Chapter 10
A year later, we were in the backyard of our new home, the one Liam and I had bought together.
It was a big, sunny house with a big backyard, perfect for Lila to run around in.
Lila was two now, running across the grass, chasing a butterfly, laughing so loud it echoed through the yard.
Liam was chasing her, pretending to be a monster, making her giggle even harder.
I sat on a blanket under a tree, watching them, a smile on my face.
I was pregnant again, our second baby due in a few months.
Life was good.
Better than good.
It was everything I’d ever wanted.
Arthur came over, bringing me a glass of lemonade.
He’d become like family to us, a grandfather to Lila, a trusted friend to me and Liam.
“Looks like you’ve got everything you ever wanted,” he said, sitting down beside me, watching Lila and Liam.
I nodded, resting my hand on my belly.
“I do,” I said. “It took a long time, and a lot of fighting, but I got here.”
I thought about the girl I used to be, the quiet, scared girl who’d hidden her power, who’d let the Morrisons walk all over her.
I thought about the night Diane poured that water on me, the moment I’d decided I was done being small.
I thought about the court battles, the fear, the pain.
It had all been worth it.
Because it had led me here.
To this house.
To this family.
To this peace.
Lila ran over to me, her cheeks pink from running.
“Mommy!” she said, climbing into my lap. “Daddy is a silly monster!”
I laughed, hugging her tight.
“I know, baby,” I said. “He’s the silliest monster I know.”
Liam walked over, grinning, and sat down beside us.
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.
“Everything okay?” he asked, kissing the top of my head.
“Everything’s perfect,” I said, leaning into him.
I looked out at the yard, at the sun shining down, at the flowers blooming, at my family laughing together.
I thought about the Morrisons.
Diane was still in prison.
Brendan had gotten out a few months earlier, but he’d moved across the country, trying to start over.
He’d sent me a letter once, apologizing, saying he finally understood what he’d lost.
I hadn’t replied.
I didn’t need to.
I’d already forgiven him, not for his sake, but for mine.
I’d let go of the anger, the hurt, the resentment.
I didn’t need it anymore.
I had everything I needed right here.
A husband who loved me.
A daughter who adored me.
A baby on the way.
A company that made a difference.
A foundation that helped people.
I was safe.
I was loved.
I was confident.
I was home.
Lila snuggled closer to me, and Liam kissed my cheek.
The sun was setting, painting the sky pink and orange, just like it had that night after I’d kicked the Morrisons out of the estate.
Back then, I’d had no idea what the future would hold.
I’d been scared, but I’d been determined.
And that determination had led me here.
To this perfect, beautiful, happy life.
I smiled, closing my eyes, breathing in the smell of grass and flowers and my family.
May you like
This was my happy ending.
And I’d earned every single second of it.
