Chapter 8 - Spring in Greenwich
Six months later, the grounds of the Greenwich estate looked entirely transformed.
The bare winter trees were replaced by blooming dogwoods and manicured green lawns. Colorful chalk drawings covered the smooth asphalt of the driveway, and a bright red bicycle lay discarded near the garage.
Inside the mansion, the heavy silence was gone, replaced by the loud, chaotic, beautiful noise of four growing boys arguing over cereal flavors, video games, and who got to sit next to Nia at breakfast.
In the master study, the heavy oak doors stood wide open.
Nia—now wearing an emerald-green silk dress, her hair pinned back in loose waves—sat behind the mahogany desk, reviewing the foundation grants for the new pediatric wing the Vale-Carter Charitable Trust was opening in Manhattan.
Adrian walked into the study, carrying two cups of fresh espresso. He set one down on her desk, leaned over, and pressed a warm kiss against the side of her neck.
“You’re working too late again, Miss Carter,” he murmured, a fond smile touching his mouth.
“I’m just finalizing the hospital board appointments, Mr. Vale,” Nia replied, leaning back against his chest with a contented sigh. “Chloe’s second follow-up exam was clear. The doctors say she’s fully healed.”
“I know,” Adrian said softly, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. “I spoke with Dr. Vance this morning.”
Nia turned around in his arms, looking up into his warm, slate-gray eyes—eyes that no longer held the cold shadow of grief and isolation.
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“You know, for a terrifying underworld kingpin, you’re getting terribly domestic,” Nia teased gently.
“Only for the right nanny,” Adrian whispered, before capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss that tasted of morning espresso, sunshine, and a forever they had both fought tooth and nail to build.
