Chapter 10 - The Taste of Tomorrow
Six months later.
Early summer had arrived in Brierport. The cold winter harbor was now a sparkling expanse of deep blue water, dotted with white sailboats and bustling ferry ships. The air smelled of salt spray, blooming roses, and fresh sea breezes.
On the porch of a beautiful, three-story Victorian house on Elm Hill, a grand outdoor dining table was set for a summer feast.
Laughter echoed across the manicured lawn. Miles was running around the yard with a new puppy, chasing bubbles blown by Ms. Darlene, who sat comfortably in a wooden rocking chair on the porch, looking years younger and completely healthy.
Inside the bright, sunlit kitchen, Sarah was laughing as she helped Nico set out plates of fresh fruit and grilled seafood.
Out on the front porch steps, Cade sat with a glass of iced tea, watching the harbor.
A moment later, Juny walked out through the screen door. She was wearing a pretty yellow summer dress, her dark curls styled neatly, her skin glowing with health and vitality. She held two freshly baked, warm rolls wrapped in a napkin.
She sat down on the step right beside Cade, handing him one of the warm rolls.
Cade took it with a smile, breaking off a piece. "Is this from Rowan and Ry?"
"Yes," Juny smiled, her dark eyes sparkling with happiness. "Mr. Ry gave us an extra dozen today because Miles drew him a picture of a dinosaur eating a loaf of bread."
Cade chuckled softly, taking a bite of the warm, buttery bread. "It's incredible."
Juny leaned her head against Cade's shoulder, looking out at the sunlit harbor where the ships glided peacefully across the water.
"Mr. Cade?" she asked softly.
"Yes, Juny?"
"Do you remember what you told me in the snow that night?" she asked. "When you said I shouldn't have to be brave about bread?"
Cade turned his head, looking down at the girl who had changed his life forever. "I remember."
Juny looked up at him, a radiant, beautiful smile lighting up her face—a smile completely free of fear, secrecy, or weight.
"I'm not brave about bread anymore," she whispered happily. "Now I'm just happy."
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Cade wrapped a warm arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as the summer breeze drifted up from the harbor.
"Me too, Juny," Cade whispered, looking out at the family he had helped save, and the future they were all building together. "Me too."
