“Put the formula back. And the diapers. All of it.” The voice came from behind me at the customer-service counter.

One year later.

The summer sun shone brilliantly over Lake Michigan, painting the water in glittering shades of sapphire and gold.

The estate grounds in Highland Park had been transformed into a paradise of white roses, glass canopies, and soft velvet carpets. Friends, family, community leaders, and law enforcement officials gathered under the sunlit canopy.

I stood in the bride's private suite, wearing a breathtaking white lace wedding dress that trailed gracefully behind me. My hair fell in soft curls around my shoulders, pinned with tiny diamond pins Dante had gifted me.

Natalie stepped into the room, wearing an elegant dusty-rose bridesmaid dress, holding a small bouquet of peonies.

"You look like a queen, Soph," Natalie said, tears glistening in her eyes.

"I just feel like the luckiest woman in the world," I replied softly, walking over to embrace my sister tightly. "Look how far we came, Nat."

"From an eleven-dollar bank account to this," Natalie laughed happily, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Lily is already outside with her flower basket. She's currently trying to eat a rose petal, but Marco is on official security duty to stop her."

I laughed softly, my heart full of warm, vibrant peace.

Ten minutes later, the soft strain of violin music floated across the gardens.

The heavy double doors opened, and I stepped out onto the flower-strewn aisle.

Standing at the altar, backed by the endless blue horizon of the lake, was Dante Moretti.

He looked majestic in his dark wedding suit, his grey eyes locked entirely onto me as I walked toward him. There was no coldness, no dark shadow of the mafia boss left in his gaze—only an overwhelming, devotion that made my breath catch.

I reached the altar, and Dante stepped forward, taking my hands in his.

The officiant spoke words of love, strength, and lifelong unity, but my focus remained entirely on the man holding my hands so gently.

When it came time for our vows, Dante looked straight into my eyes.

"Sophia," Dante said, his voice deep, clear, and ringing with absolute truth. "The night I met you, I was searching for nothing. I thought my heart was closed forever. But you showed me that true strength isn't built on power or fear—it is built on love, loyalty, and protection. I promise to stand by you, to shield you, to cherish you, and to love you through every storm and every sunshine for all the days of my life."

Tears of pure happiness slipped down my cheeks as I smiled up at him.

"Dante," I spoke softly, my voice steady and warm. "You walked into my life when I had nothing left to give, and you gave me everything. You protected my family when we were helpless, and you taught me that I never have to stand alone again. I give you my heart, my life, and my love, now and forever."

"By the power vested in me," the officiant declared with a broad smile, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dante, you may kiss your bride."

Dante didn't hesitate. He pulled me into his arms, dipping me gently back, pressing his lips to mine in a passionate, deep kiss that brought roaring applause and cheers from every guest under the canopy.

Lily clapped her tiny hands from Natalie's lap, laughing merrily.

When Dante lifted me back up, he looked down at me, his thumb tenderly wiping the happy tear from my cheek.

"Ready for our forever, Mrs. Moretti?" Dante whispered against my lips.

"I've been ready since the moment you bought my groceries," I answered with a radiant smile.