Chapter 14 - THE BAPTISM IN THE NORTH END
Six months later, the private chapel in Chicago’s historic North End was filled with the soft scent of white lilies and beeswax candles.
There were no mobsters in attendance. No senators taking bribes. No syndicates dividing up territories.
Just a few trusted friends, old Dr. Harrison from St. Vincent’s, and Sara sitting in the front pew wearing a sharp gray pantsuit.
At the baptismal font stood Alessandro, holding a baby girl with a shock of dark hair and large, curious gray eyes.
Father Thomas poured the holy water gently over the infant's head.
"I baptize you, Isabella Emily Vitale," the priest intoned softly.
Alessandro cradled his daughter against his chest with a tenderness that still amazed everyone who had ever known the ruthless mafia boss.
He walked back down the aisle toward Emily, who waited by the front pew wearing an ivory silk dress, her heart overflowing with a peace she had never thought possible.
Alessandro handed the baby gently into her arms, wrapping one arm around them both.
"She has your eyes," Alessandro whispered against Emily's hair as the organ music swelled through the ancient stone arches.
Emily looked down at their daughter, then up at her husband.
May you like
The storm had passed. The empire was theirs—not bought with fear, but redeemed by forgiveness.
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