Chapter 9 - A New Beginning
Our second wedding took place in late May, under a white canopy set up on the estate’s garden terrace, surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms and vibrant summer green.
It wasn't the dark, guarded affair our first wedding had been in a cold cathedral surrounded by mob bosses and armed men. It was intimate, beautiful, and full of light. Only a handful of true friends, trusted allies like Marco, and Mrs. Gable attended.
Eli served as Dante's best man. He stood proudly beside his father at the altar, wearing a matching charcoal tuxedo, taking his duty very seriously as he held the velvet pillow with our rings.
When I walked down the aisle in a simple, elegant lace dress, Dante looked at me like I was the only person in the universe. A soft tear slipped down his cheek, but this time, it wasn't a tear of grief or regret—it was pure happiness.
Don Carmine, who had officially retired from the syndicate and served as a legal justice of the peace, officiated the ceremony.
"Do you, Dante Moretti, take Nora to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?"
"I do," Dante said, his voice deep and resolute, holding my hands firmly in his. "With all my heart, for the rest of my life."
"And do you, Nora, take Dante to be your wedded husband?"
"I do," I replied, beaming with complete happiness.
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"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife again. You may kiss the bride."
Dante pulled me into his arms, dipping me slightly as he kissed me with a deep, passionate warmth that sealed our second chance at life. The small crowd erupted into applause, and Eli cheered loudly, jumping up and down with Buster bark-joining in from the side of the lawn.
