Chapter 35 - An Evening of Starlight and Salt Air
Night fell over Wilmington once more like a soft, velvety mantle sprinkled with brilliant diamond stars. The Atlantic Ocean provided a steady, rhythmic lullaby, crashing against the coastal rocks below with an ancient, comforting grace.
On the terrace, the stone fire pit cast a warm, dancing orange glow across the wooden decking. Claire and her parents sat around the fire, sharing stories, laughter, and quiet memories of a journey that had tested their family bonds and ultimately made them unbreakable. Her father beamed with pride as he watched Claire and Mason, knowing his daughter had found a partner who matched her brilliance and guarded her heart with absolute devotion.
Later, after her parents had retired for the evening and the fire had settled into a bed of glowing embers, Claire and Mason remained on the patio lounge chairs, wrapped together in a thick wool blanket.
The night sky was completely clear, unmarred by city lights. The Milky Way traced a brilliant silver river across the dark cosmos.
"Do you ever think about where we'd be if we hadn't taken that leap of faith?" Claire asked quietly, resting her head against Mason’s chest.
"I don't have to think about it," Mason replied softly, his fingers gently tracing the contours of her arm. "Because every alternate timeline ended the same way: with me finding you, and making damn sure no one ever had the chance to dim your light."
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Claire smiled into the darkness, pressing a soft kiss against his chest. "You really are my anchor, Mason."
"And you are my entire world, Claire."
