Chapter 9 - The Wedding at White Cap Estate
One year later.
The summer sun shone brilliantly over the majestic cliffs of Montauk, Long Island.
White Cap Estate—a stunning, fifty-acre oceanfront sanctuary purchased by Nico—was draped in white roses, clear crystal lanterns, and elegant velvet ribbons. The soft sound of ocean waves crashing against the rocks below provided a natural symphony for the eighty guests gathered on the sprawling green lawn.
Standing near the floral archway overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was Nico Falcone. He wore a midnight-blue tuxedo, looking breathtakingly handsome, his eyes locked entirely on the stone path leading down from the main manor house.
Beside him stood little four-year-old Milo, dressed in a matching tiny tuxedo with a white rose boutonniere, holding a small velvet pillow containing two gold wedding rings.
"Is Mommy coming down now, Daddy?" Milo whispered, pulling gently on Nico’s sleeve.
"She's coming right now, buddy," Nico smiled down at his son, his heart hammering against his ribs with a nervous joy he hadn't felt in his entire life.
The harpist began to play a soft, beautiful rendition of Can't Help Falling in Love.
The wooden doors of the manor opened.
Claire stepped out into the sunlight.
She was breathtaking. She wore a fitted lace gown with a long, trailing train that caught the gentle ocean breeze, her dark hair styled in elegant curls adorned with small white orchids. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of wild bluebonnets and white roses.
Walking beside her, holding her arm with immense pride, was her assistant baker and closest friend, Nina.
Nico’s breath stopped entirely. Tears filled his dark eyes as he watched the woman he had almost lost forever walk toward him under the bright summer sky.
When Claire reached the altar, she met Nico’s gaze. A brilliant, radiant smile illuminated her face.
Nico stepped forward, taking her delicate hand into his broad palm, kissing her knuckles gently before turning toward the officiant.
The ceremony was short, intimate, and filled with deep, emotional vows.
"I, Nico Falcone," Nico spoke, his voice trembling slightly as he looked into Claire’s tear-filled eyes, "take you, Claire Sterling, to be my wedded wife. I promise to protect you, to honor you, and to build a home where love is our only law. I give you my heart, my life, and my eternal devotion."
Claire smiled through her tears, slipping the gold band onto his finger. "I, Claire Sterling, take you, Nico Falcone, to be my husband. I promise to stand by you, to laugh with you, and to build a life filled with joy, peace, and fresh bread. You are my home, Nico. Always."
"By the power vested in me," the officiant declared warmly, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nico, you may kiss your bride!"
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Nico didn't wait a second. He wrapped his arms around Claire’s waist, pulling her close, and lifted her into a deep, passionate, magnificent kiss that made the entire audience break into thunderous, joyous applause.
Milo cheered loudly from the side, jumping up and down with his velvet pillow. "Yay! Mommy and Daddy got married!"
