Chapter 24 - The First Snowfall
The first heavy snowfall of the year hit the Hudson Valley in mid-December, transforming the Moretti estate into a silent, glittering wonderland of white pine and grey stone.
Inside the grand parlor, a massive balsam fir—cut from the estate’s own northern acreage—stood decorated with simple silver ornaments and warm white lights. Junie, who had insisted on spending the holidays at the estate alongside her sister, was sitting comfortably by the roaring stone hearth, playing a quiet game of chess with Daniel Bishop, who was proving surprisingly formidable.
Sloan stood by the tall, multi-paned window of the library, looking out over the snow-covered lawns where the moonlight glinted off the frozen iron gates.
Raphael joined her silently, draping a heavy cashmere shawl over her shoulders. He stood close, his arm wrapping securely around her waist, pulling her back against his chest so they could watch the snowflakes drift lazily down through the dark air.
"You used to think this house was a fortress," Raphael murmured softly against her hair.
"It was," Sloan replied, leaning her head back against his shoulder, her hand resting over his forearm. "Back when we were both hiding from our ghosts. But fortresses are designed to keep people out, Raphael. What we built here is something else entirely."
"What's that?"
May you like
"A home," she whispered. "Where all the accounts are settled, and nobody has to look over their shoulder anymore."
Raphael tightened his arm around her, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to the crown of her head. Out in the hallway, Junie laughed at a clever tactical move on the chessboard, and Daniel responded with his dry, imperturbable deadpan. The house was alive with sound, warmth, and light.
