The mansion had never felt this alive.
Music drifted through the hallways, warm and soft, echoing from the speakers hidden in the walls. Laughter rose from the living room, glasses clinking, voices blending together in comfortable familiarity.
For the first time in years, the house wasn't a fortress.
It was a home.
Matthew stood near the balcony doors with a glass of whiskey in his hand, watching the scene unfold.
Vinny was on the floor in the middle of the living room with their daughter, laughing as she attempted to stack colorful blocks that kept falling over. Every time the tower collapsed, she gasped dramatically and burst into giggles, her small hands clapping excitedly.
Vinny leaned down and kissed the top of her curly blond hair.
Matthew's chest tightened in a way that had nothing to do with fear.
Three years ago he never imagined this life.
Peace.
Family.
Love.
And yet here it was.
"Never thought I'd see the day."
Matthew glanced sideways.
