Chapter 10 - The True Beginning
Three months later.
The autumn chill had given way to the brilliant, crisp blossoms of early spring across the rolling hills of Westchester County.
The grand courtyard of the Vale estate was draped in white silk ribbons, delicate fairy lights, and thousands of fragrant white roses. The heavy iron gates, once a symbol of isolation and fear, stood wide open, welcoming friends, allies, and chosen family from across the city.
In the sunlit garden pavilion, Hannah stood before a large antique mirror, adjusting the sweetheart neckline of a breathtaking ivory lace wedding gown that fell in soft, fluid layers to the marble floor.
The door clicked open, and Dominic stepped inside.
He wore a bespoke black tuxedo that fit his broad shoulders to perfection, the old scar over his eyebrow catching the afternoon light. He stopped dead in his tracks, staring at her with an expression of such raw, unfiltered adoration that Hannah’s breath caught in her throat.
"You take my breath away," Dominic whispered, walking slowly across the room until he stood right in front of her. He gently brushed a stray lock of dark hair behind her ear.
"You clean up nice for a mafia boss," Hannah teased softly, a bright smile breaking across her face.
"Only for you," he murmured, leaning down to press a tender, lingering kiss to her lips.
Suddenly, a chorus of high-pitched giggles echoed from the doorway.
In marched Lily, Grace, and Emma, dressed in matching miniature white tulle dresses with tiny flower crowns resting atop their curls. Each of them clutched a small basket of rose petals, scattering them wildly across the white carpet as they toddled toward Hannah and Dominic.
They stopped right at Hannah’s feet, all three looking up with wide, bright eyes.
And in unison, their tiny voices rang out through the sunlit room:
"Mama!"
May you like
Hannah dropped to her knees, scooping all three little girls into her arms in a messy, joyful tangle of lace, laughter, and baby hugs, while Dominic knelt beside them, wrapping his strong arms around all four of his favorite people in the world.
The past was buried. The shadows were gone. And as the wedding bells began to chime across the rolling Westchester hills, Hannah knew she had finally found where she belonged.
