Chapter 110. Finding Peace

**110\. Finding Peace**

***Travis' POV***

We were finally home, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a deep sense of relief.

Sabrina-my Sab-had confessed her feelings, and I couldn't shake the amazement of knowing that I had appeared in someone else's dreams long before we'd even met.

It was surreal to think that someone could fall in love with me without knowing I existed, but somehow, she had.

Sab was, without a doubt, the reward for all the struggles and sacrifices I'd endured over the years. She was worth every single one of them.

After Den passed away, I had thrown myself into raising Wynter, becoming both her father and, in many ways, her mother.

Wynter was a whirlwind of energy, often clumsy and easily frustrated by the smallest things. But she was also my anchor, the reason I got out of bed every morning when grief threatened to consume me.

Even at my lowest, I had to learn how to care for her. I taught myself everything-from making her formula and changing her diapers to hiring the best nannies so I could balance parenting with my business.

But there were nights when the loneliness crept in, and I feared the darkness within me might take hold again.

As they say, though, everything happens at the right moment. After three years of searching, I finally found her. The first time I saw Sab, I knew she was different. Special.

But being the jerk I am, I ignored my feelings. I tried to convince myself it was nothing.

Even in my frustration, I had reached out to Helen, but I couldn't bring myself to go through with it. Sab's image was burned into my mind. I couldn't commit to anyone else, not when I already knew my heart belonged to her.

Since meeting Sab, I hadn't touched another woman-not that I was the type to do so before. But now, I knew my devotion to her ran deep.

I adjusted my tie as Sab appeared in the doorway.

"Nio, are you ready?" she asked, her voice warm but excited.

"Yes, Sab, I'll be down in a minute," I replied, slipping into my black suit.

We were back in Chicago, where Sabrina wanted the wedding to take place so her parents could attend. We hadn't set a date yet, but being here felt like the right step-something to help her relax and feel grounded.

Before coming here, we'd made one last visit. As I'd promised Wynter, we went to see Den's resting place, paying our respects and talking to her as though she could hear us. We'd also visited my parents.

I told them about Sab, and though they're no longer here, I felt in my heart they would've been thrilled. Even in her final moments, my mother's only wish was to see me happy.

Sab beamed at me from the doorway, her excitement palpable.

"Let's go," she said, her energy infectious despite how tired she'd been earlier in the day.

"Ready," I murmured as I approached Sab and Wynter, who were waiting for me by the car.

"Should I drive, or will you?" Sab asked, dangling her keys in front of me with a teasing smile.

"I'll drive," I replied confidently.

She tossed the keys toward me, and I caught them midair before walking ahead to open the car doors for them.

"You have a really nice car," I said, admiring the sleek lines of the vehicle as I slid into the driver's seat.

"Thanks," she said with a touch of pride. "I've always dreamed of owning one of those exotic cars, and Papa made that happen for me as a birthday gift last year."

It made sense why her parents adored her so much. She was their only child, their pride and joy. If I were in their position, I'd probably spoil Wynter in the same way.

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After an emotional but meaningful visit with her parents, we headed back home. Sab had grown quieter on the ride, clearly overwhelmed by the day's events.

Wynter, with her knack for perfect timing, broke the silence from the backseat.

"Mama Iris, can we get ice cream from that place like we did last time?" she asked eagerly, pointing to a small parlor we passed.

I was thankful for Wynter's cheerful distraction, pulling Sab's focus away from her swirling emotions.

"How about we do that tomorrow, love?" Sab suggested, glancing at Wynter in the rearview mirror. "I'm a little tired from today."

"Okay, Mama Iris," Wynter said sweetly, nodding her head.

"How about we go wedding shopping tomorrow?" I offered, sneaking a glance at Sab, whose expression immediately brightened.

"That's a great idea!" she exclaimed, her mood instantly lifting. "I'll call Mark and Chris in the morning!"

I smiled as I reached over to gently hold her hand. "Whatever makes you happy," I said softly, focusing on the road.

When we arrived home, I took Sab's hand as we walked toward the door.

"Do you want me to help you take a bath like I did last time?" I whispered playfully into her ear, my arm slipping around her waist as we climbed the steps.

Her face turned crimson, and she quickly stepped away from me.

"Daddy, look! Ellies has something stuck in his ear!" Wynter's voice rang out, breaking the moment as she tugged on my arm, holding her beloved pet.

Ellies, of course, was practically a family member at this point. Wynter couldn't go anywhere without him.

Sab took the opportunity to escape up the stairs, laughing as she called over her shoulder, "Saved by Wynter and Ellies!"

I chuckled to myself, finding her antics endearing, before crouching down to inspect Wynter's "emergency."

After helping Wynter, I headed upstairs to find Sab.

"Where do you think you're going?" I teased as I spotted her near Wynter's room.

"I suppose I should get Wynter ready for bed," she said innocently, her cheeks still faintly flushed.

