Chapter 8 - THE SUNSET AT THE ESTATEThree weeks later.
The autumn rain had finally given way to a brilliant, golden sunset that painted the Hudson Valley in shades of amber and rose.
Resting on the expansive green lawn of the newly acquired Blackwell ancestral estate, six-year-old Arya chased a golden retriever across the grass, her laughter ringing out into the evening air. Nearby, three-year-old Tyler sat in a sandbox, happily building a towering castle with plastic blocks.
On the wide stone veranda, Clare sat in a comfortable wicker armchair, sipping chamomile tea, watching her children with a peaceful smile that had been a long time coming.
Footsteps approached from behind.
Harrison walked out onto the veranda, wearing a soft linen shirt, his sleeves rolled up, looking more relaxed and genuinely happy than he had in his entire life. He carried two fresh glasses of lemonade, handing one to Clare before leaning against the stone railing beside her.
Clare looked up at him, her storm-blue eyes sparkling with quiet amusement.
"So," Clare teased gently. "I heard on the morning news that you officially restructured three major corporations and fired half your executive board this week."
Harrison chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "Cleaning house. It turns out when you get rid of the dead weight, everything runs a lot smoother."
May you like
Clare smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder as they watched Arya run toward them across the lawn, waving a wildflower she had picked by the garden.
"Daddy
