Chapter 7 - The Garden of Vows
Three days later, the rain was completely forgotten. The sky over Oak Brook was an unbroken sheet of brilliant sapphire blue, and the late summer sun bathed the rose garden in golden warmth.
A small, intimate crowd gathered on the velvet lawn—close friends, a few reformed lieutenants, and local staff who had come to love the couple.
At the front of the garden, beside an archway woven with white lilies and red roses, stood Dominic Moretti. He looked breathlessly handsome in a bespoke black tuxedo, his hair neatly styled, his eyes fixed on the house with an anxious, eager intensity.
The string quartet began to play a soft, romantic melody.
Elena rolled down the wooden aisle first. She looked radiant in a soft peach dress, her dark hair styled in elegant curls, a bright, triumphant smile on her face as she maneuvered her wheelchair with absolute confidence.
Then, the crowd gasped softly.
Ellie appeared at the edge of the terrace, escorted by her younger brother, whom Dominic had flown in from Seattle.
Ellie looked breathtaking. Her wedding dress was a stunning, custom-made ivory satin gown that hugged her full curves with breathtaking elegance. The off-the-shoulder neckline highlighted her soft shoulders, and a long, lace-trimmed veil trailed behind her on the emerald grass. She carried a bouquet of wild roses and baby’s breath. She was not a thin, fragile bride—she was a vision of radiant, powerful beauty, carrying herself with the quiet majesty of a queen.
Dominic’s breath hitched in his throat. Tears welled in his dark eyes, blinding him for a moment as he watched her walk toward him.
When her brother handed her hand to Dominic, Dominic took it reverently, lifting it to his lips.
"You are the most beautiful thing in this universe," Dominic whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
"You don't look too bad yourself, Mr. Moretti," Ellie beamed softly.
The minister stepped forward, his voice echoing warmly across the silent garden.
"We are gathered here today to unite two souls who found each other not in ease and comfort, but in strength, protection, and unconditional love," the minister began. "Dominic and Eleanor, you have faced storms that would break ordinary people. Now, state your vows."
Dominic took both of Ellie’s hands in his, looking directly into her warm hazel eyes.
"Ellie," Dominic said, his voice deep and clear. "My whole life, I believed that strength meant building higher walls, carrying bigger weapons, and trusting no one. I lived in a world of shadows and cold stone. Then you walked into my house. You didn't care about my money, and you weren't afraid of my power. You showed me that real strength is gentle. You saved my sister, you healed my broken home, and you taught me how to love. I promise to protect you, cherish you, and stand by your side through every storm, for all the days of my life."
Ellie wiped a tear from her cheek, smiling radiantly through her tears.
"Dominic," Ellie said, her voice rich with warmth. "I came into your life expecting just another job. What I found was a man with a heart so big he was suffocating under the weight of trying to protect everyone alone. You gave me a home where I am seen, loved, and valued for exactly who I am. I promise to laugh with you, fight for you, keep baking your favorite cornbread, and stand as your shield whenever the world gets too cold. You are my home, Dominic."
"By the power vested in me," the minister announced with a broad smile, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Dominic, you may kiss your bride."
May you like
Dominic didn't hesitate. He pulled Ellie into his arms, lifting her slightly off her feet, and kissed her with a deep, passionate warmth that drew wild applause and cheers from the crowd.
Elena cheered loudest of all, throwing flower petals into the air.
