Chapter 8 - Seeds of a New Life
One year later, the name Valleti had vanished from the headlines of the Chicago newspapers. In its place, a new name appeared in the local commerce registries of southern Wisconsin: Brennan & Daughter Botanicals.
The Wisconsin estate had been completely transformed. The high concrete walls and electronic fencing were gone, replaced by sprawling fields of lavender, sunflowers, and rows of pristine greenhouses. The mansion was no longer a fortress; it was a home, its windows open to let in the summer breeze and the sound of children’s laughter.
Noel was six now, her dark hair long and braided, her cheeks rosy from hours spent playing in the sun. She had become Sadi’s shadow in the greenhouses, learning the Latin names of every plant and mastering the art of floral arrangement.
"Look, Mama Sadi!" Noel called out, running into the main packing shed holding a small pot containing a single, perfectly bloomed white rose.
Sadi, who was checking an order list, turned around and smiled warmly. The term 'Mama Sadi' had started naturally a few months prior, and every time Noel said it, Sadi’s heart expanded until it felt ready to burst.
"That is beautiful, sweetie," Sadi said, kneeling down to look at the rose. "Do you know what a white rose means?"
"Purity and new beginnings," Noel recited proudly, her voice clear and bright.
"Exactly," a deep voice said from the doorway.
Corbin stood there, wearing a simple flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his hands covered in dark soil from working the outdoor beds. He looked younger than he had a year ago; the harsh lines around his eyes had softened, and the constant, hyper-vigilant scanning of his surroundings had given way to a relaxed, peaceful demeanor.
He walked over, kissing the top of Noel’s head before leaning down to press a sweet, lingering kiss to Sadi’s lips.
"We have a problem," Corbin said, though the smirk on his face suggested otherwise.
Sadi raised an eyebrow. "What kind of problem?"
"Finch is arriving for dinner in an hour, and he brought Walt from the old flower shop with him. Walt is already arguing with the driver about the proper way to transport hydrangeas, and Finch looks like he’s about to lose his mind."
Sadi laughed, a sound that filled the shed with warmth. "I'll go get the kitchen ready. Noel, go wash your hands for dinner."
"Okay!" Noel set the white rose carefully on the table and sprinted toward the main house, the puppy barking happily at her heels.
May you like
Corbin watched her go, his arm wrapping around Sadi’s waist, pulling her close against his side. "Every day I look at her, I feel like I'm waking up from a dream."
"It's not a dream, Corbin," Sadi said, resting her head against his broad chest, listening to the steady, calm beat of his heart. "It’s the life you chose."
