Chapter 14 - The New FoundationOne year later.
Christmas Eve had returned.
Snow fell gently outside our living room window, coating the trees in a soft, bright white blanket. Inside, the fireplace crackled warm and bright, casting a golden glow over the hardwood floor.
Emma, now eighteen months old, was running around the living room in little footie pajamas, giggling hysterically as she chased our golden retriever puppy around the Christmas tree.
James sat on the rug, piecing together a wooden playhouse, a tool belt slung over his knee, laughing loudly as Emma tried to 'help' him by handing him plastic screwdrivers.
I walked out of the kitchen carrying two mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, setting them on the coffee table.
"She's getting fast," James chuckled, catching Emma as she tumbled into his lap, lifting her high in the air as she squealed with delight.
"She gets that from her father," I smiled, sitting beside them on the rug.
My phone rang on the kitchen counter. I glanced at the caller ID.
It was an automated message from the state prison system—a routine notification regarding inmate custody status. I didn't even pick it up. I simply tapped 'Decline' and let it go to voicemail.
May you like
There were no toxic relatives at our table tonight. No quiet cowardice. No excuses for bad behavior hidden under the umbrella of 'family ties'.
We had built something better. Something strong, clean, and real.
