Chapter 189 Catherine’s POV
Chapter 189 Catherine’s POV
The thick red wax seal in the official Department of Justice document snapped cleanly under the tip of my silver letter opener. I smoothed the paper across the desk in my new home office. I scanned the black text, my eyes lingered on the bolded legal heading at the top: Notice of Restoration of Legal Identity and Order of Name Discharge.
The forged passports, the shadow and the suffocating web of fake names that had worn like armor for the past two years were officially dissolved. I was no longer a fugitive hiding in plain sight, nor a ghost waiting for the past to tear down my door. I was finally me again... Catherine McAllister, finally stripped of my ex husband's toxic legacy and cleared of all lingering investigations, fully restored in the eyes of the law. I let out an exasperated breath when the click of the office door broke my quiet reflection, "is that the final paperwork from Miller?"
I looked up, a soft smile lighting up my face as Tyler leaned against the doorframe. It has been seven months since the terrible night at the restaurant. The color had finally returned to his skin, his sharp jawline followed by a sun kissed glow with a tall broad frame but underneath was the scar stretched across his chest.
A permanent reminder to the night he traded his life for mine but as he walked without a limp that always brought a smooth calm to my world, "it's official," I said, holding up the signed decree, "the past is officially closed, Tyler, no more hiding."
Tyler pushed off the doorframe, walking across the room with slow steps, he stopped behind my hair resting his hands gently on shoulders before leaning down to press a warm, lingering kiss against the side of my neck. I turned in my chair, reaching up to cup his cheek, resting my thumb over the faint stubble along his jawline.
In the early days following his release from the hospital, we had moved with slow careful steps but as the months stretched on, the scandal of our relationship surrendered to something far greater, we walked hand in hand through the city streets, attended public events together and built a life rooted in honesty.
"They'll be here in twenty minutes," Tyler said, smiling down at me as he gently captured my hand and brought my knuckles to his lips, "and knowing your son well, Richard will be ten minutes early just to make sure the steak is seasoned properly."
"Let's go finish setting the terrace," a breathless, happy thought escaped my lips. Outside, the warm summer evening breeze swept through the garden, carrying the sweet scent of blooming freesia. The long wooden dining table on the stone terrace was already dressed in cloth, lit by beautiful lights.
Right on cue, the crunch of the tires as it was being parked echoed down the driveway. My heart did that nervous flutter. When the car doors opened, the peaceful quiet of the garden was shattered by the bright, chaotic giggles of three year old twins. "Grandma!"
Leo and Maya came charging across the lawn like a pair of puppies, their sneakers squeaking against the pavement. I dropped to my knees, opening my arms as they slammed into my chest, their soft warm arms wrapping around my neck in messy hugs and giggles.
"Look what I found in the car!" Leo shouted, placing what looked like a squished yellow dandelion into my hand. "It matches your dress, Grandma Catherine!" Maya chimed in, bouncing on her heels.
"It's the most beautiful flower in the world," I whispered, blinking back a surge of emotional tears as I kissed the tops of their sweet heads. Richard and Summer stepped onto the lawn behind them as Summer carried a large bowl of handmade salad, her bright smile instantly putting my nervous energy at ease.
"Hey Mom," Richard said softly, leaning down to give me a warm hug, he pulled back, turning his gaze toward Tyler, who was stepping out onto the terrace carrying a tray of iced glasses. Tyler acknowledged his presence by nodding and stepped forward.
Richard stepped up, clapping hard firmly onto Tyler's shoulder, a lopsided grin breaking across his face, "tell me you didn't burn the prime rib, Tyler... man, I've been thinking about this meat all week." Tyler laughed, handing Richard a glass, "have a little faith in your bro, it's cooked to perfection."
Richard scoffed hard, turning the beef that was slightly burned, "what were you saying about faith again?" He threw a nasty glare at Tyler, "my poor meat, what has Tyler done to you?" The whole room burst into laughter but my little grand babies were confused but continued their back and forth play.
The sound of clinking glasses, happy chatter and the twins' innocent laughter filled the evening air. I sat at the head of the table, wrapped in a comfortable linen dress, watching the people I loved most in the world. Summer walked up to me as Tyler and Richard chattered.
"Looking back at those few months, do you regret anything?" Summer said softly, eating a slice of apple, I turned to face then back at the garden, I shook my head gently, "I don't regret anything, everything fell right in place and I'm happy it did."
"As long as you're happy then that's the best, at least I didn't have to smack Richard to accept you guys," I let out a soft laugh then I felt her warm hand on mine, "I'm really happy that you found your peace."
Truly, I did. Tyler returned back next to me while Summer went to sit next to Richard. The twins were still playing in the corner not wanting to be bothered by anybody, they definitely resembled their father. "What were you talking about?" Tyler linked his fingers with mine with a smile, I shook my head with a soft smile, "nothing important... just small talk about peace."