As Vanessa walked away, i looked down at Eleanor, who stirred slightly in her sleep. I pressed a gentle kiss to my daughter's forehead as my heart brimmed with hope.
Caroline joined me moments later, sitting beside me. "How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Tired," i admitted. "But happy."
Caroline smiled. "You deserve it."
As the last of the guests trickled out, Michael found me by the fountain. He slipped an arm around me, resting his chin on my shoulder.
"Are you ready for what comes next?" he asked, his voice low.
"With you? Always," i replied, leaning into him.
We stayed for a while gazing at our daughter with a hearts full of love and the promise of a brighter future.