Chapter 320 : Time to Tell Lucas

*Lauren*

The porch swing I had installed creaked gently under my weight as I flipped through the pages of a worn-out romance novel, the afternoon sun casting random shadows across the words. The scent of blooming flowers from the garden below me mixed with the fresh salty air, wrapping around me.

This felt like a sanctuary—far removed from the chaos of New York City and the relentless pace of life there. I could really see myself building a life here. It was just so calm and peaceful, things that had been missing in my life for far too long.

"Lauren! Look who's here!" Shelby's voice, as bright as the sunlight spilling onto the porch, cut through my time alone. I glanced up to see her standing at the foot of the steps, the twins bouncing on either side of her like eager puppies.