Chapter 9 - The Legacy of Love
As the sun began to sink below the horizon, painting the Charleston sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and deep purple, the guests began to say their goodbyes. There were no polite, rushed departures this time; there were warm hugs, lingering conversations, and promises to meet again soon.
After the yard was finally quiet, Sebastian, Camila, my father, and I sat on the dock, watching the first fireflies of the evening begin to blink in the marsh grass.
Camila rested her head against my shoulder, her breathing slow and even. She was exhausted from a day of running, swimming, and being surrounded by people who loved her unconditionally.
“Dad?” she whispered, her voice sleepy.
“Yes, sweetie?”
“Do you remember what Grandma said?” she asked, her small voice hesitant. “About... about blood? And not inheriting love?”
My heart clenched slightly, but I kept my voice gentle and steady. I pulled her closer to my side. “I remember, Camila. But she was wrong. She was very, very wrong.”
“I know,” Camila murmured, looking out at the golden light reflecting on the water. “Because love isn’t in your blood. It’s in your heart. And we have a really big heart here.”
May you like
Sebastian reached over and gently pulled one of her braids. “Yeah, kiddo. And you’ve got a big brother who’s always going to make sure you have the biggest plate at the table.”
Camila giggled, her eyes closing as she drifted off to sleep against my chest.
