Chapter 6 - The Picture Full of Color
Six months later, spring had returned to New York.
The iron gates of the Moretti estate stood open to a warm Mediterranean breeze carrying the sweet scent of blooming white hydrangeas and fresh grass.
In the sunlit courtyard behind the mansion, three-year-old Lily was running through the grass in a bright yellow sundress, chasing a fluffy golden retriever puppy. Her bright laughter rang out through the grand gardens, making the once-gloomy estate feel vibrant and alive.
Sarah stood on the outdoor patio, wearing a crisp white dress, holding a tray of fresh strawberries—sliced whole and thick, piling high in a crystal bowl.
Aleandro stepped out from his office, dressed in a light gray suit without his usual dark coat. He looked rested, his dark eyes filled with peace and contentment.
"Look, Daddy!" Lily squealed, running up the stone steps and throwing her small arms around Aleandro’s legs.
Aleandro laughed softly, lifting his daughter effortlessly with both arms, tossing her gently into the air until she giggled with delight.
"What do you have there, my sweet girl?" Aleandro asked, setting her down on his lap as he sat beside Sarah at the patio table.
Lily proudly held up a fresh drawing from her pad.
It was drawn with bright, vibrant crayons. On the left was a mother with brown hair and a bright pink dress. On the right was a little girl with dark curls in a yellow dress holding a puppy.
And standing right in the middle, holding both of their hands under a bright yellow sun, was a tall man in a charcoal suit.
This time, his face was drawn with a giant, beaming smile, dark hair, and big blue-gray eyes.
Above his head, Lily had written three neat letters.
D-A-D.
Aleandro looked down at the drawing, his thumb tracing the bright crayon lines. He pulled Sarah close to his side with one arm while holding Lily in his lap.
"It’s the most beautiful painting in the world," Aleandro whispered, kissing the top of Lily’s head before leaning over to kiss Sarah’s forehead.
"Do you know what the best part is, Lily?" Sarah asked gently, taking a strawberry from the bowl and handing it to her daughter.
Lily tilted her head, her blue-gray eyes sparkling in the sunlight. "What?"
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Aleandro squeezed Sarah’s hand tightly, looking out over their bright, safe home.
"The best part," Aleandro said softly, "is that Daddy is never letting go."
