Chapter 10 - The Best New Year’s Eve
At 11:50 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, the party guests had gathered on our private rooftop terrace overlooking the East River. The skyline of Manhattan sparkled in the clear winter air, thousands of lights shining like stars across the city.
I stood at the edge of the terrace, wrapped in a thick wool coat, holding Liam securely against my chest. Maya leaned comfortably against my side, her arm wrapped around my waist, resting her head on my shoulder.
Down on the river, boats blared their horns as the countdown to midnight began on the giant screens at Times Square:
“TEN... NINE... EIGHT...”
Liam giggled, pointing his chubby little hand toward the bright lights of the Brooklyn Bridge.
“SEVEN... SIX... FIVE...”
I looked down at my wife, seeing the peace, trust, and absolute love shining in her eyes. I leaned down and pressed a long, tender kiss to her lips.
“FOUR... THREE... TWO... ONE!”
“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” thousands of voices cheered across the city as magnificent fireworks erupted above the river, painting the dark night sky in brilliant shades of gold, crimson, and silver.
Liam clapped his tiny hands in wonder, mesmerized by the colors blooming above us.
“Happy New Year, my love,” Maya whispered into my ear, her arms tightening around me. “Thank you for saving us.”
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“Thank you for giving me a real family, Maya,” I murmured back, holding her and our son close as the fireworks illuminated the world around us.
The painful past was gone, buried under the weight of justice and truth. Before us lay a long, beautiful future filled with warmth, endless laughter, and an unshakeable love that no storm could ever destroy.
