Chapter 14 - THE HOUSE WITH OPEN DOORS
Two years after Wren arrived at Marchetti House, the estate had changed.
The cold study had been renovated.
The unnecessary security barriers were removed.
And the rehabilitation wing had been redesigned with accessibility in mind.
Enzo still used his wheelchair.
He continued therapy to maintain strength, mobility, and independence.
His injury remained part of his life.
But it no longer defined every conversation.
Wren had completed advanced training in critical-care transport.
She now worked with a specialized medical transport team.
One afternoon, Enzo invited her to the estate.
She arrived in a reliable little blue car.
He waited outside.
"You're early," he said.
Wren smiled.
"Don't get used to it."
He led her into the garden.
The roses were blooming.
A small table stood beneath the trees.
Wren looked around.
"What's going on?"
Enzo took a breath.
"Two years ago, you walked into my study and told me everything I was doing wrong."
She laughed.
"That sounds like me."
He smiled.
"You were right about most of it."
"Most?"
"Let's not ruin the moment."
Wren laughed.
Enzo reached into his jacket and removed a small velvet box.
Wren froze.
He opened it.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
"I don't need you to save me," he said.
Her eyes filled.
"And I don't want to save you."
He continued.
"I want to build a life with you. One where we ask. Where we listen. Where neither of us has to become smaller for the other."
Wren covered her mouth.
"Will you marry me?"
She laughed through tears.
"Yes."
Enzo closed his eyes.
Then smiled.
May you like
She knelt beside his wheelchair and kissed him.
For the first time, the estate felt like a home.
