Chapter 10 - Before He Says I Do
One year later.
The summer sun shone brilliantly over the shores of Lake Michigan, illuminating the grand outdoor gardens of the Moretti estate in Evanston.
The gardens were filled with white roses, elegant arches, and over two hundred guests—including high-ranking city officials, reformed business leaders, and the entire medical staff from the West Chicago Rehabilitation Center.
Sitting in the front row, looking handsome and sharp in a navy suit, was Leo Dawson. He sat proudly, holding his sister's bouquet, his legs completely healed, standing tall without the use of a cane or chair.
Standing at the altar beneath an arch of white orchids was Luca Moretti. He looked breathtaking in a bespoke black tuxedo, his jaw square, his eyes fixed entirely on the top of the marble aisle.
The brass quartet began to play the opening notes of the bridal march.
Every guest stood up, turning their heads.
Walking down the aisle on the arm of her glowing, healthy younger brother was Claire Dawson.
She wore a breathtaking vintage lace gown that hugged her graceful figure, her dark hair styled in soft waves with pearl pins, holding a single stem of white lilies. She looked like a queen.
Her hazel eyes locked onto Luca’s, and the rest of the world vanished.
When Leo reached the altar, he placed Claire's hand gently into Luca’s large, warm palm.
"Take care of her, boss," Leo smiled warmly.
"With my life," Luca answered solemnly.
The justice of the peace stepped forward, reading the traditional vows of devotion, trust, and everlasting honor.
When the time came for the exchange of rings, Luca pulled a simple, exquisite platinum band set with a flawless emerald from his pocket, sliding it smoothly onto Claire’s left ring finger—the very hand that had once been bruised in the linen closet.
Claire smiled through tears of pure joy, sliding a matching platinum band onto his finger.
"Do you, Luca Moretti, take Claire Dawson to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the officiant asked.
Luca looked deep into her eyes, holding both of her hands in his.
"I do," Luca answered, his deep baritone voice echoing clearly across the sunlit gardens.
"And do you, Claire Dawson, take Luca Moretti to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Claire smiled, her heart overflowing with love and peace.
"I do," she whispered.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant declared. "You may kiss the bride."
Luca pulled Claire into his arms, dipping her slightly as his lips met hers in a passionate, eternal kiss under the brilliant blue Chicago sky.
The crowd erupted into wild, joyful applause, throwing white rose petals into the air.
As they pulled back, breathless and smiling, Claire touched the lapel of his jacket, leaning close to his ear.
"Remember that note Vanessa wrote?" Claire teased softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Do it before he says I do."
Luca wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, pulling her close against his side as they turned to face their clapping guests.
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"She was too late, my love," Luca smiled warmly, kissing her temple. "Because today... my life finally begins."
THE END
