Chapter 8 - BUILDING A HOME
Spring arrived in the city, bringing warm sunshine, blooming flowers, and green leaves to the trees surrounding the Cross estate.
The gloomy, cold atmosphere that had once defined the mansion was completely gone. The heavy black iron security gates remained, but inside the compound, life flourished. The stone courtyard where Phantom used to patrol aggressively was now filled with potted flowers, outdoor seating, and the joyful laughter of a child.
Holden had hired a team of landscape architects to transform the vast eastern lawn into a paradise for Lily. A wooden playground set was constructed near the rose garden, complete with swings, a slide, and a custom treehouse built into an ancient oak tree.
On a bright Saturday afternoon, Holden sat on the outdoor patio, drinking iced coffee while watching Lily play fetch with Phantom. The once terrifying 130-pound Cane Corso was currently trotting across the grass with a brightly colored plastic ball in his mouth, wagging his tail happily as Lily chased after him, giggling.
Evelyn walked out onto the patio, carrying a tray of freshly baked lemonade and cookies. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun, her skin was healthy and glowing, and the bruises from her ordeal were nothing more than a distant memory.
She set the tray on the table and sat down beside Holden, wrapping her arm through his.
“Look at them,” Evelyn said softly, watching Phantom drop the ball at Lily’s feet and gently roll over onto his back so she could rub his belly. “Who would have thought the most feared beast in the state would end up being a nanny dog?”
Holden chuckled softly, wrapping his arm around Evelyn’s waist and pulling her close. “He knows who his real boss is. It was never me. It was always her.”
“She’s starting at her new school on Monday,” Evelyn mentioned, resting her head on Holden’s shoulder. “Private academy down the road. She’s nervous.”
“She’ll excel,” Holden said confidently. “She’s the smartest seven-year-old in the city. Besides, Marcus will be supervising her private security detail from a discreet distance. Nobody will ever bother her.”
Lily came running up the patio steps, her face red from playing, panting happily as she wiped her forehead. Phantom trotted right behind her, taking his spot on the rug beside Holden’s chair.
“Daddy! Mommy!” Lily exclaimed proudly. “Phantom learned how to sit and shake hands!”
Holden smiled warmly, leaning down to scoop Lily up into his lap. “Is that so? Show me.”
Lily looked at Phantom and held out her small hand. “Phantom, paw!”
The massive black dog immediately raised his broad right paw, gently placing it into Lily’s tiny palm.
Holden laughed, kissing the top of Lily’s head. “Impressive. Better than he ever listened to me.”
Lily looked up at Holden with big, bright hazel eyes. “Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Are we going to stay here forever?”
May you like
Holden looked over at Evelyn, who was watching them with a warm, tearful smile. He tightened his hold on his daughter, feeling a deep, profound sense of peace.
“Yes, Lily,” Holden answered softly. “We’re staying here forever. This is our home.”
