Chapter 18 - A NEW BEGINNING AT THE COMPOUND
Six months later.
The Blackwood Compound on the Pacific coast had been completely rebuilt. The broken glass and scorched entryways were gone, replaced by reinforced steel framing, floor-to-ceiling safety glass, and expansive sunlit rooms overlooking the ocean.
It was a warm, bright Saturday afternoon. The air smelled of fresh pine and salty sea breeze.
On the manicured green lawn overlooking the ocean cliffs, two-year-old Noah was running happily through the grass, his dark curls bouncing as he chased a playful golden retriever puppy that Daniel had given him for his birthday.
"Slow down, little master!" Elena laughed, sitting on a bench nearby with a tray of fresh lemonade, her eyes full of joy as she watched the toddler play.
Noah’s bruise from that terrible night on the staircase was long gone, replaced by healthy, rosy cheeks and a loud, infectious giggle that echoed across the lawn.
Daniel walked out onto the patio dressed in a comfortable linen shirt and jeans, leaving his suits and corporate files behind for the weekend.
"Da!" Noah shrieked happily when he saw Daniel.
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The toddler tumbled over his own small feet in the soft grass, but before he could touch the ground, Daniel scooped him up into a tight, warm hug, swinging him through the air.
Noah dissolved into fits of squealing laughter, clutching Daniel’s shoulders with his small hands.
