Chapter 23 - The Calm Before the Vows
Wednesday morning arrived with a blinding, crystalline sun that turned the snow-covered rooftops of Boston into a glittering sea of white.
Inside the penthouse, however, the atmosphere was a mix of quiet domestic routine and low-level logistical panic—courtesy of Liam Calder, who was treating a simple city hall civil ceremony like a state funeral.
"I'm telling you, Rafe, we need at least a dozen security personnel stationed outside the municipal building," Liam argued passionately, pacing across the hardwood floor of the kitchen while holding a smartphone to his ear. "I don't care that the old syndicates are dissolved; city hall is packed with nosy reporters and ambitious junior prosecutors who would love nothing more than a photo op of the Calder family walking into a courtroom."
Rafe sat calmly at the kitchen island, buttering a piece of toast while casually reading the financial section of the Boston Globe. He didn't even look up at his brother.
"If a single armed guard is standing within fifty feet of that courthouse tomorrow, Liam, I will personally throw you off Berth 14," Rafe said in a flat, conversational tone that carried absolute, terrifying finality.
Liam stopped pacing, swallowed hard, and lowered his phone. "Fine. No guards. Just a discreet tactical observation van parked three blocks away."
"No vans. No radios. No operatives," Rafe stated, finally looking up with his piercing gray eyes. "Tomorrow is a civil wedding. We walk in, we sign the papers, we say our vows, and we come home. End of transmission."
Tessa walked into the kitchen wearing a soft gray cashmere sweater and jeans, holding her coffee mug. She took in the scene with an amused smile, leaning against the counter beside Rafe.
"Let him stress, Rafe," Tessa chuckled. "It gives him something to do so he doesn't start redesigning the floral arrangements."
"Too late," Liam muttered defensively, sliding a tablet across the island. "I already had our florist design a minimalist winter bouquet using white roses and silver fir sprigs. And before you complain, it has zero association with any Italian crime families."
May you like
Tessa picked up the tablet, looking at the elegant, understated floral design. A genuine smile spread across her face. "Actually, Liam... it's beautiful. Thank you."
Liam puffed out his chest slightly, looking immensely proud of himself. "See? I told you. I have hidden artistic talents that the shipping empire severely underutilizes."
