(Ruby's POV)
The morning of the dedication, I woke before the sun.
I lay in bed for a while, listening to the house settle around me. The floorboards creaked. The wind whispered against the windows. Somewhere in the distance, a bird was singing. Nicholas was beside me, his breathing slow and steady. Elle was in her crib, dreaming.
I slipped out of bed and walked to the window.
The garden was still, the flowers wet with dew. The fountain was splashing softly. The oak tree stood tall and silent. The new west wing was complete, its walls white, its windows catching the first light of dawn.
I touched the pendant on my necklace. The tiny gold key was warm against my skin.
"Ruby."
I turned. Nicholas was sitting up in bed, his hair messy, his eyes still heavy with sleep.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Watching the sunrise."
He got up and walked to me. He put his arms around my waist.
"It's a big day," he said.
"It is."
"Are you ready?"
"I think so."
