Chapter 10 - Button-With-One-Sock
The siege of Cedarhaven ended at dawn. With the arrival of the police and Bennett's reinforcements, the remnants of Rossi's syndicate were wiped out forever. The estate was heavily damaged, scarred by bullets and fire, but the walls still stood.
The morning sun broke through the gray clouds, casting a golden light over the ruined rose gardens.
Bennett sat on the stone steps of the back patio, a bandage wrapped around his shoulder. He held a mug of black coffee, watching the horizon. He had spent his entire life fighting for power, accumulating wealth, building a fortress to keep the world out.
But as the heavy patio door slid open, he realized his entire world was already right here.
Lily walked out, wearing one of his oversized sweaters. She looked tired, but the haunted, empty look in her eyes was gone. The woman looking back at him was his wife. Bruised, battered, but whole.
She sat down beside him on the cold stone, leaning her head on his good shoulder.
"It's a mess," she murmured, looking out at the ruined lawn.
"I can rebuild it," Bennett said softly. "I can rebuild anything, as long as you're here."
The sound of tiny footsteps made them both turn. Mia walked out onto the patio, still in her dirty pink hoodie, clutching a very disgruntled, gray cat with one white paw.
"I found Button," Mia announced proudly. "He was hiding in a fancy vase."
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Bennett couldn't help the laugh that rumbled in his chest. It was a sound he hadn't made in five years. He reached out, pulling Mia onto his lap, cat and all, wrapping his other arm tightly around Lily.
"Good," Bennett smiled, kissing the top of his daughter's head. "No more running away, Button. You're home."
