Chapter 10 - The Sanctuary
One year later.
The autumn air was crisp and cool as golden leaves drifted down onto the quiet garden path at the Mercer estate.
In the center of the garden stood a brand-new white marble pavilion overlooking the lake. Inside, a beautiful bronze memorial plaque was set into the stone, surrounded by fresh white lilies:
DR. GENEVIEVE MERCER Mother, Healer, Light. Her love saved her children; her wisdom saved the world.
Jonah and Blythe knelt beside the plaque, placing a bouquet of hand-picked wildflowers at the base. They looked tall, healthy, and happy, their laughter echoing over the quiet water.
I stood twenty feet away under the shelter of an oak tree, wearing a dark suit. Beside me stood Clara, wearing an elegant cream-colored lace wedding gown that caught the soft afternoon light.
Dr. Yates and Prescott stood nearby as witnesses, smiling warmly.
"Are you ready, Lawson?" Clara asked softly, turning to face me. Her hazel eyes were brilliant with happiness.
I took both of her hands in mine. The heavy silver gun that used to sit in my coat pocket was gone. The coldness that used to define every breath I took had vanished entirely.
"I’ve been ready since the day you stood outside my gate in the rain," I said, my voice rich with deep, undeniable devotion.
The minister stepped forward, reading the simple vows we had written together.
"Lawson Mercer, do you take Clara Vance to be your wedded wife, to love her, honor her, and cherish her, in strength and in peace, for all the days of your life?"
I looked at the woman who had saved my son, saved my daughter, and brought my soul back from the dead.
"I do," I said clearly.
"And Clara Vance, do you take Lawson Mercer to be your wedded husband, to stand beside him, build with him, and love him, for all the days of your life?"
"I do," Clara whispered, a tear of joy slipping down her cheek.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Jonah and Blythe came running up the marble steps, cheering and clapping their hands.
I pulled Clara into my arms, dipping her slightly as I pressed a deep, loving kiss against her lips. The children wrapped their arms around our legs, laughing and hugging us tight.
When I lifted my head, I looked out across the lake. The high iron gates of the estate stood wide open, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
May you like
The ten days of death were long gone.
In their place was an eternity of life, love, and a home that no shadow would ever touch again.
