Chapter 8 - The Albany Visit
Two weeks later.
A sleek black limousine pulled up outside the entrance of the Whispering Pines Care Residence in Albany, New York.
The autumn air was crisp, with gold and red leaves fluttering across the manicured lawn.
Evelyn stepped out of the car, wearing a beautiful cream wool coat. Dominic stepped out beside her, dressed in a tailored navy suit, holding a massive bouquet of yellow roses.
"Are you nervous?" Dominic asked softly, taking her hand.
"A little," Evelyn admitted, looking up at the quiet brick building. "She has good days and bad days. Sometimes she remembers me from when I was ten. Sometimes she thinks I'm her college roommate."
"She's going to love you today," Dominic said gently, kissing her forehead. "And I've already signed the paperwork. She’s moving to the private estate in Westchester next week. Top specialists, twenty-four-hour personal care, and a garden full of roses."
Evelyn looked at him, her heart overflowing with love. "You didn't have to do that, Dominic."
"She raised the woman who saved my soul," Dominic said firmly. "It's the least I can do."
They walked inside together, navigating the warm, sunlit hallways until they reached room 104.
An elderly woman with soft silver hair sat near the window, a fleece blanket over her lap, looking out at the gardens.
"Mom?" Evelyn said softly, stepping into the room.
The woman turned her head slowly. For a second, her gray eyes—the exact same gray as Evelyn's—looked blank. Then a sudden, radiant spark of recognition illuminated her face.
"Evelyn," her mother whispered, her voice fragile but clear. "My little calculator."
Evelyn ran over, dropping to her knees beside her mother's chair, burying her face into her lap as her mother stroked her hair with thin, trembling hands.
"I missed you, Mom," Evelyn sobbed quietly.
"I missed you too, darling," her mother said softly. She looked up and saw Dominic standing in the doorway, holding the yellow roses, looking tall, proud, and protective.
"Who is this handsome young man?" her mother asked with a faint, playful smile.
Evelyn stood up, wiping her eyes, and pulled Dominic forward.
"Mom," Evelyn said proudly, her voice steady and clear. "This is Dominic. He's my boss... and the man I'm going to marry."
Her mother looked at Dominic, then looked down at the massive emerald ring glistening on Evelyn's finger.
"He looks like trouble," her mother remarked dryly.
May you like
Dominic chuckled, stepping forward and bowing his head respectfully as he handed her the roses. "I used to be trouble, Mrs. Hart. But your daughter straightened out my books."
Her mother smiled warmly, taking the flowers. "Good. Someone needed to."
