Chapter 9 - Healing the Hearts of Blackwood
By December, the snow had returned to Long Island Sound, but this time, it was not a cold, hostile presence.
It fell in soft, beautiful flakes, wrapping Blackwood Manor in a blanket of white peace.
The kitchen was filled with the scent of pine, vanilla, and hot chocolate. The triplets were sitting at the large wooden table, their faces covered in flour as they helped Claire cut out gingerbread cookies.
"Mine is a wolf," Leo said, showing off a poorly shaped cookie.
"And mine is a star," Isabella smiled, her small hand resting on Claire's arm.
Mateo looked at his cookie, then at Claire. "Mine is you."
Claire felt a warm tear slip down her cheek. She knelt down, pulling all three of them into a tight, warm hug.
"I love you guys so much," she whispered.
"We love you too, Mama," Isabella said.
It was the first time they had called her that.
Roman stood in the doorway, his coat covered in snow from his drive from the city. He watched them, his heart full, the cold armor he had worn for thirty-seven years finally melting away entirely.
He walked into the kitchen, his arms wrapping around Claire and the children, bringing them all into a single, unbroken circle of warmth.
"You're late, Roman," Claire smiled, looking up at him.
"I had to pick up something," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small velvet box.
Inside lay a simple, elegant gold band.
May you like
"This is for every day," Roman said, his gray eyes shining with a deep, content light. "No diamonds. No emeralds. Just gold. To remind you that you are my wife, Claire. Not because of a contract. But because of love."
Claire let out a soft cry of joy, her lips meeting his in a kiss that tasted of sugar, rain, and the sweet, beautiful future they had built together.
