Chapter 10 - The Master of the Estate
One year later.
The autumn leaves painted the trees of Lake Michigan in brilliant hues of crimson, orange, and gold.
A gentle breeze blew across the rear courtyard of the Moretti estate—the very same courtyard where, eighteen months prior, a frightened maid had noticed a hidden transmitter in a dog's harness.
The wet flagstones were dry today, bathed in the soft, warm light of a late afternoon sunset.
Emma sat in a comfortable teak lounge chair on the covered terrace, dressed in a cozy cream sweater, holding a warm mug of tea in her hands. She looked healthier, happier, and more radiant than ever before.
Beside her chair, resting his massive head directly across her lap, was Brutus. The old dog gave a contented sigh as Emma gently stroked his velvety black ears.
The back French doors clicked open, and Roman stepped out onto the terrace. He had dropped his briefcase on the hall table, having just returned from his downtown corporate headquarters. He had shed his tie, the top buttons of his white shirt unbuttoned, his dark eyes instantly finding the two most precious beings in his world.
"How was the city?" Emma asked, looking up with a warm smile.
"Busy," Roman replied, walking over and leaning down to press a soft kiss against her lips. "The board approved the new animal shelter project in West Chicago. We break ground next month."
"That's wonderful news," Emma beamed.
Roman pulled up a chair beside her, sitting down and placing his large hand gently over Emma's stomach.
Beneath her cream sweater was a soft, distinct six-month baby bump.
Roman’s face softened into a expression of pure, unadulterated tenderness as he felt a tiny, firm kick against his palm.
"Our son is active today," Roman murmured, his thumb rubbing soft circles over her belly.
"He takes after his father," Emma smiled, placing her hand over his. "Restless, strong, and determined."
Roman chuckled, leaning over to kiss her cheek. He looked down at Brutus, who opened one lazy brown eye, thumped his tail twice against the stone floor, and went right back to sleep on Emma's lap.
"You know," Roman said softly, looking out over the peaceful estate grounds, "eighteen months ago, I thought my life was completely set. I thought I would end up in a federal prison or six feet under a concrete floor like every other man in my family."
Emma squeezed his hand gently. "And now?"
Roman looked at the wedding band sparkling on her finger, then at her glowing face, and finally down at his unborn son resting beneath his hand.
"And now," Roman said, his voice thick with emotion, "I am the richest man in the world. Because I have everything that truly matters."
May you like
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Moretti mansion. There were no longer any shadows hiding in the corners, no secrets buried beneath leather harnesses, and no fear lingering in the hall.
There was only love, loyalty, and a family that had been built from the quiet strength of a woman who cared enough to listen.
