Chapter 25 - A Birthday in the Hamptons
Two months later, the Vance family gathered at their sprawling oceanfront estate in East Hampton to celebrate Lily's ninth birthday.
The wide green lawn was decorated with pastel balloons, soft velvet ribbons, and a massive chocolate birthday cake.
Lily ran freely across the grass with her new golden retriever puppy, her laughter echoing in the warm summer air.
Grace walked alongside Edward on the wooden porch overlooking the crashing blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
"I never thought I would see her smile like this again, Dad," Grace said softly, leaning her head against his shoulder.
"You brought us out of the darkest night of our lives."
May you like
Edward wrapped a warm arm around his daughter's waist, kissing her forehead with profound, infinite love.
"You brought yourself back, Grace," Edward replied gently. "All I did was listen to a brave little girl holding a mint backpack."
