Chapter 6 - The Sun Rises Over the Sound
Ten minutes later, the iron gates of the estate were blasted open by three black SUVs.
Vincent leaped out of the lead vehicle before it even came to a complete stop. He sprinted through the front doors, heavy weapon in hand, his face pale with unimaginable terror.
The foyer was a wreckage of broken marble and bullet casing. Enzo was leaning against the base of the staircase, bleeding from a shoulder wound, but holding a smoking pistol and giving a weary nod.
"They're upstairs, Boss..." Enzo gasped. "We cleared the ground floor... but two got up to the suites..."
Vincent didn't wait. He stormed up the stairs three steps at a time, Marco close behind him.
He reached Lily's bedroom. Two hitmen lay incapacitated on the floor.
Vincent rushed to the hidden closet, his hands trembling violently as he punched the code into the panic room keypad.
The steel door hissed open.
Inside, sitting on the floor in the dim emergency light, was Emily, holding Lily tightly in her arms.
"Vincent!" Emily cried out.
Vincent dropped his weapon onto the floor and fell to his knees, throwing his broad arms around both of them, pulling them into a tight, frantic embrace. He buried his face in Emily’s neck, his broad shoulders shaking as he wept openly—a man who had faced death a hundred times, but who had never known true terror until tonight.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." Vincent rasped, his voice broken. "I should have been here... I should have protected you..."
"We're okay, Vincent," Emily whispered, crying happily as she stroked his back. "We're safe. Lily fought like a lion."
Vincent pulled back slightly, looking down at Lily. The little girl reached up with her soft hands and wiped a tear from the feared mafia boss’s cheek.
"I didn't let them take us away, Daddy," Lily said proudly, her small voice steady. "I remembered what you said. We don't flinch."
Vincent let out a choked laugh, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head repeatedly. "You are the bravest girl in the world, Lily. My brave little girl."
Six months later.
The summer sun shone brightly over the pristine green lawns of the Romano Estate. The dark clouds of the past had finally cleared completely; Sal Moretti’s faction had been dismantled, the rogue collectors were behind bars, and peace had been permanently established across the city.
In the rear garden overlooking the calm, sparkling waters of Long Island Sound, a massive white tent had been set up for a grand summer celebration.
Under the shade of an old oak tree, Vincent stood wearing a sharp navy linen suit, holding a glass of iced tea. Beside him stood Marco and Enzo, both looking rested, relaxed, and dressed in matching suits.
"It's strange seeing you like this, Boss," Marco smiled, gesturing toward the garden where dozens of children were playing tag on the grass. "Quiet. Peaceful."
"It's not quiet, Marco," Vincent smirked softly, watching a golden retriever pup chasing Lily across the lawn. "It's noisy. But it's the right kind of noise."
The back french doors of the estate opened, and Emily walked out onto the patio.
She wore a breathtaking yellow summer dress that caught the warm light, her dark hair flowing softly over her shoulders. She looked radiant, happy, and completely at peace.
Vincent handed his glass to Marco and walked across the grass toward her.
He met her at the edge of the stone patio, taking her hand and pulling her close to his side. "How is the birthday girl?"
"She's currently trying to feed her birthday cake to the dog," Emily laughed softly, leaning her head against his broad shoulder.
Vincent looked down at her, his dark eyes filled with endless warmth and gratitude. He reached into his vest pocket, pulled out a small, framed glass display, and handed it to her.
Emily looked down at the frame. Inside, preserved perfectly behind museum-grade glass, was the faded, crumpled paper napkin from sixteen months ago.
Please marry my mom. Urgent.
Emily’s eyes welled with happy tears as she touched the glass. "You kept it."
"I keep all my most important contracts," Vincent murmured softly, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her flush against him. "It was the best deal I ever made."
Emily looked up into his handsome face, placing her hand gently against his cheek. "I love you, Vincent Romano."
"I love you, Emily," he whispered back, leaning down to press a warm, lingering kiss against her lips.
From across the lawn, Lily came running over, her shoes covered in grass clippings, the puppy bouncing at her heels. She squeezed herself between them, wrapping her arms around both of their legs.
"Group hug!" Lily squeaked happily.
May you like
Vincent and Emily both laughed, kneeling down together on the soft grass to pull their daughter into a tight, warm embrace.
As the afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow over the estate and the quiet sea beyond, the little family held each other tight—knowing that no matter what shadows the world might bring, they would never have to face the cold alone again.
