Chapter 10 - The Chair at the Table
Two years later.
The Vale Estate was filled with the warm, fragrant air of a late spring evening.
On the sweeping lawn overlooking the blue waters of Lake Michigan, a grand wooden dining table was set under string lights hanging from the old oak trees.
Sitting around the table were Caleb Shaw, Victoria Vance, Dr. Helen Porter—the kind nurse from St. Catherine’s who had helped Emma two years ago and was now the Chief Administrator of the Grace Bennett Pediatric Center—and several close friends.
At the head of the table sat Dominic Vale.
Beside him sat Emma, radiant and beautiful, holding Dominic’s hand beneath the table.
And sitting at the seat directly to Dominic’s right—in a small carved oak high chair—sat two-year-old Grace.
Grace had bright brown eyes, dark silk hair, and a laughter that could light up the darkest room. She was currently eating a slice of peach, offering a piece to Dominic with a chubby, sticky hand.
"Here, Daddy! Eat!" Grace squealed happily.
Dominic let out a warm laugh, leaning over and taking the small bite of peach from his daughter's hand, kissing her cheek softly.
"Thank you, my sweet girl," Dominic smiled.
Across the lawn, Caleb raised his glass of wine in a toast. "To the boss," Caleb smiled, "and to the little girl who runs the entire city."
Everyone at the table laughed, raising their glasses in agreement.
Emma leaned her head against Dominic’s shoulder, looking out at the sun setting over Lake Michigan, painting the sky in vibrant shades of gold, purple, and crimson.
Three years ago, she had sat on a cold concrete bench in a blizzard, holding a newborn child, abandoned by a man who thought a daughter was a disappointment.
Now, she sat beside a man who loved them more than life itself, surrounded by family, safety, and an empire built on love, courage, and justice.
Grace reached out her small hands, patting the wooden table happily. "Daddy! Mommy! Look! Big sun!"
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Dominic wrapped his arm around Emma, pulling her close, while looking down at the little girl who held his entire heart.
"Yes, sweetheart," Dominic whispered, his voice filled with complete, eternal peace. "It’s a beautiful day."
