Chapter 9 - A PROMISE IN ROSEWOOD
Six months later.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in downtown Philadelphia was filled to capacity.
It was the wedding of the century, but inside the grand stone archways, there were no mafia lieutenants in tactical gear, no political posturing, and no lingering shadows of the past.
The church was decorated with thousands of white roses, soft candlelight illuminating the vaulted ceilings.
I stood behind the heavy wooden doors, wearing a breathtaking ivory lace gown that fitted my waist perfectly, a long silk veil cascading down my back.
My hands were shaking slightly as I adjusted the bouquet of white lilies in my hands.
The door creaked open, and Donato stepped inside, wearing a handsome black tuxedo. He looked at me with warm, paternal eyes, a soft smile on his weathered face.
“You look beautiful, Avery,” he said gently. “Your mother is already seated in the front row. She’s crying happy tears.”
“Thanks to Luca, she’s healthy enough to be here,” I said, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Is he nervous?”
Donato chuckled. “Luca Moretti has faced down federal prosecutors, rival syndicates, and assassination attempts without breaking a sweat. But right now? Standing at that altar waiting for you? He’s sweating through his shirt.”
I let out a soft laugh, my heart swelling with pure happiness.
The organ music swelled, echoing magnificently through the cathedral.
The doors swung open.
I stepped out onto the long velvet aisle, taking a deep breath.
At the end of the altar stood Luca.
He looked impossibly handsome in his tailored black tuxedo, his hair neatly styled, the faint scar on his cheek only serving to highlight his rugged charm. Beside him stood his chief lieutenant as best man, and right in front of them stood little Leo—now a chubby, walking sixteen-month-old toddler dressed in a miniature matching tuxedo, holding a small velvet pillow with our rings.
The moment Luca saw me, his dark eyes filled with unmistakable, reverent awe.
I walked down the aisle, every step erasing the years of poverty, exhaustion, and loneliness I had carried for so long.
When I reached the altar, Luca stepped forward, taking my hand in his. His grip was warm, steady, and protective.
“You are stunning,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
“You look pretty good yourself, mob boss,” I teased softly.
The priest smiled, beginning the sacred ceremony. When the time came for the vows, Luca turned to face me, holding both my hands in his.
“Avery,” Luca spoke clearly, his voice carrying through the quiet cathedral. “You walked into my dark world when I had nothing left to give except grief and anger. You gave my son a mother, and you gave me a reason to live. I promise to honor you, protect you, and love you with every breath in my body for the rest of my life.”
Tears ran down my cheeks as I looked up into his eyes.
“Luca,” I replied, my voice strong and unwavering. “I used to think my life was defined by the hard times. But holding your hand showed me that everything I went through was just the road that led me to you and Leo. I choose you, today and every day, forever.”
The priest smiled warmly. “By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
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Luca didn't hesitate. He pulled me into his arms, dipping me slightly as he kissed me deeply, while the entire cathedral erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.
Down at our feet, little Leo let out a happy babble, grabbing the hem of my lace dress with his tiny fists.
