Chapter 11 - THE WEDDING IN THE GARDEN
The following May, the estate gardens were in full bloom.
White roses and ivy covered the stone arches, and the scent of jasmine filled the warm spring air.
It was a small wedding.
No politicians. No mob bosses.
Just Marco, Thomas, Emily’s mother, and a few close friends from Luca’s legitimate businesses.
Emily stood in the master suite, looking at herself in the full-length mirror.
She wore a simple, elegant white silk gown, her hair pinned up with delicate pearls.
Her mother stood behind her, adjusting her veil, wiping away happy tears.
“You look like an angel, sweetheart,” her mother whispered.
Emily turned and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you, Mom. For everything.”
A small knock came at the door.
Sophie peeked her head in.
She was wearing a fluffy white flower girl dress, holding a basket of yellow rose petals.
“Are you ready, Emily?” the little girl asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
Emily smiled, holding out her hand.
“I’m ready, sweetie.”
Emily walked down the grand staircase, her mother on one arm, and Sophie holding her other hand.
As they stepped out into the garden, the string quartet began to play.
At the end of the aisle stood Luca.
He wore a tailored black tuxedo, but he looked completely different than the man Emily had met a year ago.
He wasn't a feared boss hiding in the shadows of his study.
He was a father, a businessman, and a man deeply, truly in love.
When he saw Emily, his breath hitched.
He couldn't look away from her.
As Emily reached the altar, her mother kissed her cheek and stepped back.
Luca took Emily’s hands.
“You are breathtaking,” he whispered.
“You clean up nicely yourself,” she smiled through her tears.
The ceremony was short and beautiful.
When the priest finally pronounced them husband and wife, Luca pulled Emily into his arms and kissed her, surrounded by the cheering of their small, chosen family.
The reception was held on the grand patio.
They danced under the stars, laughing and celebrating the end of the darkness and the beginning of a new chapter.
Later in the evening, Emily stepped away from the party to catch her breath.
She walked to the edge of the patio, looking out at the gardens.
Marco stepped up beside her, holding a glass of champagne.
“You did a good thing, Emily,” Marco said quietly.
“We all did, Marco.”
The older man shook his head.
“No. You saved him. If Caroline had won, this family would have burned to the ground. You gave him a reason to build something new.”
He raised his glass to her.
“Welcome to the family, Mrs. Moretti.”
Emily smiled, raising her glass in return.
“Thank you, Marco.”
Luca appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“Stealing my wife already, Marco?”
Marco chuckled.
“Just paying my respects, Boss. I’ll leave you two alone.”
Marco walked back to the party.
Luca turned Emily in his arms, looking down at her in the moonlight.
“Are you happy?” he asked softly.
Emily rested her hands on his chest, feeling the steady, strong beat of his heart.
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“I’m exactly where I belong,” she whispered.
TITLE: THE FAMILY WE CHOOSE
