"We're the lucky ones." He leans down to kiss me, the kind of kiss that still makes my stomach flutter even after five years. "Ready to see Vienna?"
"So ready."
The hotel, one of Vienna's finest, because Richard still can't help himself when it comes to luxury, is beautifully decorated for Christmas. We walk through the lobby, Grace between us, each holding one of her hands. She swings between us, giggling, demanding we lift her up.
Outside, Vienna is transformed into a winter wonderland. The Christmas markets are in full swing, wooden stalls selling everything from hand-carved ornaments to roasted chestnuts. The smell of glühwein and gingerbread fills the air, and everywhere I look there are lights, decorations, people bundled up and smiling.
"Hot chocolate!" Grace announces, pointing at a vendor.
"As the lady commands." Richard scoops her up, settling her on his shoulders, and we make our way through the crowd.
We've been traveling for the past two weeks. Richard's Christmas gift to me. Started in Paris, then Munich, now Vienna. After this, we're heading to Prague for New Year's before returning home to Blackwater Falls.
Home. It's strange how quickly Richard's fortress became home. We've made changes over the years. We softened it, made it more family-friendly. There's a playroom now for Grace, filled with toys and books.
The guest room I first stayed in is now my art studio. Richard funded my return to school, and I finally finished my art history degree. I work remotely for a museum in the nearest city, curating virtual exhibitions.
Living the dream I thought Nathan had killed.
Richard orders hot chocolate for Grace and glühwein for us, and we wander through the market. Grace is enchanted by everything: the lights, the music, the wooden toys. Richard buys her a hand-carved nutcracker that's almost as big as she is, and she clutches it like treasure.
"You're spoiling her," I tell him, but I'm smiling.
"That's my job." He pulls me close with his free arm. "Spoiling my girls. Making sure they have everything they want."
"We want you," I say, stretching up to kiss his jaw. "That's all. Just you."
"You have me." His voice is rough with emotion. "Always. For as long as you'll have me."
"Forever, then."
We find a relatively quiet corner near a nativity scene, and I watch Grace examine every figure, asking Richard questions about the baby and the animals. He answers patiently, explaining the story, and I'm struck again by how different this is from what I thought my life would be.
Five years ago, I was running from a wedding in a destroyed dress, terrified and alone. I showed up at Richard's gate with nothing but hope and desperation, not knowing if he'd even help me.
Now I'm here, in Vienna, watching my husband teach our daughter about Christmas traditions. Warm and safe and loved beyond measure.
"Mama cold?" Grace notices me shivering and holds out her hot chocolate. "Share?"
"Thank you, sweet girl." I take a sip, the warmth spreading through me.
Richard wraps his coat around both of us, pulling us close, and we stand there as a family, surrounded by lights and music and the magic of Christmas in Vienna.
"Thank you," I whisper to Richard.
"For what?"
"For saving me. For loving me. For giving me all of this." I gesture vaguely at Grace, at the beautiful city around us, at the life we've built.
"Belle." He turns me to face him. "You saved yourself. You're the one who ran, who chose to fight, who built this life. I just gave you a safe place to do it."
"You gave me everything."
"No." He kisses my forehead. "You gave me everything. A second chance at being a father. A real family. Purpose beyond just making money." His hand comes up to cup my face. "You gave me love, Belle. Real love. The kind I didn't think I deserved."
Grace tugs on his coat. "Papa! Look! Angels!"
We turn to see a choir setting up, dressed in white robes. They begin to sing—"Silent Night" in German, their voices pure and clear in the cold air. Richard lifts Grace back onto his shoulders so she can see better, and I lean against his side, his arm around me.
