Chapter 15 - A New Sunrise and an Eternal Vow
One year after the night three black SUVs stopped outside Rosie’s Diner, the private chapel overlooking the ocean in Newport was filled with white roses and warm candlelight.
There were no rival families. No bulletproof glass. No weapons. Only true friends, family, and the peaceful sound of waves crashing against the rocky shore.
Chloe stood beside the altar in a miniature white flower-girl dress, proudly holding a velvet pillow carrying two platinum wedding bands.
The church doors opened, and the organ began to play.
I walked down the aisle in a custom lace gown that flowed behind me like sea foam. At the end of the aisle stood Dominic Salvatore.
Tears glistened in his dark eyes as he watched me approach. When I reached his side, he took both of my hands into his, his grip warm, strong, and unwavering.
"Dominic," the priest began, "do you take Emma to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?"
Dominic looked directly into my eyes, his soul laid bare.
"I spent my entire life walking in darkness," Dominic said, his voice ringing clear and steady through the chapel. "I believed the world was made only of power, debts, and blood. Then a woman ran through fire to save my life, asking for nothing, and taught me how to love. Emma, I vow to spend every breath I have protecting you, cherishing you, and building a life worthy of the grace you brought into my world. Forever."
Tears spilled down my cheeks as I squeezed his hands.
"And Emma," the priest continued, "do you take Dominic to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," I whispered, my heart overflowing with pure happiness. "You showed me that even in the darkest shadows, there is light. You saved my daughter, you gave me a home, and you gave me your heart. I am yours, Dominic. Always."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Dominic wrapped his arms around my waist, lifting me slightly as he brought his lips down to mine in a deep, passionate, and eternal kiss.
The entire chapel erupted into cheers. Chloe squealed with joy, running forward to wrap her arms around both of our legs.
Dominic scooped Chloe up into his arms with one hand and held me tightly against his side with the other.
May you like
Together, as a family, we walked out of the chapel into the bright, golden warmth of the afternoon sun—leaving the shadows behind forever, stepping forward into a beautiful, endless tomorrow.
THE END
