt of mine asked who would ever want a scarred man like me.""
He wrapped his arm firmly around her waist, lifting her chin with his other hand so her eyes met his.
""And I finally have the answer.""
""Oh yeah?"" Laney smiled, resting her arms over his broad shoulders, leaning into his warmth. ""Who?""
""The smartest, bravest, most beautiful woman in the world,"" Declan said, his voice full of steady, unshakable devotion.
May you like
Laney’s smile softened into pure tenderness. ""You got that right, Declan Mercer. Don't you ever forget it.""
They danced beneath the warm lights, surrounded by friends who truly loved them, family who had learned the price of truth, and a future built on honor and grit. The scar on Declan's face caught the light—not as a mark of tragedy, but as a golden badge of endurance. He was loved, he was whole, and he was finally home."
