Chapter 10 - Where White Roses Bloom
Six months later.
The spring sunshine poured over the corner of 4th and Chestnut, warming the freshly painted facade of the historic brick building.
Hanging proudly above the large bay windows was a beautifully restored, vibrant green canvas awning. In pristine gold lettering, the sign read:
Monroe & Moretti Florals.
Inside, the shop was an explosion of color, fragrance, and light. Buckets of French lilacs, sweet peas, ranunculus, and vibrant peonies lined the whitewashed wooden displays.
Behind the counter, Walter Monroe—looking healthier, well-dressed, and smiling—was carefully wrapping a bouquet of yellow tulips for an elderly customer. The cutting-edge therapies funded by Dante had worked wonders; while some memories remained hazy, Walter was present, happy, and once again doing what he loved most in the world.
Josie, who had been completely cleared of all charges after testifying against the remnants of Vance’s syndicate, was at the back design table, laughing joyfully as she arranged bridal bouquets.
The brass bell above the door chimed softly.
Piper looked up from her workbench, pruning shears in hand, a smudge of green moss on her cheek.
Dante walked in.
He wasn't wearing his intimidating charcoal suits today. He wore a crisp white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, dark slacks, and a relaxed, radiant smile that made Piper’s heart execute a dizzying backflip every single time.
""Undercover astronaut,"" Dante greeted her, leaning over the counter and kissing her lingeringly on the lips.
""Terrifying mafia boss,"" she replied against his mouth, smiling. ""You're late for your delivery shift.""
""I was delayed at the courthouse,"" Dante said, resting his hands on her hips and pulling her closer. ""Camille and Marcus Vance were officially sentenced this morning. Consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. The docks are clean. The city is quiet.""
Piper let out a long, peaceful breath that she felt she had been holding for years. ""It’s finally over.""
""No,"" Dante murmured, his gray eyes shining with endless warmth and devotion. ""It’s just beginning.""
He reached behind his back and produced a breathtaking, handheld arrangement.
It was composed entirely of magnificent, velvety white roses—intertwined with fragrant eucalyptus, pale hellebore, and delicate blush ranunculus. Exactly like the arrangement she had created for him seven months ago on the night they met.
Tucked into the very center of the blossoms was a sparkling, flawless platinum ring set with an emerald-cut diamond.
Piper gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
Walter looked over from the register, beaming with pure pride. Josie squealed and clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming.
Dante lowered himself onto one knee on the hardwood floor, looking up at her with a heart that had never been colder, but was now completely, irrevocably hers.
""Seven months ago, you told me that white roses don't have to mean grief or funerals,"" Dante said, his voice husky with emotion. ""You said they mean beginnings. Respect. And a love that isn't asking for anything yet.""
He took her trembling hand in his.
""Well, Piper Monroe... I'm done not asking. I love you with everything I am. Will you marry me, make this city our home, and bloom with me for the rest of our lives?""
Tears of pure happiness spilled over Piper’s lashes. She laughed—a bright, joyous sound that filled every corner of the sunlit shop.
May you like
""Yes,"" Piper cried, throwing her arms around his neck as he stood up and spun her around in his arms. ""A thousand times, yes!""
As the bell chimed above the door and applause erupted from her father and Josie, the ballroom florist and the city's protector sealed their forever right where they belonged: surrounded by white roses that no longer spoke of the past, but sang of a beautiful, unbreakable tomorrow."
