Chapter 10 - The Forever HomeThe morning sun of July 2026 broke over the shores of Lake Michigan, casting a brilliant, golden trail of light across the private beach of the Whitman estate in Winnetka.
The old stone walls of the mansion were still there, but the gates were open, the manicured lawns now covered in small wooden playhouses, a rope swing hanging from the old oak tree, and three small bicycles parked neatly by the front steps.
Grace stood on the beach terrace, wearing one of Alexander’s oversized white linen shirts over a pair of soft grey leggings, her bare feet pressing into the warm, sunlit stone. Her hair was piled messily on top of her head, her hands holding a warm ceramic mug of coffee as she watched the morning mist lift from the water.
A pair of large, strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
Alexander pulled her back against his broad chest, his chin resting in the soft curve of her neck, his lips pressing a warm, lingering kiss against her shoulder. He was wearing his dark lounge pants, his skin radiating that deep, solid warmth that had become her ultimate haven over the last year.
“The boys are still asleep,” Alexander murmured, his voice deep, gravelly, and entirely content.
“Carter was trying to stay awake until midnight to catch the fireflies,” Grace laughed softly, leaning her head back against his shoulder. “He said the fireflies are actually secret lanterns for the dragon.”
“Marcus will have them caught by tonight if he asks,” Alexander said, his fingers gently turning her face until her brown eyes were forced to meet his pale, clear gaze.
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, velvet box that had been resting beside his wallet. He opened it to reveal a beautiful, classic diamond engagement ring—the band made of delicate gold, its center stone shining with the brilliant, clean light of a new dawn.
“I didn't have a presentation prepared, Grace,” Alexander whispered, his voice dropping into that quiet, absolute register of a man who had finally found his home. “And I don't have a boardroom contract for you to sign. But I have my sons, I have my heart, and I have a house that finally knows how to laugh. Will you marry me?”
Grace looked from the ring to his face, her eyes filling with tears of pure, unadulterated joy. She reached out, her hands wrapping around his neck, her fingers pressing into his dark hair with a strength that was no longer afraid of the dark.
“Yes, Alexander,” she whispered. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
From the second-floor balcony above them, three small, disheveled heads appeared over the railing, their faces lit with massive, matching grins as they looked down at the beach.
“Dad!” Carter yelled, pointing his toy sword toward the terrace. “Is the giant kissing the dragon?”
“No, Carter!” Thomas laughed, his small voice echoing across the quiet water. “He’s kissing our mom!”
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Alexander looked up at his sons, his arm tightening around Grace’s waist as the golden sun flooded the beach with pure, endless warmth.
“Yes, I am, boys,” Alexander called out, his voice rich and full of life. “Yes, I am.”
