The island had become our sanctuary of soft mornings and endless sunsets.
Thirteen years had passed since I made my final choice on the cove. Thirteen years of watching love bloom in the most unexpected soil. Elias was now thirteen, growing tall and thoughtful, often sitting with me on the beach asking questions about the stars. Seraphina, eleven, had a wild spirit that reminded me of my younger self — full of fire and questions. Aurora, nine, was the quiet dreamer who loved curling up with books in my lap. Theo, six, brought laughter wherever he went, and Nova, four, was our little sunshine with the sweetest hugs.
I was pregnant again with our seventh child. My belly was round and full as I walked slowly along the flower-lined path Daddy had built for me years ago. The baby kicked gentl
