He thought of the intruder. The image of a hooded figure standing by the crib replayed in his mind like an unending nightmare. It would be investigated. It would not be ignored. He would not rest until he knew why someone had targeted his home.
But even amid the terror, something unexpected had taken root in the cavern of that night.
He saw the way Annalise held the children as if they were her own. He saw the way the children responded to her with unwavering trust. He saw the bravery that did not come from training or instinct, but from heart.
Annalise had not only protected his children. She had protected his hope.
Preston whispered to the twins, “Nothing will ever hurt you. I promise.” His voice quivered, but the words held truth like steel.
Later, when everyone finally began to disperse, Preston approached Annalise in the foyer.
“You belong here, Annalise,” he said. “Not because of what happened, but because this house is stronger with you in it.”
She looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the chandelier now lit above them. “I believe this place became a home for me tonight.”