Chapter 10 - The Wedding at the Coast
One year later.
The lawn of the Marchetti estate was decorated with thousands of white roses, pale blue hydrangeas, and soft fairy lights strung through the ancient oak trees.
Over two hundred guests sat in elegant white chairs facing the ocean horizon—former associates who had transitioned into legitimate business partners, nurses from Rhode Island Hospital, staff from my mother’s care facility, and dozens of local rescue volunteers.
Violins played a soft, romantic melody as the ocean breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers across the lawn.
I stood behind the rose archway, wearing an off-the-shoulder white lace gown with a long, sweeping train that drifted over the grass. My hair was styled in soft waves, adorned with tiny white orchids.
Beside me stood my mother, dressed in a beautiful navy blue silk dress. Thanks to the top-tier medical care Stefano provided, her cognitive stability had improved dramatically, and today her eyes were bright and clear.
"You look so beautiful, Alice," my mother whispered, holding my hand tightly. "Your father would have been so proud of you."
"Thanks, Mom," I smiled, tears glistening in my eyes.
At the front of the altar stood Stefano. He wore a crisp black tuxedo that fitted his broad shoulders perfectly. Beside him stood Danny as his best man.
And standing right beside Stefano, wearing a small black silk bow tie attached to his leather collar, was Nero.
The music shifted to the wedding march.
I took a deep breath and began walking down the white runner toward the man who had stolen my heart.
Stefano watched me approach, his breath visibly catching in his throat. A tear slid down his cheek—unashamed, proud, and deeply in love.
When I reached the altar, Stefano stepped forward, taking both of my hands in his. His hands were warm, strong, and completely steady.
The justice of the peace spoke words of love, commitment, and new beginnings, but all I could hear was the steady beat of Stefano’s heart and the gentle rustle of the ocean waves behind us.
"Do you, Stefano Marchetti, take Alice Brennan to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?"
Stefano looked straight into my eyes, his voice echoing clearly across the coast. "I do. With all my heart and all my life."
"And do you, Alice Brennan, take Stefano Marchetti to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," I smiled, my voice unwavering and full of love. "Forever."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!"
Stefano didn't wait a second. He pulled me into his arms, dipping me slightly as he pressed his lips to mine in a deep, passionate, breathtaking kiss.
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. Nero let out a loud, triumphant bark, trotting around us in a circle, making everyone laugh.
When Stefano finally lifted me back up, he rested his forehead against mine, his eyes shining with pure happiness.
"I love you, Mrs. Marchetti," he whispered softly.
May you like
"I love you, Mr. Marchetti," I smiled back, resting my hand against his chest, right over the heart I had fought so hard to save.
Hand in hand, with Nero walking proudly at our side, we walked down the aisle together into the bright, beautiful sunshine of our new life—a life built not on fear, power, or secrets, but on love, trust, and a second chance at happiness.
