Chapter 11 – BESIDE HIM

The doors of the cathedral opened.

The church was packed. But there were no criminals, no corrupt politicians, no people waiting to judge or tear us down.

It was filled with loyal friends, staff who had become family, and the people we truly loved.

I walked down the long aisle.

At the altar stood Luca.

He was wearing a classic black tuxedo. When he saw me, his dark eyes filled with a raw, unprotected emotion that made my heart soar.

But it wasn’t just Luca waiting for me.

Sitting in the very first pew, exactly where she belonged, was Teresa.

She wasn’t in the back. She wasn’t hidden away.

She was in the front row.

As I reached the altar, Luca stepped down to take my hand.

He looked at me with a love so profound it anchored my soul.

The priest began the ceremony.

He spoke clearly, his voice carrying through the quiet church.

When it came time for the vows, Luca didn’t face the priest. He turned fully to me, holding both of my hands.

He spoke his vows loudly, clearly, with absolute conviction.

And as he promised to love me, protect me, and honor me for the rest of his life, I glanced quickly out of the corner of my eye.

Teresa was smiling, tears of joy streaming down her face.

She heard every single word.

And as I slipped the vintage gold wedding band onto Luca’s tattooed finger, I knew that the foundation of this family was finally, permanently secure.

The end.