Chapter 13 - DAWN OVER BEACON HILL
The first rays of morning sun broke over the snow-covered rooftops of Boston Harbor,
painting the sky in brilliant shades of amber and rose.
Emma woke up in the luxurious blue guest suite,
wrapped in silk sheets that felt like a dream.
For a moment,
she forgot where she was,
expecting the familiar sound of her noisy apartment building in South Boston.
Then she remembered the armored car,
the warehouse shootout,
and Nathaniel’s piercing gray eyes.
She walked out into the grand hallway,
following the irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes.
In the expansive country-style kitchen,
Nathaniel was standing by the stove flipping pancakes in a skillet,
wearing a casual gray sweater.
Maisie was sitting at the marble island,
giggling uncontrollably as Mrs.
Gable poured maple syrup over her plate.
“Mommy! The Birthday Man made breakfast!” Maisie announced excitedly.
Nathaniel turned around,
a gentle smile gracing his handsome face.
“Morning,
Emma,
” Nathaniel said smoothly.
“I hope you like blueberry pancakes.
”
Emma leaned against the doorframe,
folding her arms with a amused grin.
“The feared mafia boss of New England makes pancakes?” Emma teased lightly.
“Only for special guests,
” Nathaniel replied,
setting a steaming plate on the island.
“And especially for little girls who know the rules of birthdays.
”
Maisie grabbed a fork,
digging into the pancakes with unbridled enthusiasm.
“Can we live here forever,
Mommy?” Maisie asked between bites.
Emma exchanged a long,
meaningful glance with Nathaniel across the kitchen counter.
“We’ll see,
sweetie,
” Emma smiled softly,
feeling a warmth in her chest she hadn't felt in years.
May you like
The dark shadows of the previous night seemed a million miles away,
replaced by the quiet promise of a brand new dawn.
