Chapter 10 - The Promise of Tomorrow
One month later.
The private chapel on the grounds of the Moretti estate was bathed in the warm light of a late-afternoon sunset.
A small, intimate ceremony was taking place, attended only by Marco, Mrs. Gable, Dr. Vance, and twenty discreet security guards stationed outside the iron gates.
Elena stood at the altar wearing a breathtaking ivory lace wedding dress that hugged her glowing, beautiful frame. In her arms, wrapped in a soft pink cashmere blanket, lay three-week-old Clara Moretti—a healthy, beautiful baby girl with dark blue eyes and a tiny tuft of dark hair.
Standing beside her was six-year-old Milo, dressed in a sharp black miniature tuxedo, proudly carrying the platinum wedding bands on a velvet pillow.
And standing at the head of the altar, looking down at his family with a look of absolute, fierce pride, was Don Luca Moretti.
The priest finished reading the sacred vows.
"By the authority vested in me," the priest announced warmly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Don Moretti, you may kiss your bride."
Luca stepped forward, his heart brimming with a peace he had searched for his entire life. He gently placed his hand on Elena’s waist, leaning down to press a tender, lingering kiss against her lips, before bending down lower to press a soft kiss against the forehead of his infant daughter.
The small gathering applauded softly as the new family turned to walk back down the aisle together.
Outside the chapel, the spring breeze blew softly off Lake Michigan, carrying the fresh scent of blooming flowers and green trees.
Elena leaned her head against Luca’s broad shoulder as they walked down the stone steps toward the main house, holding their newborn daughter securely between them while Milo ran happily ahead through the grass.
"Seven weeks ago, I was serving coffee in a storm, terrified for my children's lives," Elena whispered, looking up into her husband’s eyes.
May you like
Luca pulled her close against his side, his strong arm holding her safe against the coldness of the world.
"And today," Luca murmured softly, his voice echoing with absolute, eternal devotion, "you are the Queen of this city. And no storm will ever touch our home again."
