One Chance – Bonus Scene

Annie

The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow across the fields surrounding Highfield House, our home. I stood on the porch, the breeze carrying the faint scent of blueberries, and took a deep breath. Ten years had passed since Lee and I had exchanged our vows, and our love had only grown stronger with time.

Lee, still as handsome as ever, was grilling dinner in the backyard, his strong, capable hands expertly tending to the sizzling barbecue. Over the past decade, he had risen through the ranks of the fire department, his unwavering dedication and fearless bravery earning him the respect of his colleagues and the trust of his superiors.

His firefighter’s uniform had been swapped for a casual button-up shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal the well-defined muscles beneath, a testament to the physical demands of his profession. One smoldering look and my blood still ran hot for him. The grill spat out a plume of fragrant smoke, and the aroma of burgers and corn on the cob filled the air, a tantalizing reminder of the mouthwatering feast he was preparing.

As the flames danced beneath the grill grates, I watched him with a sense of pride that swelled in my chest. Lee’s journey from the rookie firefighter I had fallen in love with to the accomplished officer he had become was a testament to his unwavering commitment and tireless work ethic. He had faced countless challenges and dangerous situations, but he had always returned home, his love for our family stronger than ever.

Our children, Ada and Ben, played nearby, their laughter ringing through the backyard. They idolized their father, their faces lighting up whenever he returned from his shifts, regaling them with tales of bravery and heroism. It was a source of immeasurable pride for all of us.

Henrietta, our one original chicken who had been with us from the beginning, still had a special bond with Lee. She clucked and followed him around like a loyal pet, a feathered mascot of sorts. Over the years, our little backyard chicken coop had expanded to house several more feathery friends, each with its own quirky personality. But Henrietta remained Lee’s favorite, a symbol of our enduring love.

As the delicious dinner Lee had prepared was served, we gathered around the outdoor table. Our children regaled us with stories of their day, their eyes shining with excitement. Lee’s hand found mine beneath the table, our fingers intertwining as we shared a knowing glance. It was a look that spoke volumes, a testament to the love that had sustained us through the years.

After dinner, we watched the sun dip below the horizon, the sky painted in shades of pink and orange. Our children, tired but content, nestled against us as we sat on the porch swing, swaying gently in the evening breeze.

“Remember when that was just a rickety old barn full of ghosts and rat shit?” Lee whispered in my ear, his playful voice a soothing murmur that sent tingles dancing across my skin.

I nodded, my heart still filled with the same warmth and gratitude. “How could I forget? It feels like a lifetime ago.”

Lee’s lips found mine in a tender kiss, a kiss that spoke of all the love and happiness we’d shared since that fateful day. “Annie Sullivan, you were always meant to be mine,” he said, his gaze locked with mine.

Tears of happiness welled in my eyes as I leaned into him, our children nestled in our arms. “And you will always be my everything.”

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, I knew that our love was a masterpiece, a work of art that continued to evolve with each passing day. Our life together was a story written with laughter, love, and unwavering commitment, and as we sat there, a family built on the foundation of our enduring love, I couldn’t help but feel that our future was even more beautiful than the past.