Chapter 9 - The Vows That Mattered
Six months later, the chapel at the historic King’s Chapel in downtown Boston was filled with soft candlelight, white roses, and the quiet, elegant hum of violin music.
There were no press cameras. There were no corrupt cops, no syndicate bosses, and no terrified whispers in the dark.
There was only Mrs. Morrison smiling proudly from the front pew, Noah standing tall and beaming in a miniature tailored tuxedo holding the velvet ring pillow, and a small circle of trusted friends.
Harper walked down the aisle in a gown of simple, breathtaking ivory silk, her head held high, her back straight and proud. Every scar from her past was gone, replaced by the brilliant armor of self-worth and unconditional love.
Waiting for her at the altar was Gabriel, dressed in a sharp classic tuxedo, his dark eyes locked entirely on her with a devotion that defied every dark legend ever written about him.
"Do you, Gabriel Ashford, take Harper Queen to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the minister asked softly.
"I do," Gabriel said, his voice ringing clear and steady through the historic chapel.
"Do you, Harper Queen, take Gabriel Ashford to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Harper looked into his eyes, remembering the bloody marble floor of the Beacon Hill bathroom, the dark hallways, and the cold terror of her past. She smiled, a radiant, unshakable smile.
May you like
"I do."
When the rings were exchanged and the minister pronounced them husband and wife, Gabriel pulled her close, kissing her with a deep, reverent tenderness that promised safety for all their days to come.
