The sun poured golden light through the tall windows of the Montgomery estate, casting warm rays across the polished marble floors. For the first time in weeks, there was no sound of sirens or security alerts, no whispers of threats or betrayal echoing down the corridors. Only peace.
Clair sat in the private garden, her hands gently cradling her growing belly. The soft hum of bees and the rustling of leaves filled the silence. She exhaled deeply, letting her body relax into the cushioned bench beneath her. Her skin glowed beneath the sunlight, and a small smile played on her lips.
The children kicked again that morning. It had jolted her awake with joy and surprise, and for a long moment, she had simply lain there with a hand over her stomach and tears in her eyes. Her children were growing. Strong. Safe.
And she had made sure of that.
The sound of footsteps on gravel made her look up. Austin was walking toward her, dressed in soft gray slacks and a white linen shirt, sleeves rolled up. His eyes never left her. Not the flowers. Not the sky. Only her.
"You look like a dream," he said, voice low and reverent.
Clair smiled. "I feel like a retired gladiator."
Austin chuckled, kneeling in front of her, his hands cupping her belly gently.
"They kicked again?" he asked.
She nodded. "All three. The twins and the little one on the side. They're already giving me a run for my money."
Austin leaned forward and pressed a kiss against her belly. "They'll have your heart and your fire."
They stayed like that for a moment, bathed in quiet. No threats. No fear. Just love.
Clair reached out, running her fingers through his hair. "I feel like I can finally breathe."
Austin looked up. "The FBI is backing off. We got word this morning. The internal leak pointed to Hartley's aide and not us. They're redirecting their energy now."
Clair's brows lifted. "That fast?"
Austin stood, taking a seat beside her. "You taking out Isadora did more than end a personal threat. It exposed just how far the corruption reached. The media flipped. Everyone's pointing fingers at the Bureau now."
"And what about us?" she asked softly.
"We are safe," he said. "For now. And I am going to make sure we stay that way."
Clair leaned her head on his shoulder, her fingers slipping between his. "Promise me we'll keep choosing peace. Even when the world makes war."
He kissed her temple. "You're my peace, Clair. Every moment with you is my war won."
They sat there as the garden bloomed around them. No cameras. No threats. Only love.
Later that evening, the estate glowed in amber lights. Austin had arranged a private dinner on the rooftop terrace. The view of the city skyline glimmered in the background while string lights danced above them.
Clair stepped out onto the terrace in a flowing ivory gown, her curls pinned up with golden clips. Austin stood waiting at the table, eyes widening at the sight of her.
"You take my breath away," he said.
She smiled, cheeks pink. "You're the one who set all this up."
He pulled out her chair. "Because you deserve the world. And I want to spend the rest of my life giving it to you."
Dinner was filled with soft music, laughter, and whispered secrets. They shared stories of dreams and childhoods, of fears and hopes for the future. For the first time in a long time, Clair saw the man behind the king. Not just Austin Montgomery, the mafia leader, but Austin, her husband. Her protector. Her partner.
As dessert was served, chocolate soufflé with strawberries, Clair felt a flutter in her stomach that wasn't from the babies.
"I think I finally believe this is real," she said.
Austin leaned forward. "It is. You and me. Our children. This life. It's all real. And it's just beginning."
Clair reached across the table, gripping his hand. "Do you think we'll be good parents?"
"I know we will," Austin said without hesitation. "You've already shown them more strength and love than most ever see in a lifetime. And I'll be right here, every step."
She blinked away tears. "We're really doing this, huh?"
He stood, walked over to her, and pulled her up into his arms. "We are."
They swayed together under the stars, no music needed. Just the rhythm of their hearts beating in time.
Later, wrapped in his arms in bed, Clair whispered, "I was scared we wouldn't make it this far."
"Me too," Austin admitted. "But we did. And now all I want is forever with you."
Clair closed her eyes, resting a hand over her belly. "Forever sounds perfect."
And for the first time since their whirlwind began, peace didn't feel like a fantasy.
It felt like home.