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Chapter 36 - THE RETURN HOME

Noah returned from Boston for the foundation’s anniversary celebration.

He stepped through the doors and immediately heard Emma shouting from the kitchen.

“Don't touch those!”

Noah froze.

“I've been home thirty seconds.”

“Exactly. You haven't earned dessert yet.”

Lorenzo laughed from the dining room.

Noah hugged him.

“You look older.”

“So do you.”

“I've been studying medicine.”

“I've been married to your sister.”

Emma appeared behind them.

“Excuse me?”

Both men went silent.

Emma crossed her arms.

“Did someone just call me old?”

“No,” Lorenzo said immediately.

“No.”

Noah nodded.

“I would never.”

Emma narrowed her eyes.

“Good.”

They broke into laughter.

For years, their family had known silence, grief, fear, and uncertainty.

Now their home was filled with something they once thought impossible.

Noise.

Warmth.

Laughter.

Ordinary happiness.

May you like

And somehow, ordinary happiness felt more precious than anything they had ever owned.

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