Chapter 10 - A Garden In Bloom
Six months later, spring arrived in full splendor across the Long Island estate. The wet, slate-colored gray of November had been replaced by a magnificent explosion of blooming crimson roses, vibrant purple hydrangeas, and lush green boxwood hedges that stretched all the way to the blue waters of the sound.
The east terrace was bathed in brilliant afternoon sunshine. On the stone table where Dante once sat alone with his cold coffee, a porcelain tea service stood alongside plates of fresh strawberries and warm lemon scones.
Sophie, wearing a bright yellow sundress and sturdy little canvas sneakers, chased a golden retriever puppy across the manicured lawn. Her laughter drifted on the warm sea breeze, clear and bell-like, full of the carefree joy that every child on earth deserved to possess.
Dante stood by the balustrade, dressed in an open-collared linen shirt and dark slacks, his arm wrapped comfortably around Anna's waist. Anna leaned against his side, wearing a soft white summer dress, a diamond pendant resting against her collarbone—a gift from Dante marking her six months as the heart and soul of the Moretti household.
""Look at her run,"" Anna whispered, a soft, contented smile curving her lips as Sophie tumbled into the grass, giggling uncontrollably as the puppy licked her cheeks. ""A year ago, I didn't know if we would live to see the summer.""
Dante looked down at Anna, his dark eyes brimming with a peace he had never thought possible after his wife's passing. The cold mafia boss whose name made grown men tremble across five states had found his redemption not in blood or conquest, but in the fierce, unyielding love of a mother and the innocent courage of a child who refused to give up.
""You brought life back into these dead walls, Anna,"" Dante murmured softly, turning her gently to face him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, polished wooden object.
It was the music box carved with the swallow in flight. But around the neck of the flying swallow was a slender platinum band set with a brilliant, flawless emerald surrounded by diamonds.
Anna gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, tears of overwhelming emotion springing to her eyes. ""Dante...""
""Your daughter came to my garden and gave me the most valuable thing she owned to save you,"" Dante said, his voice deep and thick with raw emotion. ""Now, I am offering you everything I own—my name, my protection, my home, and my heart. Will you marry me, Anna?""
Down on the grass, Sophie had stopped chasing the puppy. She stood near the bottom of the terrace steps, clapping her little hands together, her face glowing with pure, unadulterated happiness. ""Say yes, Mama! Say yes!""
Anna let out a breathless, joyful laugh through her happy tears. She threw her arms around Dante's neck, pressing her face into his shoulder as he lifted her slightly off the stone flagstones. ""Yes! A thousand times yes, Dante!""
May you like
Dante held her close against his chest, kissing her with a fierce, tender passion that sealed their bond forever under the warm spring sun. As they parted, Sophie came running up the stone steps, throwing her arms around both of their waists. Dante knelt down, scooping Sophie up with one strong arm while keeping his other arm wrapped securely around Anna.
On the stone table behind them, the lid of the wooden music box clicked open in the gentle breeze. The swallow on the lid caught the golden rays of the midday sun, its wings spread wide, flying free at last into the clear, endless blue sky."
