Chapter 10 - Dawn Over Cole Manor
Six months later, Cole Manor looked entirely different.
The cold marble floors were scattered with colorful plastic toys, building blocks, and the occasional stray sneaker. The sterile white curtains Elise had chosen were replaced with warm, linen drapes that danced in the afternoon breeze. The kitchen smelled constantly of burnt butter, garlic, and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.
In the backyard garden, under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, five-year-old Milo and Theo were tumbling across the grass, their laughter ringing out clear and bright into the autumn air.
On the porch swing, Nathaniel sat with his arm wrapped securely around Jo. She rested her head against his shoulder, watching the boys run toward them with muddy shoes and wide, beaming grins.
"You know," Jo murmured, closing her eyes as the warm breeze caught her hair, "the Sterling Agency still calls me once a month asking if I want to come back."
May you like
Nathaniel smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, and pulled her a little closer.
"Tell them," he whispered, "that the only position open here is permanently filled."
