Chapter 29 - The Quiet Evening In
After the chill of the winter festival, the Vance household welcomed the quiet sanctuary of evening. The living room was lit only by the warm, flickering amber glow of the fireplace and the soft twinkle of the tree lights.
Chloe had finally drifted off to sleep in her nursery crib, leaving the house wrapped in a deep, peaceful hush. Julian and Sarah sat together on the deep sofa, sharing a single wool blanket, watching the embers crackle and fade in the stone hearth.
Julian rested his arm along the back of the sofa, drawing Sarah closer against his side. She rested her head on his shoulder, letting out a long, contented breath.
"Arthur mentioned today that the local historical society is putting together a retrospective on the architectural history of the county," Sarah murmured into the quiet room. "They asked if we wanted to contribute any photographs or documents from the Kensington Estates era."
Julian looked down at the fire, a faint, reflective smile touching his lips. "What did you tell them?"
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"I told them our family history started the day we moved to Oakridge," Sarah answered simply, turning her face to look up into his eyes. "Everything before that is just fiction."
Julian nodded slowly, his expression softening with profound affection. "Good. Because I haven't looked back once."
