Chapter 10 - The Moretti Foundation
One year later.
The sun shone brightly over a lush, thirty-acre estate located just five miles from the main Moretti mansion.
A large white wooden archway stood at the entrance, bearing a hand-carved wooden sign: THE DONOVAN-MORETTI RESCUE & REHABILITATION CENTER.
Dozens of families, children, and volunteers walked along the green grass, playing with rescued bully breeds, pit bulls, and stray dogs who had been saved from shelters across the state.
Grace stood near the main barn, wearing a comfortable denim jacket, sunhat, and jeans. Her belly was noticeably rounded—seven months pregnant with a baby girl.
Beside her stood Matteo, wearing a casual polo shirt, holding a clipboard with adoption papers. His arm was wrapped protectively around Grace’s waist, his thumb gently caressing her bump.
Titan and Nero trotted freely across the lawn, acting as official "ambassadors" for the rescue. Children ran up to pet them, and both eighty-pound dogs happily rolled onto their backs, soaking in the endless affection from everyone around them.
"Look at them," Grace smiled, resting her head against Matteo’s shoulder. "The 'monsters' of the Moretti estate."
"They were never monsters," Matteo murmured, kissing the top of her hat. "They were just waiting for the right person to see who they really were."
Dolores walked over, holding a tray of fresh lemonade, smiling broadly—a sight that would have shocked anyone who knew her two years ago.
"Mrs. Moretti," Dolores said warmly. "The third adoption of the day just went through. A family with three kids just adopted Little Rocky."
"That's wonderful, Dolores! Thank you," Grace beamed.
As Dolores walked back toward the pavilion, Matteo pulled Grace close, resting his hands over her pregnant belly. He could feel his daughter kicking softly from inside.
"Are you happy, Grace?" Matteo asked softly, looking into her glowing eyes.
Grace looked around at the bustling rescue, the happy dogs running in the green grass, the sunshine warm on her skin, and the powerful, loving husband who had rebuilt his entire life just to make her dreams come true.
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"I have everything I ever wanted," Grace whispered, leaning up to kiss his lips. "I'm home."
Titan and Nero trotted over, wedging themselves gently between Grace and Matteo, letting out contented sighs as the four of them stood together under the warm sun—a family bound not by fear, but by undeniable, everlasting love.
