Chapter 28 - LILY'S SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY
Four years later, Clara and Julian celebrated Lily’s sixteenth birthday at their lakefront home in Chicago.
The backyard was decorated with white fairy lights, floral arches, and a large custom birthday cake on the lawn table.
Close friends, family, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the brilliant, beautiful young woman Lily had become.
Lily wore a delicate light blue party dress, her long curly brown hair falling gracefully over her shoulders.
She blew out the sixteen candles on her cake, making a wish as everyone clapped and cheered warmly around her.
Julian wrapped his arm around Clara’s waist, watching their daughter laugh and take photos with her high school friends.
"She has your smile, Clara," Julian whispered softly, kissing her cheek with endless affection.
"She has our love, Julian. That's all that ever mattered," Clara answered, her heart filled with overwhelming peace.
The night sky over Lake Michigan was clear, studded with a million glowing stars reflecting off the calm water.
May you like
They had won every war, survived every storm, and built a sanctuary of unconditional love.
***
