Chapter 17 - The Gathering on the Coast
Three months later, the spring flowers were blooming across the rugged cliffs of Bainbridge Island.
Alexander and Aura had invited Victor and Sophie to spend the weekend at their estate, turning a quiet family get-together into a celebration of survival and new beginnings. The sun sparkled across the slate-grey waters of Puget Sound as eight-year-old Lily and five-year-old Sophie chased the golden retriever puppy across the expansive green lawn.
On the back stone patio, Victor stood beside Alexander, both men holding mugs of coffee as they watched their daughters play.
"I still can't believe how fast they adapt," Victor remarked, shaking his head with a soft smile. "Six months ago, she was hiding under a coat at a bus stop, terrified of her own shadow. Now she rules my apartment."
"Children are resilient," Alexander replied, taking a sip of his coffee. "They find light in places we'd never expect. We just have to be strong enough to hold the door open for them."
From the doorway, Sarah Moretti walked out carrying a plate of freshly baked pastries, followed by Julian, who was carrying a tray of iced tea.
"Stop being so philosophical, Alex, and pass me a scone," Julian joked, pulling up a chair and sitting down with an easy, relaxed posture. The former mob boss wore a simple linen shirt and sunglasses, looking more like a retired coastal gentleman than a legend of the underworld.
"How's the transition going with the foundation, Victor?" Sarah asked, handing him a pastry. "I heard your new child advocacy program just received state-wide funding."
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"It's growing," Victor said gratefully. "Working with Marcus Vance—after we fired his corrupt senior partners, of course—we’ve set up emergency shelters for displaced children across three states. No child should ever have to spend Christmas Eve in the snow."
Julian looked out at Sophie laughing on the lawn, her bright laughter echoing over the water. "You did good, Victor. The past tries to follow us, but in the end, love is the only legacy that survives."
