Chapter 10 - The Promise of Tomorrow
Spring returned to the Hudson Valley with an explosion of color.
The grounds of the estate were covered in bright green grass, white cherry blossoms drifting off the trees like soft, warm snow in the spring breeze.
Today was a special day.
On the wide back lawn overlooking the valley, a small gathering had assembled. There were no news reporters, no high-society cameras, no mob associates in dark suits. Just a few close friends, Mrs. Gable, Jimmy from the diner, Loretta’s mother in her wheelchair smiling broadly, and Leo, who was sitting proudly at the front in his custom motorized chair, wearing a miniature tuxedo.
Under a canopy of white roses, Loretta stood wearing a breathtaking, simple lace wedding gown. Her dark hair was braided with tiny white wildflowers, her smile radiant as she looked into the eyes of Salvatore Vance.
Vance wore a charcoal morning suit, his face illuminated by a deep, profound joy that made him look completely transformed.
The local judge, a gentle old man with white hair, smiled at the couple. "Salvatore, do you take Loretta to be your 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, till death do you part?"
Vance didn't hesitate for a single second. His voice was steady, deep, and filled with unconditional devotion.
"I do," he said, staring directly into Loretta’s brown eyes. "With all my heart, with my life, and with my soul."
The judge turned to Loretta. "And Loretta, do you take Salvatore to be your 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, till death do you part?"
Loretta felt a tear of pure, overwhelming happiness spill over her cheek, catching the spring sunlight.
"I do," she whispered, her voice clear and strong. "Forever."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the judge smiled. "You may kiss the bride."
Vance didn't wait. He pulled Loretta into his arms, lifting her slightly off her feet, pressing his lips to hers in a long, beautiful kiss as the small crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
Leo drove his motorized wheelchair forward, clapping wildly. "Yay! Finally!"
Salvatore set Loretta down, laughing as he reached down and scooped Leo up into his left arm, pulling both his wife and his son into a tight, fierce embrace under the shower of falling cherry blossoms.
Loretta rested her head on Salvatore’s shoulder, holding small Leo tight against her side, looking out over the beautiful green valley stretching before them into the bright, endless horizon.
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She had walked into a fire to save a boy she didn't know.
And in the ashes of that terrifying night, she had found her family, her home, and a love that would burn bright for the rest of her life.
