Chapter 19 - The Family Restored
Two weeks later, the sun shone brightly over a sprawling estate overlooking the quiet waters of Long Island Sound.
The air was warm, smelling of salt water, roasting garlic, and fresh basil floating on the gentle autumn breeze.
A massive white marquee was set up on the emerald lawn, surrounded by thousands of white roses and yellow lemons.
Sophia stood on the terrace, watching her brother Leo laughing freely as he threw a football with Enzo on the grass.
Her mother sat at a sunlit patio table, chatting happily with Elena Moretti over coffee and fresh cannoli.
Her mother’s face looked ten years younger, free from the crushing weight of poverty and constant anxiety.
Sophia felt two broad, warm hands rest gently on her waist, and she leaned back into Dante’s chest.
He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her dark hair, inhaling her sweet, familiar scent.
"Your mother just asked me when we are having the official wedding ceremony," Dante murmured, his voice laced with warmth.
Sophia turned around in his arms, smiling up into his rugged, ridiculously handsome face.
"What did you tell her?" she asked, playing teasingly with the top button of his white linen shirt.
"I told her that the boss makes the schedule," Dante chuckled, kissing the tip of her nose softly.
"And who is the boss in this house, Mr. Moretti?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with joyful mischief.
Dante smiled, a true, brilliant smile that reached all the way to his dark, soulful eyes.
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"You are, Sophia," he whispered, leaning down to press a soft, deeply passionate kiss against her lips.
"You've been the boss since the second you put lemon peel in my mother's pastina."
