Chapter 10 - The Lake House AwakeningThree months later. May in Illinois.
The harsh winter had given way to a glorious, blooming spring. The sun sparkled brightly over the dark blue waters of Lake Michigan, where Dominic’s private lakefront estate sat nestled among towering oak trees and emerald green lawns, miles away from the noise and dangers of Chicago.
Layla sat on a white rocking chair on the sweeping wooden back porch, wearing a simple cream-colored summer dress.
In her arms, wrapped in a soft blue blanket, slept tiny Leo Dominic Gallow.
Beside her in a matching bassinet, wrapped in a pink blanket, slept little Maya Bennett Gallow.
They had been born three weeks ago via an uncomplicated delivery at a private hospital, healthy, loud, and full of life. Leo had his father’s sharp gray eyes, while Maya had her mother’s dark hair and gentle smile.
The screen door behind her creaked open softly.
Dominic stepped out onto the porch, carrying two glasses of fresh lemonade. Gone were the sharp, dark tailored suits and tactical gear; he wore a relaxed linen shirt, jeans, and held a look of profound, tranquil peace that no billionaire's fortune could ever buy.
He set the glasses on a side table, walked over to Layla, and leaned down to press a soft kiss against her lips.
"Are they sleeping?" Dominic whispered, looking down at his son in her arms and his daughter in the bassinet.
"Finally," Layla laughed softly, resting her head against Dominic's side as he wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders. "Leo takes after his father—he refuses to sleep unless he's holding onto something."
Dominic smiled, a genuine, warm smile that reached his eyes. He knelt beside the bassinet, gently stroking Maya’s tiny cheek with his thumb. The powerful man who had once terrified entire boardrooms and street bosses was completely helpless under the gaze of his newborn daughter.
"The lawyers finalized the paperwork today," Dominic said softly, looking up at Layla. "Gallow Development has officially transferred forty percent of its commercial assets into a private trust fund for low-income healthcare and cancer research."
Layla’s eyes brightened with emotion. "In memory of my father?"
"In memory of Samuel Bennett," Dominic confirmed gently. "And to make sure no other girl ever has to work double shifts in a freezing diner to pay off medical bills."
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Layla reached out, taking his hand, squeezing it tightly. "You've changed so much, Dominic."
"You changed me, Layla," he replied softly, standing up and pulling her up into his arms, being careful not to disturb the sleeping baby between them. "You saved me from becoming a monster."
