Chapter 29 - The Celebration at Berth 14
Back in Boston, the post-ceremony celebration was as far from a high-society gala as one could possibly get—which made it entirely perfect.
Instead of a sprawling hotel ballroom or a heavily guarded estate, the reception took place in the newly renovated brick loft directly above Berth 14, overlooking the sunlit expanse of the harbor. The space featured exposed iron beams, warm wooden farm tables, and massive windows framing the frozen bay.
The catering was shockingly simple: wood-fired artisan pizzas from the North End, steaming bowls of New England clam chowder, and a surprisingly elegant three-tier winter berry cake that Liam insisted on cutting himself to ensure "structural integrity."
"I’m telling you, this is the way to do it," Liam declared, raising a glass of sparkling cider toward Rafe and Tessa as they sat at the center table. "No distant cousins you haven't seen since childhood, no politicians trying to slip you campaign contribution requests disguised as wedding gifts. Just good food, great views, and zero syndicate enforcers at the door."
"There are three tactical security consultants stationed downstairs just in case you start talking too loudly about your shipping logistics, Liam," Rafe teased lightly, taking a sip of his scotch.
"They're not enforcers, they're 'guest hospitality coordinators,'" Liam shot back with an unrepentant grin.
Leo laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Well, whatever you call them, the view is incredible. Who knew an old shipping pier could look so romantic?"
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"When you strip away the rust and the contraband, a good foundation is all you need," Tessa murmured, leaning her shoulder against Rafe’s side.
Rafe wrapped his arm around her, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. The ambient noise of the room—the laughter, the clinking of glasses, the distant hum of the harbor—faded into a comfortable backdrop as he looked down at the woman who had redefined his entire existence. The ledgers were burned, the accounts were closed, and the horizon stretching out before them was completely clear.
