59. Sophie
59
SOPHIE
Two days later…
T he moonlight streams through the glass, casting a silver glow over the room. Maxim’s face is softened in the light, and I watch as he gently rocks Mila, his expression one of awe and reverence.
“You’re a natural,” I say softly, breaking the quiet.
He turns, his dark eyes locking onto mine, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I never thought I’d do this,” he admits, his voice low, as if he’s afraid of waking her. “Hold something so fragile and not destroy it.”
“She’s more than fragile,” I say, smiling. “She’s strong, like her father.”
He chuckles, the sound deep and warm, as he crosses the room to sit beside me. “And like her mother,” he adds, his voice softening. “She’ll be unstoppable.”
I reach out, my fingers brushing against Mila’s tiny hand. Her fist curls instinctively around my finger, and my heart swells with a love so fierce it takes my breath away.
I glance up at my husband, my throat tightening as I see the same emotion mirrored in his eyes.
“Maxim,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. “I didn’t think I’d ever have this. A family. A home. I spent so long looking for security, so long afraid I’d never find it.”
“You don’t have to run anymore,” he says firmly, his free hand finding mine. “You’re safe. Mila is safe. This is our life now, Sophie. No one will take it from us.”
I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder, my eyes drifting shut as his warmth envelops me. “She’s going to grow up loved,” I murmur. “Protected. She’ll have the childhood we never did.”
“And the strength to face anything the world can throw at her,” he adds, his voice a quiet promise.
We sit there for a long time, the world outside fading away as we hold onto each other and the tiny life we’ve created. For the first time in forever, I feel truly at peace.