Chapter 10 - The Brightest DawnOne year later.
The historic Cathedral of St. Patrick in downtown New York was filled to capacity with thousands of flowers, dignitaries, business leaders, and ordinary citizens who had gathered to witness the wedding of the year.
The organ music echoed grandly through the magnificent stone arches as the double oak doors swung open.
Clara walked down the aisle on the arm of Chief Harrison, who had gladly volunteered to walk her down. She was breathtaking in an exquisite, hand-embroidered white lace gown, holding a bouquet of lily-of-the-valley and white roses.
Walking just ahead of her as the flower girl was seven-year-old Lily, looking radiant in a white dress, scattering rose petals along the carpet with a proud, beaming smile.
Standing at the altar in a tailor-made black tuxedo was Vincent Moretti. His posture was commanding, his face handsome, restored, and filled with deep, serene peace. Standing beside him as his best man was Viktor, looking remarkably polished in his formal suit.
As Clara reached the altar, Chief Harrison placed her hand into Vincent’s. Vincent looked into Clara’s eyes, holding her hand with a gentle, firm grip—the hands of a man who had survived the dark, now completely stepping into the light.
The Cardinal spoke the ancient, sacred vows of marriage.
"Vincent Moretti, do you take Clara Bennett to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"
Vincent looked directly into Clara’s eyes, a lifetime of love and certainty behind his words.
"I do," Vincent spoke clearly and strongly, his voice resounding throughout the cathedral.
"And do you, Clara Bennett, take Vincent Moretti to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"
"I do," Clara answered softly, tears of happiness glimmering in her eyes.
"By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the Cardinal declared with a warm smile. "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss the bride."
Vincent pulled Clara close, dipping her gently as he kissed her to the thunderous, joyous applause of everyone inside the cathedral. Lily cheered enthusiastically from the front pew, holding up Molly the doll so she could "see" the kiss too.
The reception that followed at the seaside Moretti estate was a magnificent festival of music, lights, and celebration.
As midnight approached, the guests gathered on the wide marble lawn near the ocean cliffs. A spectacular private fireworks display erupted in the night sky, painting the dark heavens in brilliant explosions of gold, blue, red, and silver.
Vincent stood at the edge of the terrace, holding a glass of fine champagne. Clara stood beside him, her arm wrapped lovingly around his waist, while Lily sat happily on Viktor’s shoulders nearby, pointing up at the shining fireworks.
Vincent looked down at his glass—the clear, bubbly liquid sparkling under the light of the fireworks.
He smiled softly, remembering the rainy night three years ago when a small girl had stopped his hand from drinking poison inside a silent, treacherous room. That night, he thought his life was over. He thought the world was only made of dark motives, lies, and bitter betrayals.
He had been wrong.
Out of that darkness, he had found the truth. He had purged the corruption, conquered his foes, protected the innocent, and built a true family that no amount of money or greed could ever buy.
Vincent took a sip of his champagne, turned to his beautiful wife, and pulled her close under the golden light of the fireworks.
"To the details," Vincent whispered into her ear with a quiet, joyful laugh.
May you like
Clara smiled up at him, kissing his cheek gently. "To our family, Vincent. Forever."
The fireworks continued to illuminate the sky above the ocean, shining bright and clear over the Moretti mansion, where darkness would never enter again.
