Chapter 14 - THE WHITE ROSES BLOOM AGAIN
Three months later, the Basilica of San Lorenzo was filled once more.
Two hundred fourteen guests stood in respectful silence.
The organist played the grand wedding march.
This time, there was no hesitation.
There were no secrets.
There was no doubt.
I walked down the aisle in a custom white lace gown, holding a bouquet of fresh white roses.
At the altar stood Alessandro.
Dressed in a pristine tuxedo, his silver hair neatly brushed, watching me walk toward him with an expression of absolute reverence.
When I reached his side, he took my hands in his.
“You look breathtaking,” he whispered.
“You look terrified,” I teased softly.
“Only of losing you again,” he smiled.
The priest began the ceremony, but neither of us needed a reminder of the vows.
We had already lived through the worst life could throw at us.
We had survived betrayal, assassination attempts, federal raids, and the darkest shadows of the Roman underworld.
When the priest finally pronounced us husband and wife, Alessandro didn't wait for permission.
He pulled me into his arms and kissed me in front of the entire congregation.
The basilica erupted into thunderous applause.
Even Rossi, the oldest capo in the syndicate, was wiping a tear from his eye.
We walked back down the aisle together, stepping out into the bright Roman sunshine.
May you like
A vintage white convertible waited at the curb, decorated with ribbons and roses.
Our future lay wide open before us.