I considered pushing the conversation further, but she looked tired. The last thing I wanted was to make her feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

"Alright," I said with a small nod.

She paused, giving me a skeptical glance as if surprised I wasn't teasing her further. Before I could change my mind, she quickly disappeared down the hallway with Wynter.

Moments later, she reappeared in her nightgown, carrying Wynter, who was already half-asleep, clutching her Uni tightly.

"Are we sleeping together, Mama Iris?" Wynter murmured sleepily, her green eyes half-closed.

I shook my head slightly, but Sab, as usual, decided to ignore my silent protest.

"Of course, my love," she said softly, kissing Wynter's forehead. "How could I possibly sleep without my baby by my side?"

"Yes, Mama Iris," Wynter said with a tiny smile, snuggling closer to her. "I love sleeping with you. Will you tell me the story about the little girl who got lost in the jungle?"

I had no clue what story Wynter was referring to, but I couldn't deny how endearing her conversations were.

"Of course, sweetheart," Sab said, guiding her to the bed.

I saw an opening and decided to push my luck. "Is Daddy joining his princess, baby?" I asked hopefully as I sat down beside Wynter.

"No, Daddy," Wynter said firmly, shaking her head. "You go sleep in another room."

Feigning hurt, I scowled dramatically. "How could you do that to me, love?"

Sabrina laughed, her soft chuckles filling the room as she sat beside Wynter. "Let's not be impolite, Wynter," she said gently. "Daddy can join us too."

I blinked, surprised by her quick agreement, but I wasn't about to question my luck. Grinning, I changed into shorts and slid under the covers next to them.

Later that night, I lay awake, my attention fixed on Sabrina. She was gently brushing Wynter's hair as our daughter drifted off to sleep.

Carefully, I moved Wynter to the other side of the bed, giving us some space. Then, I pulled Sab closer, placing her head on my chest.

"My love, what's on your mind?" I asked softly, feeling the tension in her body.

"Nothing," she replied, but her voice was solemn.

"Sab," I pressed gently, "tell me the truth."

She sighed deeply, her fingers idly tracing patterns on my chest. "I was just thinking about how much our lives have changed. How can we act as if nothing happened? We were, in some way, the cause of their deaths." Her voice cracked with emotion.

I should have known she wouldn't let the weight of everything go so easily, especially after seeing her parents graves earlier today.

"Sab," I said, tightening my hold on her, "I understand that the void they left will never be filled. And yes, we may feel responsible, but we need to reframe how we see this. Our families wouldn't want us to spend our lives punishing ourselves, would they?"

"No," she murmured. "They'd want us to be happy."

"Exactly," I said. "We can't waste the sacrifices they made. Maybe they're in a better place now. But we're still here, Sab, and we owe it to them-and to ourselves-to move forward. We can't bring them back, no matter how much we wish we could. All we can do is live fully, for them and for us."

Her tears soaked into my shirt as she wept quietly against my chest. Gently, I pushed her back and cupped her face, wiping her tears away.

"But why so soon?" she choked out, her voice filled with anguish. "They deserved to live, not die because of something we did."

"I know, Sab," I said, my voice heavy with emotion. "It's complicated, and I wish there was something I could say to take the guilt away. But death is inevitable. Maybe it was simply their time to go, and our actions were just the excuse fate needed. Tell me something-would your parents have wanted you to give up? Or wouldn't they have chosen to take your place if they could?"

She nodded slowly, her tears still falling. "They would."

"And Den?" I continued. "I know she would have done the same. We're both broken, Sab. Maybe that's why the universe brought us together-to help each other heal, to complete what was missing. We can honor their memories by living well, by cherishing the lives they touched and the legacy they left behind. Your dad left you his chain of restaurants, something he treasured deeply. And Den..." I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Den left me Wynter. They're not really gone, Sab. They live on in us-in our memories, in everything they left behind. We owe it to them to carry that forward."

Sabrina wept softly against my chest, her tears slowing as I gently stroked her hair.

"We must give everything time," she murmured, lifting her head to look at me, a small smile breaking through the lingering sadness. "And we shall heal with it."

"Exactly," I said, my voice tender as I brushed a strand of hair from her face.

She let out a soft laugh, the sound like a melody after all the heaviness. "I didn't expect you to have so many wise phrases in your grasp. I never saw that coming."

I chuckled, the tension in my chest easing. "Honestly, I didn't think so either. Maybe you bring the best out of me."

"Yes, that's right," she said playfully, her laughter growing.

"Now come on," I said, taking her hand in mine, "it's been a long day. Let's get some rest."

I reached over and turned off the light, the room plunging into a comforting darkness. I pulled her close, wrapping my arms securely around her waist as she snuggled into me, her body warm against mine.

"Good night," I whispered softly, my lips brushing her ear. "And dream about me."

She shook her head, her voice teasing. "I won't."

I chuckled, my grip tightening just slightly as I held her. "I'm sure you will."

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