Chapter 8 - The Queen of Chicago
Six months later.
The cathedral of St. James in downtown Chicago was filled to capacity with over a thousand guests. White roses lined the aisle from the entrance all the way to the altar, where soft candlelight reflected off the stained-glass windows.
Standing at the front of the altar was Adrian Hargrove, looking impossibly handsome in a black velvet tuxedo, his dark hair perfectly styled, his storm-gray eyes locked onto the heavy oak doors at the back of the church.
The organ roared into a magnificent bridal march.
The doors swung open.
I stepped onto the white carpet, holding a bouquet of white orchids. My gown was a custom lace masterpiece with a long flowing train that glided gracefully behind me. Beside me, walking me down the aisle with a proud, tearful smile, was Cassian—the man who had become like an elder brother to me over the past year.
As I walked toward Adrian, my mind drifted back to that chilly morning on Michigan Avenue. I had eleven minutes to reach an interview that I thought would define my life. I had chosen to stop for a dying stranger. I had lost a job—and gained an entire universe.
When I reached the altar, Cassian handed my hand to Adrian.
Adrian took my fingers in his, his grip warm, steady, and filled with an eternal promise. He leaned down, whispering softly into my ear, "You are the most beautiful sight this world has ever seen, my Queen."
"And you are mine, Adrian Hargrove," I whispered back.
The Cardinal performed the sacred ceremony under the glowing arches of the cathedral. When it came time for the vows, Adrian looked straight into my eyes, his voice echoing clearly through the silent church.
"Nora, I promise to protect you with my life, to honor your fierce heart, to stand beside you in every battle, and to love you until my last breath."
"Adrian," I replied, tears of joy glistening in my eyes, "I promise to heal your wounds, to stand as your equal, to love you fiercely, and to build a home with you where light always overcomes the dark."
"By the power vested in me," the Cardinal proclaimed, "I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride."
Adrian pulled me into his arms, dipping me back slightly as he pressed his lips to mine in a deep, passionate kiss that brought the entire cathedral to its feet in thunderous applause.
Later that evening, the reception was held at the rooftop ballroom of the Hargrove Plaza, overlooking the glittering lights of the Chicago skyline.
Music filled the air, champagne flowed freely, and Margaret danced happily with Cassian near the orchestra stage.
Adrian and I stepped out onto the private roof garden, away from the roaring crowd. He wrapped his black coat around my shoulders, pulling me back against his broad chest as we looked out over the sprawling city below.
The skyscrapers glowed like silver diamonds against the dark summer night.
"Look at our city, Nora," Adrian murmured, resting his chin on my shoulder, his arms wrapped securely around my waist.
"It's beautiful," I whispered, resting my head against his cheek, placing my hand over his on my waist.
"One year ago, you were bleeding on those streets, working twenty-hour shifts, struggling to survive," Adrian said softly, his thumb gently stroking my hand. "Do you ever regret stopping on that sidewalk?"
I turned in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck, looking into the storm-gray eyes that contained my whole world.
May you like
"Stopping on that sidewalk was the best decision I ever made," I smiled, pulling him down for a soft, sweet kiss. "Because it brought me to you."
Adrian smiled—a warm, radiant smile that lit up the dark night—and pulled me close, holding me tight as we stood together at the top of the world, ruling the city as Don and Queen, bound forever by love, loyalty, and life.
