Chapter 19 - A Peaceful Morning by the Lake
Autumn gave way to a crisp, clear spring as the family spent the weekend at their private lakeside cabin in the Adirondacks.
The lake mirrored the brilliant blue sky, while pine trees swayed gently in the cool mountain breeze coming off the northern ridge.
Catherine sat on the wooden dock with her legs dangling over the water, watching small fish dart beneath the crystal-clear surface.
Samuel walked out behind her carrying two mugs of hot coffee, handing one to her before sitting down beside her on the planks.
“It’s hard to believe how much our lives have changed in just one year,” Catherine murmured, taking a gentle sip from her mug.
“You survived the unimaginable, Catherine; nothing in this world can ever touch us again,” Samuel promised, wrapping his arm around her.
May you like
Penelope ran down the wooden path toward them holding a fistful of wildflowers, her laughter echoing across the tranquil mountain water.
Life had finally returned to a state of sublime, ordinary perfection that neither of them had ever expected to experience.
