Chapter 30 - The Sound of Peace
By early afternoon, the kitchen was filled with the rich, comforting aromas of garlic, fresh herbs, and simmering tomatoes that instantly transported me back to those quiet nights in Little Italy before the world turned upside down.
Frank joined us at the large oak dining table overlooking the water, flanked by a plate piled high with golden-brown fish fillets and a bottle of crisp white wine that Matteo had personally shipped down from New York as a housewarming gift.
For an hour, there were no business reports, no threat assessments, and no geopolitical updates. There was only good food, effortless laughter, and the steady, comforting presence of people who had walked through the fire together and emerged unbroken on the other side.
After lunch, Frank departed for Baltimore, promising to return the following weekend for our annual crabbing expedition off the eastern shore.
Fay and I walked out onto the back lawn as the afternoon sun began its slow, majestic descent toward the tree line, casting long, golden shadows across the grass.
We strolled down toward the private dock once more, the air growing cooler as twilight approached. The sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of deep violet, bruised indigo, and brilliant streaks of blazing orange and crimson.
Fay rested her head against my shoulder as we stood near the edge of the wooden platform, watching the first evening stars flicker to life above the bay.
“Vincent?” she murmured softly.
“Hmm?”
“What do you want to write for our next chapter?”
May you like
I wrapped my arms securely around her waist, pulling her close against my chest as the cool evening wind swept across the water.
“No chapters, Fay,” I whispered, kissing the top of her dark hair. “Just an open book.”
