Chapter 9 - Promises in Stone
Six months later.
The summer sun shone brightly over St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.
It was a day the tabloids had been predicting for months—the official, lavish church wedding of Ricardo Moretti and his stunning new wife, Clara.
The cathedral was packed with the city's most powerful elites: senators, real estate moguls, and high-ranking syndicate bosses who bowed their heads in respect as Clara walked down the aisle.
She wore a breathtaking lace gown with a ten-foot train, her dark hair crowned with a diamond tiara. In her hands, she carried a bouquet of white roses.
Standing at the altar, looking devastatingly handsome in his tailored tuxedo, was Rico. Beside him stood tiny four-year-old Leo, wearing a matching mini-tuxedo, holding a velvet cushion with their wedding bands.
When Clara reached the altar, Rico took her hand, his blue eyes shining with unshed tears.
"You look like an angel," he whispered softly.
"I'm your angel," she replied with a radiant smile.
Leo looked up at both of them, tugging on Clara's lace dress. "Mommy, can I hold the rings now?"
Clara knelt down—not caring about her million-dollar dress—and kissed Leo's cheek. "You sure can, my little boss."
The ceremony was magnificent, but the real celebration happened later that evening at Il Destino—the very restaurant where their story had begun.
Rico had bought the entire building six months ago, renamed it La Grazia (Grace), and completely renovated it into a warm, family-friendly sanctuary of fine dining.
As music swelled and laughter filled the air, Rico led Clara out onto the outdoor terrace overlooking the sparkling skyline of Brooklyn.
He pulled her back against his chest, wrapping his heavy arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Look at them," Rico said softly, gesturing toward the interior glass windows.
Inside, Dante was letting Leo ride on his shoulders, while the restaurant staff—including Clara's old friend Sarah—laughed and cheered.
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"You transformed this place," Clara said gently, leaning back into his warmth. "You transformed us."
"You transformed me, Clara," Rico corrected, sliding his hand down over her stomach, where a faint, gentle curve was beginning to show.
