Page 155 of Code of Heart
Aurelia blinked, then burst into soft laughter. “Wow. Jumping right into that one, huh?”
“I’m a planner,” he said, his grin unapologetic.
She bit her lip, growing thoughtful. “I used to think I wouldn’t be a good mother…that I’d become my mother. Now? I do want kids, a family. I want a real home—with you. Two or three kids, maybe? What about you?”
“Whatever you want is perfect,” he said simply. “We can have a whole brood of little monsters, but not right away. I want us to have time first. Just us. Travel. Try new things. Make sure we’re really ready when that time comes.”
She smiled, threading her fingers through his hair. “I like that. But you’re going to have to explain this ‘extensive plan’ of yours. What else aren’t you telling me?”
He gave her a mock-sober nod. “It’s a thorough list. Couples’ curling tournament, learning to keep bees so we can make our own honey—oh, and taking you to your first metal concert.”
She laughed outright. “Those are…ambitious options. How about we start with something simple? I want to travel. I’ve never been outside the city, never even been on a plane. And…I want a real wedding.”
Levi’s expression softened. “You do?”
She nodded. “Something small with only us and the people who truly love us. On the dock, maybe. With string lights. I want to walk down the aisle properly this time.”
“Then we’ll make it happen,” he said without hesitation, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Anything you want.”
She settled against his chest again, then drew a deep breath. “There’s one more thing I want. I…need your help.”
Levi shifted to look at her. “Anything, Auri.”
Aurelia hesitated, then let the words tumble free. “I want to use the inheritance Eleanor left me to make something meaningful out of it—help kids like me. Kids who age out of the system and have nowhere to go. I’m thinking about turning Starhaven Manor into a transitional residence. A safe place where they can figure things out.”
Levi was quiet for a moment, his thumb brushing soothing circles on her arm. When she finally met his gaze, what she saw there wasn’t surprise; it was pride.
“You are incredible,” he murmured. “Funny story though…it’s already in motion.”
Her eyes went wide. “What?”
“I wanted to give you something real for our wedding, a proper wedding gift. I remembered you mentioning this idea atMoonlit Buns, so I had Charles start setting up the foundation. It’s legally established, ready for you to take the lead whenever you’re ready.”
She threw her arms around him, holding on like she might never let go.
“You, sir,” she choked out against his shoulder, “are going to be the death of me.”
He laughed, tightening his hold. “I love you, Aurelia. I want to build the rest of my life with you.”
She pulled back, searching his face. But before she could respond, a shadow crept across her features as thoughts crept in of Selene, Kyle, and the looming trial.
Her lips trembled. “Levi…there’s still something I’m afraid of. It’s hanging over us, and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to face it.”
His expression turned serious. “The trial.”
She nodded.
“It feels like they still have power over me,” she whispered. “I’m never really going to be free of them.”
Levi cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away the tears threatening to fall. “I will be right there beside you for every court date and every hard moment. You’ll never have to stand alone again.”
She tried to laugh, but it caught in her throat. “I don’t know how to be brave enough to face the source of my nightmares.”
He leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss on her lips. “Youarestrong enough—you’ve always been. The only difference is that you now have me to remind you of that when you forget.”
In his arms and under the stars, she felt her fear begin to loosen its grip, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it together.
From this point forward, Aurelia wasn’t just surviving anymore; she was finallyliving.
