Chapter 20 - The Warmth of HomeAs the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the Seattle sky in vibrant shades of rose, amber, and gold, the guests began to head home.
Eleanor stepped out onto the wide stone porch carrying a tray with three glasses of cold lemonade. She set the tray down on the porch table and walked over to the top of the steps, watching her children sit together on the bottom stair.
Chloe leaned her head against Leo’s shoulder, her small hand wrapped securely around his. Leo was smiling, pointing out the faint outline of the first evening star appearing in the clear sky above Puget Sound.
Eleanor walked down the steps and sat beside them, wrapping her arms around both of her children, pulling them close against her chest.
"What are you wishing for, Leo?" Chloe asked softly, looking up at her brother.
Leo looked around at the towering green trees, the warm lights glowing inside the grand house, and finally into the tear-filled, loving eyes of his mother.
He reached out his small hand, gently touching Eleanor's cheek, then squeezed Chloe's hand tightly.
"I don't need to wish for anything," Leo whispered, his voice steady, rich, and filled with deep, absolute peace. "I'm already home."
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Eleanor kissed the top of his head, holding her son and daughter tightly as the warm evening breeze rustled the leaves around them, signaling the quiet, beautiful beginning of a life that would never be broken again.
THE END
