Chapter 128 The Final Dock (The End)
Chapter 128 The Final Dock (The End)
Agatha took a deep breath. She felt the fresh air fill her lungs without the sharp sting of pain. Her feet moved slowly across the cool marble floor of the house. She no longer required someone to hold her up as she walked. Xavier moved beside her, his hand always ready to steady her waist. Three baby bassinets were pushed by several nurses behind them.
"Are you absolutely sure you are strong enough to leave today?" Xavier asked.
"I am tired of looking at hospital walls, Xavier. I want to see something that pampers the eyes," Agatha replied.
"We will go straight to the new house. I have prepared everything there," Xavier said.
"May we walk around for a bit before we actually go inside?" Agatha asked.
"Of course. We can explore the lake area if you like," Xavier answered.
Xavier helped Agatha into the luxury car waiting in the lobby. He ensured her seat was comfortable with the help of several soft pillows. Three car seats were neatly installed in the middle row. Arkanza, Althea, and Archeron looked peaceful, wrapped in their warm blankets.
The journey took about an hour. The car drove slowly past roads lined with lush green trees. Agatha kept her eyes on the window. She occasionally turned back to make sure the children were not fussy.
"We are here," Xavier whispered.
The car stopped in a spacious courtyard covered in white gravel. Agatha opened the car door. She stood frozen, staring at the building before her. The house was not as grand as the main Valois or Volskey estates, but the design was exceptionally elegant. Dark brown oak wood dominated the exterior.
"Xavier, this is beautiful," Agatha said.
"Come inside. I want you to see the interior," Xavier invited.
Xavier carried Arkanza, while Agatha held Althea. A nurse assisted with Archeron. They stepped inside through the heavy double wooden doors. The fresh scent of pine immediately filled Agatha’s senses.
"Aakh. This house smells wonderful," Agatha murmured.
"I used natural wood for almost the entire interior. There are no harsh chemicals," Xavier explained.
Agatha walked toward the center room. She stopped in her tracks. Her eyes widened at the back wall of the house. The wall was made entirely of large, crystal-clear glass. Beyond the glass lay the calm view of the lake. The water reflected the colors of the sky, which were beginning to turn orange.
"This glass. It is incredible. I feel as if there is no boundary between me and nature," Agatha said.
"I knew you would love the view. So I asked the architect to make the family room face the lake directly," Xavier said.
"Thank you, Xavier. You think of such small things," Agatha replied.
"Anything for you and our children," Xavier countered.
They placed the infants on a very thick, soft fur rug in the middle of the room. Arkanza began to move his little legs vigorously. Althea simply stared at the high ceiling. Archeron made a small sound as if he were trying to speak.
"Ugh. Arkanza, do not kick your sister," Agatha scolded with a laugh.
"He has so much energy, Agatha. Just like his father," Xavier joked.
Xavier sat beside Agatha. He let his head rest on her shoulder. They both watched the movements of the three babies who were now the center of their world.
"Do you feel tired?" Xavier asked.
"A little. But seeing them like this, my fatigue vanishes," Agatha answered.
"Mmh. I feel the same way. All the problems we went through seem as if they never happened when we are in this room," Xavier said.
"We have been through so much, Xavier. Loss, the search, and the struggle between life and death," Agatha whispered.
"All of that is over now, Agatha. Now there is only us," Xavier replied.
Agatha stroked Archeron’s head, as he was closest to her. "I want them to grow up here. Away from the noise and conflict."
"I have prepared the best security system for this place. No one will dare disturb your peace," Xavier asserted.
"I trust you," Agatha answered.
The sunlight began to fade. A golden glow entered through the large glass, casting a warm hue on the skin of their babies. Xavier stood up briefly to light the small fireplace in the corner. The sound of burning wood began to crackle, creating an even cozier atmosphere.
"Prak."
"Come here, sit on the sofa with me," Xavier invited.
Agatha rose and sat on the long sofa facing the lake. Xavier wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer.
"You know, Agatha. When you were in the delivery room, I felt as if my world had stopped spinning," Xavier whispered.
"Do not speak of that again. I am here now," Agatha replied.
"I just want you to know how much you mean to me. You are my true home," Xavier said.
"You are my home too, Xavier. Thank you for not giving up on me," Agatha replied.
They remained silent for a few moments. Only the sound of steady breathing from the babies, who were beginning to drift off on the rug, could be heard. The ripples of the lake outside glittered in the remaining sunlight.
"Look at that sunset, Agatha. The colors are beautiful," Xavier said.
"Yes. Very peaceful," Agatha agreed.
Xavier turned Agatha to face him. He looked deep into his wife’s eyes. "I promise to look after you and the children until my last breath."
"I will always be by your side too, Xavier," Agatha answered.
"Will you grow old with me in this house?" Xavier asked, his voice husky.
"Of course. There is nowhere else I want to go," Agatha replied.
Xavier leaned in. He kissed Agatha’s forehead for a long time. He then moved to the tip of her nose and finally to her lips. The kiss was incredibly soft and filled with gratitude. There was no burning passion, only the sense of peace that enveloped them both.
The lake background turning dark and the sky filled with purple and red hues became silent witnesses to their vow. The atmosphere inside was very warm. Their babies were now completely asleep.
"I love you, Agatha Aliora Valois," Xavier whispered between their kisses.
"I love you so much too, Xavier Calestiano Valois," Agatha answered with a sincere smile.
They united their lips again in a long, tender kiss. The sunset slowly faded, replaced by a quiet night. In the wooden house by the lake, a long journey had finally found its most beautiful dock.
The End.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the readers who have faithfully followed the journey of Agatha and Xavier from the first chapter to this final one. Your support, comments, and time have meant everything to me. Without your encouragement, this story would not have reached its conclusion. I apologize for any shortcomings or mistakes during the writing of this tale. I hope this story leaves an impression in your hearts. Thank you, and see you in my next work.