Chapter 10 - The Sovereign Bloom
One year after that fateful midnight in the master bedroom, the grand gardens of the Romano estate were transformed into an ocean of white gardenias and blush roses.
Over five hundred guests—legitimate business leaders, port workers, floral designers, and family members—filled the sweeping lawns overlooking Lake Michigan.
The autumn afternoon was warm, the sky painted in brilliant shades of cerulean blue, the gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh pine and sweet blossoms.
I stood in front of the ornate stone archway, wearing an ivory lace gown with a cathedral veil that drifted across the rose petals scattered on the grass.
In my hands, I held a bouquet of simple wild gardenias—the very flowers that had kept my small business alive during its darkest days.
Beside me stood Massimo, looking devastatingly regal in a custom black three-piece suit, his silver cufflinks gleaming under the autumn sun.
His dark eyes were locked onto mine, completely unguarded, radiating a love so deep and abiding it brought tears of joy to my eyes.
Over the past twelve months, Massimo had systematically dismantled the syndicate's shadowy operations, transitioning the Romano empire into a massive, transparent green shipping and logistics conglomerate.
Miller Floral Design had expanded into three flagship conservatories across Illinois, providing jobs and horticultural training to underprivileged women across the city.
There were no more snipers on the roof, no more wiretaps in the bedrooms, and no more weapons concealed beneath the pillows.
"Do you, Massimo Romano, take Sophie Miller to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the archbishop intoned, his voice echoing across the silent, reverent crowd.
Massimo didn't hesitate for a fraction of a second.
"I do," he said, his deep baritone ringing clear and powerful through the gardens.
He slid the heirloom sapphire ring onto my finger, his warm, scarred hand steady against my trembling skin.
"And do you, Sophie Miller, take Massimo Romano to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
I looked into the striking dark eyes of the man who had turned a dangerous mistake into the greatest fortress of my life.
"With all my heart, I do," I answered softly.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the archbishop declared with a broad smile.
"You may kiss your bride."
Massimo reached out, lifting my lace veil and tossing it back over my shoulders with confident elegance.
He framed my face with his hands, leaning in slowly to capture my lips in a tender, passionate kiss that made the entire garden erupt into thunderous cheers and applause.
Donna Caterina clapped enthusiastically from the front row, wiping tears from her cheeks, while Claire threw handfuls of white rose petals into the air.
Massimo pulled back slightly, resting his forehead against mine, his arms wrapped securely around my waist.
"One year ago today, you walked into my bedroom looking for a bathroom, Sophie," he whispered, a wicked, breathtaking grin breaking across his lips.
"And you pointed a gun at my head," I laughed softly, tracing the strong line of his jaw.
"Best decision I ever made was not pulling that trigger," Massimo murmured, kissing the tip of my nose.
"And what about those four words you said to your family?" I teased gently.
Massimo pulled me flush against his chest, looking down at me with absolute, sovereign devotion.
"She's with me," Massimo repeated, his voice thick with unshakeable pride.
May you like
"Then, now, and for every second of the rest of our lives."
He swept me into his arms, carrying me down the petal-strewn aisle as our family, our friends, and our city cheered for the florist who had conquered the mob boss's heart.
