Chapter 8 – THE SECOND KISS

Two weeks later.

The morning sun streamed through the large bay windows of the luxury penthouse overlooking Lake Michigan. It was warm, bright, and completely peaceful.

I stood in the massive, state-of-the-art kitchen, flipping a pancake on the stove. I wasn’t wearing a maid’s uniform. I was wearing comfortable sweatpants and one of Daniel’s oversized t-shirts.

“Mommy, look!”

I turned around. Mia was sitting at the massive granite island, her face covered in maple syrup. She held up a piece of paper. It was a new drawing. This one had three stick figures standing in front of a very tall building.

“It’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I smiled, kissing the top of her sticky head.

The penthouse door chimed, and a moment later, Daniel walked into the kitchen. He was still using a sleek black cane to keep weight off his healing side, and a small scar marked his temple, but his color was back. He looked strong. He looked like my husband again.

“Daddy!” Mia squealed, dropping her crayon and running as fast as her little legs could carry her.

Daniel dropped his cane and caught her, spinning her around as she giggled wildly. He buried his face in her neck, holding her as if he still couldn’t believe she was real.

“Hey, bug,” Daniel grinned, setting her down. He walked over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Smells good.”

“It’s just pancakes,” I laughed, leaning back into his solid chest.

“Everything tastes like a Michelin star meal when I get to eat it with you,” he murmured, kissing my cheek.

A throat cleared from the doorway.

Luca Moretti stood there, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, holding a leather briefcase.

Daniel and I immediately stood up straighter. “Mr. Moretti,” Daniel said respectfully.

“Daniel. Rachel,” Luca nodded, walking into the kitchen. He looked down at Mia, who was staring up at him with wide eyes. Luca knelt down, a rare, genuine smile softening his harsh features. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, plush velvet box.

He handed it to the little girl.

Mia opened it. Inside was the delicate silver rosary.

“This belongs to your family now,” Luca said softly. “Keep it safe.”

Mia beamed. “Thank you, Mr. Luca.”

Luca stood back up and placed the briefcase on the counter. He clicked the locks open and turned it toward us.

Inside were neat stacks of hundred-dollar bills, and a thick legal folder.

“What is this?” I asked, confused.

“The Bellini estate was liquidated after Vanessa and her father were indicted by the federal government,” Luca explained smoothly. “As part of their plea deal to avoid my… personal retaliation… they agreed to pay a substantial restitution to the victims of their crimes. That is five million dollars in cash, and the deed to this penthouse.”

Daniel stared at the money, completely speechless.

“Mr. Moretti, we can’t take this,” I said, shaking my head. “You already gave us so much. You saved her. You saved Daniel.”

Luca closed the briefcase and pushed it toward Daniel.

“Rachel,” Luca said, his tone leaving absolutely no room for argument. “You served in my home with dignity, even when you were treated with cruelty. Daniel bled on my cobblestones to protect the truth. I am a man of honor. And honor demands that debts are paid in full.”

He turned toward the door.

“Besides,” Luca paused, looking back at us. “I need a new logistics manager for my legitimate shipping operations. Someone who knows how to drive a truck and isn’t afraid to take a hit. When you are healed, Daniel, the job is yours.”

Daniel swallowed hard, his eyes shining. “I won’t let you down, boss.”

Luca gave a single nod. “I know you won’t. Enjoy your family, Bennett.”

And with that, the mafia boss walked out of our lives, leaving us in the sunlight.

I looked at the briefcase, then at the beautiful apartment, and finally at my husband.

Daniel smiled, tears welling in his bright green eyes. He reached out and pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly against his chest. Mia ran over and hugged our legs, sandwiching herself between us.

“Hey, Rach?” Daniel whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“Yeah?” I looked up at him.

He leaned down and pressed a long, tender kiss to my forehead.

“Whatever happens today, we come home to each other.”

I smiled, finally feeling the broken pieces of my heart mend back together.

“We’re already home,” I whispered.

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