Chapter 23 - Reflections by the Fireplace
Later that night, long after the last guests had departed and the glittering lights of the ballroom had been dimmed, the estate settled into a deep, peaceful stillness. A gentle snowfall began to dust the sprawling lawns outside, turning the Buckhead grounds into a quiet winter wonderland.
In the master suite, a roaring fire crackled in the marble fireplace, casting a warm, amber glow across the room. Jason was sleeping soundly in his crib nearby, his soft, rhythmic breathing the sweetest sound in the world.
Megan sat wrapped in a warm wool blanket on the edge of the oversized bed, watching the flames dance. Dominic walked over, two mugs of hot spiced cider in his hands, and handed one to her before sitting down beside her.
"Do you ever think about the old days?" Megan asked softly, blowing gently across the surface of her mug. "Before all of this?"
"Sometimes," Dominic answered honestly, his dark eyes reflecting the firelight. "I look back at the man I was—guarded, angry, trapped in my own bitterness—and I barely recognize him. You didn't just walk into my house, Megan. You rescued me from myself."
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Megan reached over, placing her hand gently over his. "We rescued each other, Dominic. I was running from ghosts, and you gave me a fortress of safety. You gave my son a home, and you gave me a love I never dared to dream of."
Dominic smiled, wrapping his free arm around her shoulders and pulling her close against his side. "And I intend to spend the rest of my life making sure you never have to worry about a single storm again."
