Chapter 16 - The Golden Light
Two weeks after the night in Westchester, Brooklyn Heights was blanketed in a soft, quiet layer of early winter snow. The studio was warm, filled with the scent of pine, cinnamon, and fresh oil paint.
The drama of the Vance family had finally settled into legal finality. Grant had pled guilty to charges of harassment and evidence tampering, receiving a mandatory custodial sentence, while Eleanor entered a plea bargain that stripped her of her foundation and forced her to pay full restitution to Leah’s estate. The news cycles had moved on, leaving Leah in total, glorious peace.
Leah sat in Uncle Richard’s restored rocking chair by the industrial window, looking out over the frozen East River. Her mother’s emerald pendant rested comfortably against her neck, glowing softly against her white knit sweater.
Daniel walked in, carrying two mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. He kicked off his boots and sat down on the hardwood floor beside her chair, resting his head against her knee.
"The art curator from the Brooklyn Museum called today," Daniel said gently, taking a sip from his mug. "They want to purchase The Horizon—the canvas you finished the day I brought you pastries."
Leah smiled, running her fingers through his dark, soft hair. "I told them it’s not for sale."
"Oh? Why not?"
"Because that painting belongs right here," Leah said, gesturing to the main wall of the studio where the vibrant blue, gold, and green canvas hung prominently. "It’s the first thing Elias is going to see when he comes home from the hospital."
Daniel looked up at her, his eyes filled with endless warmth. "You know, Marcus called me into his office this morning."
"Are they making you full partner?" Leah asked with a smile.
"They offered it," Daniel admitted. "Bur I told them I’m taking a three-month paternity leave starting next week."
Leah’s heart swelled. "Daniel... you don't have to give up your work for—"
"I’m not giving up anything," Daniel interrupted gently, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. "I spent ten years fighting other people’s battles in courtrooms. Right now, the only place I want to be is right here, building a family with you."
Before Leah could reply, a sudden, sharp pressure echoed through her lower abdomen. She gasped softly, her grip tightening on Daniel’s hand.
May you like
Daniel sat up instantly, his lawyerly composure vanishing into pure, anxious excitement. "Was that...?"
"I think Elias agrees," Leah gasped, a wide, breathtaking smile spreading across her face as another contraction washed over her. "It’s time, Daniel."
