Chapter 10 - A Ribbon Tied in Gold
A year later, the gardens of the Moretti estate were in full summer bloom. Pink hydrangeas and white roses lined the brick pathways, and the afternoon breeze carried the scent of fresh-cut grass over Lake Michigan.
A small crowd of close friends and legitimate business partners stood on the emerald lawn. Gordon Riley, looking ten years younger in a tailored beige linen suit, stood near the altar beneath an archway woven with white ivy.
The music began to play—a gentle acoustic melody drifting through the warm air.
Rex walked down the aisle first, wearing an absurdly handsome black bow tie around his thick neck. He walked with immense dignity, resisting the urge to chase the butterflies hovering near the flower beds.
Behind him came Sophie, now six years old, wearing a pale pink flower girl dress. In her arms was Mr. Buttons. The bear had been cleaned, his black stitches still visible like a proud battle scar, and pinned to his chest was the solid gold sheriff’s star, catching the midday sun. Sophie scattered rose petals with absolute military precision, making sure each petal landed exactly twelve inches apart.
When she reached the altar, she looked up at Dante, who stood waiting in an immaculate black tuxedo.
""Did I do it right?"" Sophie whispered loudly.
""Perfection, Sheriff,"" Dante whispered back, his eyes soft with affection.
Sophie beamed, taking her place beside Gordon and patting Rex’s head.
Then the crowd turned.
Anna appeared at the end of the stone aisle, walking on the arm of the foundation’s chief director. She wore a stunning ivory silk gown that cascaded like water around her feet. A delicate veil framed her face, her eyes shining with tears of pure, unadulterated happiness.
Dante caught his breath. In all his years of power, wealth, and territory, he had never seen anything that held a fraction of the beauty walking toward him.
When Anna reached the altar, Dante stepped forward and took her hands in his. Her fingers were warm and steady.
""You look breathtaking,"" Dante murmured.
""You look like a man who finally found his peace,"" Anna whispered back, her smile radiant.
Gordon cleared his throat, opening the ceremonial book with a wide, grandfatherly grin. ""We are gathered here today to witness the joining of two families, forged in courage and united in love.""
The vows were spoken not from memory, but from the heart. There were no promises of empires or dynasties. They promised safety, laughter, loyalty, and an unyielding commitment to protect the peace they had bled to earn.
When Gordon declared them husband and wife, Dante drew Anna close and kissed her, the crowd erupting into joyous applause.
Sophie immediately ran forward, throwing her arms around both of their legs, sandwiching Mr. Buttons between them. Rex barked twice in joyous celebration, jumping up to plant two heavy paws against Dante’s hip.
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Dante laughed—a deep, full, unburdened sound that filled the summer sky. He scooped Sophie up in one arm and held Anna with the other, looking out over the peaceful estate that was no longer a fortress of shadows, but a home filled with light.
Beside Sophie’s ear, Mr. Buttons’s crooked smile looked down on them all, holding safe the golden star that had saved a family."
