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James Carter crossed the tiled corridor with long, measured strides, his designer shoes clicking against the linoleum. The sterile smell of the hospital hit him harder now, mixing with the metallic tang of his own dried blood. But none of that registered. His entire world had narrowed down to the little girl kneeling on the floor and the name she had just spoken. / Chapter 10 / 10

Chapter 10 - Forever and AlwaysLater that evening, after the gallery guests had departed and the catering staff had cleared away the champagne flutes, the SoHo gallery fell into a quiet, peaceful hush.

The lights were dimmed to a warm, golden glow.

In the center of the gallery floor, barefoot and laughing, Lily was spinning in circles, her green dress flaring out around her like flower petals, while the golden retriever puppy chased her in joyful loops.

James and Rebecca stood near the back wall, sharing a final glass of wine as they watched their daughter play.

“Penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Carter,” James murmured, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder.

Rebecca leaned back against his chest, smiling as she watched Lily chase the puppy toward the front display window.

“I was just thinking about the first night we met again,” Rebecca whispered softly, a nostalgic smile touching her lips. “In that sterile, freezing hospital corridor. When Lily grabbed your coat and promised to pay you when she grew up.”

James chuckled, a rich, warm sound that vibrated against her back. “She drove a hard bargain. I think I’m still waiting on that payment.”

“Oh, you got paid,” Rebecca turned around in his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and looking up into his dark, loving eyes with a playful spark in her green gaze. “You got a brilliant, stubborn artist wife, a very energetic daughter, and a lifetime of free painting lessons.”

“That,” James smiled, leaning down to press his lips gently against hers in a slow, deep, everlasting kiss, “is the best return on investment I’ve ever had.”

As their lips parted, Lily came running over, throwing her arms around both their legs and squeezing them tightly.

“Group hug!” Lily announced happily.

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