Chapter 10 - The Baker's Wedding
The wedding of Don Gabriel Moretti and Mara Vescovi was the event of the decade, held in a sunlit vineyard overlooking the rolling hills of Lake Geneva.
There were no weapons, no dark suits, and no shadows. The venue was decorated with golden wheat stalks, white roses, and the delicious, intoxicating smell of freshly baked bread.
Mara walked down the aisle in an exquisite off-the-shoulder lace gown that accentuated her stunning curves, holding a bouquet of wildflowers and wheat. Gabriel stood at the altar, looking radiant in a dark midnight-blue tuxedo, his eyes tearing up the moment he saw his bride walking toward him.
Nonna Elena sat in the front row, beaming with immense pride, while Chloe and Marco stood as honor attendants.
"I promise to love you, protect you, and honor you," Gabriel vowed, holding both of Mara’s hands in his, his voice trembling with deep emotion. "I promise to listen to you, to build a peaceful world for our family, and to never, ever complain when you cover my expensive coats in flour."
The crowd erupted in warm laughter.
Mara smiled through her tears, looking into the eyes of the man who had stolen her heart. "I promise to love you, to stand beside you through every storm, and to keep you fed with the best sourdough in Italy and America."
"By the power vested in me," the priest announced with a wide smile, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Gabriel, you may kiss your bride!"
Gabriel didn't wait a second. He pulled Mara into his arms and lifted her slightly off her feet, dipping her back as he kissed her with a deep, passionate intensity that brought the entire audience to their feet in deafening applause.
Later that evening, as the stars filled the sky and music echoed across the vineyard, Gabriel and Mara slipped away to a quiet wooden bench overlooking the illuminated vines.
Gabriel laid his jacket over Mara’s shoulders, pulling her flush against his side as they shared a slice of their magnificent five-tier wedding cake—baked personally by Mara, filled with sweet apricot jam and dark chocolate cream.
"Happy, Mrs. Moretti?" Gabriel murmured, kissing the crown of her head.
Mara leaned against him, taking a bite of the sweet pastry and looking down at the sparkling ring on her finger.
May you like
"I'm perfect, Mr. Moretti," Mara whispered softly, resting her hand over his heart. "No excuses needed."
And there, under the quiet stars, the Mafia Boss and his Plus-Size Baker began their sweet, unbreakable forever.
