Ashes of Thornwood

Chapter 10

The days that followed Mr. Blackwood's arrest passed with a strange, quiet calm. The tension that had once hung over Thornewood like a storm cloud seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a sense of uneasy peace. The war had shifted its focus to other places, leaving our little corner of the world untouched, for now. Without Mr. Blackwood's insidious influence, there were no more threats, no more Confederate sympathizers lurking in the shadows. Thornewood was, for the first time in a long while, beginning to feel like home.

Sebastian and I grew closer with each passing day. The shadow that had loomed over our marriage since our wedding had finally lifted, and in its place was something tender, something real. We spent our mornings walking the snow-covered grounds, talking about the future, and often finding excuses to steal a kiss or a touch when no one was looking.

One crisp morning, as the sun rose over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Sebastian pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me as we stood on the porch. The chill in the air was forgotten as he pressed his lips to mine, a kiss as sweet as it was passionate. When we finally pulled away, our breath mingled in the cold air, he looked at me with a tenderness that made my heart swell.

"I've never been happier than I am right now," he murmured, his forehead resting against mine.

"Nor have I," I whispered back, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "It feels like we've finally found our way, Sebastian. Like we're exactly where we're meant to be."

He smiled, a soft, genuine smile that I cherished. "I think we are, Evie. And I want to make the most of every moment we have together."

Our days slipped into a gentle rhythm. Evenings by the fire were filled with stories and dreams, our laughter filling the room that had once seemed so cold and empty. At night, when the world outside grew quiet, we found comfort in each other's arms, our love a warm sanctuary against the harshness of the world.

One night, as the snow fell softly outside our window, I lay in Sebastian's arms, my head resting on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the room, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt truly at peace.

"Do you remember our first dance?" Sebastian asked suddenly, his voice a low rumble in the quiet room.

I smiled, my fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "How could I forget? It was the night you swept me off my feet."

"I knew from the moment I saw you, dancing with your hair down and your shoes off, that you were the one I wanted to spend my life with," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "I thought you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen."

I laughed softly, lifting my head to look at him. "And you were the most handsome man I'd ever laid eyes on. I couldn't believe it when you asked me to dance."

"I was terrified you'd say no," he admitted, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair from my face.

"And I was terrified you'd change your mind," I teased, smiling at the memory of that night.

"Never," he said firmly, his gaze locking with mine. "I knew then, just as I know now, that you were the one for me."

He leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that was slow and tender, speaking of promises and dreams, of a future we were building together. When we finally pulled away, my heart was racing, and I felt a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the fire.

"Stay with me," he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. "Always."

"Always," I echoed, my fingers tightening around his.