Page 170 of Lush

“Meet your niece,” Jennie said as she rocked the baby gently in her arms. “Faith.”

The room seemed to quiet for a second as I took in the sight of the tiny girl, her face still partially hidden beneath the blanket. My niece. Faith. A fragile piece of our future.

David moved the chair closer to the bed, and Jennie carefully positioned the baby so I could see her better. The little one’s blue eyes fluttered open for just a moment before closing again. I couldn’t stop staring.

Laurene’s hand rested lightly on my shoulder.

I reached out with trembling fingers and touched the baby’s teeny hand, marveling at the softness of her skin.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this speechless,” I muttered, still looking at the baby in awe.

“Don’t get too attached to the quiet, Reese. She’s mine,” Jennie teased, and offered her to me. “Wanna hold her?”

I nodded, the baby’s gentle scent filling my nose as I carefully accepted her into my arms. I watched her chest go up and down. I looked up, and Laurene was smiling back.

“I love you,” I told her.

Laurene’s eyes softened, and she reached out, her fingers brushing the baby’s cheek.

“We made it,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Against everything—wemade it.”

Conrad. Yvonne. Nina. Harold. The weight of the past, this town, all the forces that tried to tear us apart.

And yet, here we were, still standing.

The world hadn’t won. We had.

And as I looked at Laurene, at the life we’d fought for, I knew this was only the beginning.

CHAPTER 34

Laurene

MONTHS LATER…

A low hum of conversation,punctuated by laughter and the clinking of champagne flutes, filled the gallery. The surrounding walls were adorned with pieces from local artists mixed with the masterpieces.

“Laurene King,” a voice called from behind me. I turned to see an older woman, dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, her cane hitting the floor steadily. “You’ve truly outdone yourself this time.”

“It’s Laurene Ashbourne now, Mrs. Fontaine,” I said. “Thank you for coming. How is theLush Chroniclesdoing?”

She raised her glass. “Perfect! I have great things to write. You are just what we needed here in Lush. Your grandfather Benjamin would be proud.”

I let myself take it all in—the crowd, the art, the strange mix of pride and vulnerability tightening in my chest. This wasn’t just an exhibit; it was a declaration. A way of saying,I’m still here.

Then I saw him.

Reese stood near the back of the room.

He wasn’t in a tuxedo like the others. Reese wore a black blazer and crisp, unbuttoned white shirt, showing skin. Theslight shine on his polished black leather boots caught the light, and I thought again about how sexy my husband was.

He stood there like he owned the space, one hand casually tucked in his pocket, the other holding a drink he hardly touched. His eyes were on a painting in front of him.

I calmly walked over, despite feeling a jumble of emotions.

“Where have you been hiding?”

“The exhibit is amazing, baby.” He turned, his green eyes locking on to mine.

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