Chapter 19 - HomeNathan took Sarah outside.
Marcus and Mason were waiting beneath the old oak tree.
The boys ran toward her.
"Sarah!"
They wrapped their arms around her.
Mason looked up.
"Are you staying?"
Sarah looked at Nathan.
He didn't pressure her.
He simply waited.
She smiled.
"Yes."
The boys cheered.
Nathan stepped forward.
"You don't have to be their nanny anymore."
Sarah laughed through her tears.
"What am I, then?"
Nathan gently took her hand.
"Family."
The word struck deeper than any declaration of love could have.
Sarah had spent a decade believing home was a place she couldn't keep.
Now she understood.
Home wasn't a building.
It was the people who waited for you to come back.
Nathan leaned closer.
"I love you."
Sarah smiled.
"I love you too."
Their kiss was quiet.
No gunfire.
No danger.
No secrets.
May you like
Just sunlight.
And two children laughing nearby.
