Five Years Later
Mariah POV
The sun hung low over the horizon, casting golden light across the sprawling grounds of our packhouse. The scent of grilled meats and fresh herbs filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of children running across the yard. Today was one of those rare, perfect days—warm, breezy, and filled with the kind of peace we had fought so hard to achieve.
I stood near the picnic table, adjusting the napkins and plates as the boys tumbled past Nick. Our twin sons Justin and Jayson—now five—were laughing as they chased each other around the yard. Their energy was boundless, and their green eyes sparkled with the same fire I had seen in their father when we first met. I rested my hands on my growing belly, feeling the gentle movements of our baby girl. Even
