Chapter 10 - The Garden Wedding
Six months later.
The grand gardens of the Moretti estate were decorated with thousands of white roses, soft silk ribbons, and glowing lantern lights hanging from the old oak trees.
A gentle September breeze rustled through the leaves as seventy guests—loyal allies, true friends, and restored family members—sat along the manicured lawn.
I stood near the stone altar beneath a canopy of white blossoms, wearing a classic black tuxedo, my heart beating with a profound, peaceful joy.
Beside me stood Bruno, wearing a silk white collar, sitting perfectly still as the official ring bearer.
The violin music swelled through the gardens.
Four-year-old Emma walked down the aisle first, wearing a miniature white flower-girl dress, tossing yellow rose petals onto the green grass with a huge, beaming smile.
And then, Sophia appeared.
She took my breath away.
She walked down the aisle in a stunning, lace-embroidered white gown, her brown hair styled in soft waves, carrying a bouquet of white lilies and sunflowers. Her eyes were fixed entirely on me, radiant with pure, unyielding love.
When her hand met mine at the altar, the entire world seemed to fall away, leaving only the warmth of her fingers and the absolute certainty of our future.
“I give you my vow, Alessandro,” Sophia whispered, looking into my eyes as we exchanged our rings. “To love you, to honor you, and to stand beside you through every storm.”
“I give you my vow, Sophia,” I replied, my voice strong and resonant. “To protect you, to cherish you, and to devote my life to our family forever.”
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“By the authority vested in me,” the priest announced, smiling warmly at us, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
I pulled Sophia close, dipping her gently as I kissed her lips, while the entire garden erupted into thunderous applause, cheers, and joyful celebration.
