Chapter 15 - Recovery at Home
Three days after the aborted wedding, Natalie brought Maisie back home to their quiet apartment in Austin.
The media circus outside had finally dispersed after police arrested Vivian and charged her with multiple felony counts without bail.
Inside the apartment, everything smelled familiar, safe, and comforting.
Maisie sat on the living room rug, slowly building a tall tower out of colorful wooden blocks with her mother sitting right beside her.
“Mommy?” Maisie asked softly, looking up with her big brown eyes.
“Am I allowed to say no to broccoli tonight?”
Natalie felt a lump form in her throat, and she pulled her daughter into a warm, fierce embrace, smiling through her tears.
“You can say no to anything you want, sweetie,” Natalie promised, kissing the top of Maisie’s head.
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“You never have to be afraid in this house again.”
For the first time in months, a bright, uninhibited giggle escaped the little girl’s lips.
