Chapter 10 - The Moretti Legacy
Six months later. Summer.
The sun shone brightly over the lush green lawns of the estate on Long Island. The dark, cold shadow that had hung over the house for four generations was completely gone, replaced by the sound of laughter, bright white roses, and warm ocean breezes.
Set up on the back lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was a grand white wedding marquee decorated with thousands of fresh lilies.
Gathered under the tent were two hundred guests—not just territory capos in suits, but legitimate business partners, dock leaders, community directors, and local families.
Standing at the front of the altar, looking handsome beyond words in a dark charcoal tuxedo, was Dominic Moretti. Beside him stood Marco, wearing a broad, proud smile as his best man.
The music shifted to a sweet, soaring violin melody.
Walking down the aisle first was seven-year-old Lily, wearing a beautiful pink dress with a flower crown in her hair. She held a basket of rose petals, tossing them left and right with a wide, radiant smile. Clutched securely under her right arm was her old, faded pink stuffed rabbit—now fitted with a tiny black bow tie.
And then came Elena.
She walked down the white aisle on the arm of a senior dock captain who had worked for Dominic's father. She was breathtaking in a simple, elegant ivory gown that flowed around her like liquid light. Her green eyes were fixed entirely on the man standing at the end of the aisle.
Dominic watched her approach, his chest rising and falling with deep emotion.
When she reached him, Dominic took her hands into his own—the hands of the woman who had walked into his life on a cold winter afternoon and transformed his world forever.
The priest spoke his blessing, but Dominic and Elena barely heard the words. They were looking into each other's eyes, communicating a quiet promise forged in darkness, blood, and absolute loyalty.
"With this ring, I give you my life, my home, and my family," Dominic spoke, sliding a brilliant diamond band onto Elena's finger.
"And with this ring," Elena whispered back, tears of pure happiness slipping down her cheeks, "I give you my heart, my trust, and my home."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared. "You may kiss the bride."
Dominic pulled Elena into his arms, dipping her slightly as he pressed his lips to hers. The entire marquee erupted into thunderous applause, cheers, and whistles that echoed all the way down to the ocean docks below.
Later that evening, as the stars twinkled above the quiet water, Dominic stood alone on the wide stone balcony overlooking the lawn. The sound of dancing, music, and laughter drifted out from the grand hall.
He felt a tiny hand tug gently at the pocket of his vest.
Dominic looked down. Lily was standing beside him, holding out a small, wrapped box.
"What's this, Lily?" Dominic asked softly, kneeling down on the stone floor.
"It's a present for you, Uncle Dom... I mean, Daddy," Lily said, blushing slightly as she used the new word for the very first time.
Dominic's heart gave a powerful, warm thud in his chest. He took the small box and carefully unwrapped the ribbon.
Inside lay his grandfather Enzo's silver pocket watch. But it had been completely restored—the scratches on the silver polished away, fitted with a new leather strap. Engraved on the back in delicate silver cursive were four words:
OUR TIME STARTS NOW.
Dominic opened the hatch. The second hand ticked smoothly, rhythmically, cleanly—a quiet beat in a quiet world.
Elena walked out onto the balcony, wrapping her arms around Dominic's waist from behind, resting her head against his back as they both watched Lily run back toward the dance floor where the other children were playing.
"Is the time right?" Elena asked softly, leaning up to kiss his cheek.
May you like
Dominic closed the silver watch with a soft, precise click, sliding it safely over his heart.
"The time," Dominic said, pulling his wife close into his arms under the quiet summer sky, "is perfect."
