Chapter 18 - A New Legacy
The wedding reception was held inside the fully restored Echo Creek Lighthouse keeper's cottage. The wood stove crackled warmly, filling the room with the comforting scent of cedar and roasted spices.
Guests laughed, toasted glasses of champagne, and danced to soft acoustic music as the moon rose high over the calm ocean outside.
Clara walked out onto the stone terrace, holding a glass of sparkling cider. Julian followed her out, wrapping his coat around her shoulders against the cool autumn breeze.
"You look breathtaking, Mrs. Hayes," Julian murmured, sliding his arms around her waist.
"Mrs. Hayes..." Clara repeated the name, smiling warmly. "I like the sound of that."
"What's next for us?" Julian asked softly, looking out at the endless horizon.
"Next, we rebuild," Clara said. "We turn the Vance Foundation into something that actually helps people. We’re opening a shelter for vulnerable women and children right here in Echo Creek. Mother is going to run it."
"And what about us?" Julian asked with a gentle smirk.
Clara turned in his arms, resting her hands on his chest, her eyes sparkling with joyful mischief. "Well... I was thinking Vance Manor is far too big for just two people and a grandmother."
Julian’s eyes widened slightly. "Are you saying...?"
Clara nodded, her smile radiating pure happiness. "Three months. Doctor confirmed it yesterday."
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Julian let out a loud, breathless laugh, picking Clara up in his arms and spinning her around on the stone terrace under the starlit sky. "We're going to be parents!"
"We're going to be parents," Clara confirmed, kissing him deeply as the lighthouse lantern above swept its brilliant, warm beam of light out across the dark water, guiding the way home.
