Chapter 9 - A New Dawn
As the weeks turned into months, Dominic’s visits to Queens became a daily routine. He took Grace out to quiet dinners, away from the paparazzi and the business world. They talked about everything and nothing, building a foundation of trust that Dominic had never experienced with anyone else.
One evening, while walking through the botanical gardens, Dominic stopped Grace near a quiet stone bridge. The summer air was warm, filled with the scent of blooming jasmine.
"Grace," Dominic said, taking her hands. "For twenty years, I thought my life was meant to be lived in the dark. I thought I was only capable of protecting things, not loving them. But the day Lucy gave me that hug, and the moment I saw you standing by her, I realized I was wrong."
Grace looked up at him, her heart beating rapidly. "Dominic..."
"I don't want to be a shadow in your lives anymore," he said softly, his thumb gently tracing the back of her hand. "I want to be your partner. I want to build a life with you, Grace. If you’ll have me."
Grace’s eyes filled with tears of joy. She didn't say a word. Instead, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing him with a deep, passionate warmth that chased away the very last of the cold stones in his heart.
A few weeks later, Dominic took Lucy out to the park. They sat on the very same stone bench where they had first met.
"Lucy," Dominic said, handing her a small velvet box.
Lucy opened it to find a beautiful, delicate silver necklace with a tiny wolf charm.
"I wanted to ask you something very important," Dominic said, kneeling in front of her. "Your mother has agreed to marry me. But I wanted to ask your permission first. Would it be okay if I became your dad?"
May you like
Lucy’s eyes went wide. She looked at the necklace, then at Dominic. Without a word, she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him with all her might.
"Yes!" she cried. "I always wanted a dad who was really good at math and really good at hugs!"
