Chapter 10 - The Song of Home
One year later.
Autumn had arrived in the Hudson Valley. The leaves on the rolling hills surrounding the Ghost Sanctuary had turned brilliant shades of orange, deep red, and shimmering gold.
The sanctuary grounds were filled with life. Dozens of rescued dogs—former police animals, shelter strays, and abused working breeds—ran freely through fenced green pastures, cared for by a dedicated staff of veterinarians and handlers.
In the center of the property stood a beautiful two-story stone farmhouse with a wide front porch overlooking a private pond.
Nina sat on the wooden porch swing, wrapped in a cozy woolen blanket, holding a warm mug of hot cider.
Lorenzo sat beside her, his arm wrapped tightly around her shoulders, pulling her close against his side as the cool autumn wind blew across the water.
Down on the grass near the edge of the pond, Ghost was slowly trotting back and forth, chasing a tennis ball that a young shelter worker had thrown for him. He moved with easy, graceful strength, his dark coat gleaming in the afternoon sun.
“He’s happy,” Lorenzo said softly, kissing Nina’s temple.
“We’re all happy,” Nina corrected gently, turning her face to smile at him.
Lorenzo pulled a small, black velvet box from his coat pocket. He opened it slowly, revealing a stunning, custom-designed platinum ring. In the center sat a brilliant cushion-cut diamond, flanked on either side by two tiny, polished black onyx stones shaped like a crescent moon.
Lorenzo looked into her dark, beautiful eyes.
“Nina Vasquez,” Lorenzo said, his voice trembling with a deep, profound emotion. “You broke my dog’s conditioning. You broke my paranoia. And you filled my empty life with music. Will you marry me?”
Nina looked at the ring, then looked up into the warm, amber eyes of the man who had fought through hell to protect her and her dog.
She didn't answer with words.
Instead, she leaned close, wrapped her arms around his neck, and softly sang the six notes into his ear:
♪ Do... Ti... La... Sol... Fa... Mi... ♪
Lorenzo let out a joyous, breathless laugh, sliding the ring onto her finger before pulling her into a deep, passionate kiss.
May you like
Down by the pond, Ghost heard the melody.
He stopped, dropped his tennis ball into the grass, turned toward the porch, and let out a loud, glorious, happy bark that echoed across the hills of their new home—a home where no one would ever be lost again.
