Chapter 10 - A Garden of Their Own
One year later.
The afternoon sun warmed the expansive backyard of a beautiful, new estate—not a fortified castle built out of fear, but an open, welcoming home filled with large windows and blooming flowers.
In the center of the lawn was a massive, vibrant garden filled with white roses, jasmine, and lavender.
Betty, now eight years old, was running through the rows of flowers, her blond curls catching the sunlight. She was wearing a bright yellow sundress, her laughter echoing through the air—a sound completely healed of trauma. She was chasing a fluffy white puppy, her joy infectious.
Joan stood on the wooden deck, a glass of iced tea in her hand. Her life had completely transformed. She had used the reward money Richard had given her to start a non-profit foundation that provided housing and legal aid to struggling young women in the city, ensuring no one else had to feel invisible the way she once did.
A pair of strong, warm arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Richard leaned down, resting his chin on her shoulder, inhaling the sweet scent of the garden—and the scent of Joan.
"She looks happy," Richard whispered, watching his daughter play.
"She is happy, Richard," Joan smiled, leaning back against his chest, feeling completely secure in his embrace. "We all are."
Richard turned her around in his arms, his dark eyes filled with a profound devotion that had grown over twelve months of shared healing, quiet dinners, and late-night conversations. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
Opening it, a brilliant diamond ring sparkled in the afternoon light.
"Joan, a year ago you saved my daughter, and in doing so, you saved me," Richard said, his voice thick with emotion. "You taught us how to live again, not just survive. I don't want another day to pass without you being officially part of this family. Will you marry me?"
Tears of pure happiness welled in Joan’s eyes. She looked from the ring, to Richard’s loving face, and then to Betty, who had stopped running and was watching them from the garden with a massive, knowing grin.
May you like
"Yes," Joan whispered, her voice overflowing with joy. "Yes, Richard. A million times yes."
Betty squealed with delight, sprinting up the deck stairs and throwing herself into both of their arms. As the three of them held each other tightly in the warm sunlight, Joan knew that her days of being invisible were gone forever. She had found her purpose, her home, and a love that would protect her for the rest of her life.
