Chapter 9 - The Queen of the East Coast
One year later.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan was closed to the public, guarded outside by fifty members of the Ashford syndicate dressed in pristine charcoal suits, while inside, hundreds of white roses and flickering candles illuminated the vaulted gothic nave.
The entire underworld of New York, Boston, and Philadelphia sat in the polished wooden pews—not out of fear, but out of profound, absolute respect.
At the front of the altar stood Kendrick Ashford. He wore a tailored midnight-blue tuxedo, his face radiant, his eyes fixed on the massive oak doors at the back of the cathedral. Beside him, acting as the most distinguished ring-bearer in history, was Titan. The mastiff wore a custom white silk bow tie around his massive, wrinkled neck, completely healed, his tail wagging proudly as he surveyed the guests.
The pipe organ swelled, filling the sacred hall with a glorious melody.
The doors opened.
Little Penny walked out first, tossing soft pink rose petals from a silver basket, grinning from ear to ear. She was happy, healthy, and chattering non-stop, the shadow of her past completely erased.
And then came Willa.
A collective breath caught in the throat of every boss, capo, and dignitary in the cathedral.
Willa Vance walked down the aisle on the arm of Marcus, who walked with a slight limp but held his head high with immense pride. She was a vision of breathtaking majesty. Her wedding gown was a masterpiece of French lace and ivory silk, with an eight-foot train that cascaded over the marble floor like sea foam. Around her neck blazed the Ashford Emerald, perfectly matched with the love shining in her amber eyes.
She wasn't the trembling waitress who had hidden behind a silver tray on the 88th floor. She was the woman who had fought off killers with a fire poker, who had nurtured a broken child back to laughter, and who had brought the most ruthless mob boss in America to his knees in love.
She was their Queen.
When she reached the altar, Kendrick stepped forward and took her hand. His fingers, usually so steady and lethal, trembled as he lifted her sheer lace veil.
"You took my breath away the night we met," Kendrick whispered, his voice thick with raw emotion, looking into her glowing eyes. "And every single day since, you've given me a reason to breathe."
"You gave me a family, Kendrick," Willa smiled, tears of joy shimmering in her eyes. "You gave me a home."
The priest smiled warmly. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kendrick, you may kiss your bride."
Kendrick didn't wait. He wrapped his arms around Willa’s waist, pulled her against him, and kissed her with a deep, passionate possessiveness that drew a thunderous ovation from the hardened men of the underworld.
Titan let out a massive, joyful bark that echoed off the vaulted ceiling, causing Penny to giggle and throw her arms around the dog's neck.
Later that evening, atop the penthouse terrace overlooking the glittering Manhattan skyline, Kendrick stood with Willa wrapped securely in his arms, his chin resting against her soft auburn hair. Below them, the city lights flickered like a sea of diamonds—an empire united, peaceful, and strong.
"Happy, my Queen?" Kendrick murmured, kissing her temple.
May you like
Willa leaned back against his solid chest, watching Penny and Titan curled up asleep together on the plush outdoor lounge chair beneath a cashmere blanket.
"More than happy, Kendrick," she whispered, turning in his embrace to loop her arms around his neck, smiling into his eyes. "I'm home."
