Chapter 8 - The Aftermath
With Don Carmine captured and his syndicate dismantled by Gabriel’s forces, peace returned to the streets of Chicago with sudden, permanent finality. The Castiglione family was forced to surrender all territorial claims, and those involved in the attacks were permanently banished from the Midwest.
Two weeks later, the morning sun rose bright and clear over Hearth & Rye.
The bakery had been completely renovated. Where the old, temperamental equipment once stood, four brand-new, state-of-the-art Italian commercial deck ovens gleamed under the warm lighting. A massive custom walk-in refrigeration unit occupied the back wall, and a shiny brass plaque near the register read: Hearth & Rye - Official Supplier to the Moretti Estate.
Mara was behind the counter, dusting fresh raspberry danishes with powdered sugar, when the front bell chimed.
Gabriel walked in.
He wasn't wearing his usual intimidating charcoal overcoat or carrying a leather briefcase. He wore a soft dark sweater, dark jeans, and a relaxed, warm smile that transformed his sharp face into something breathtakingly handsome.
"Good morning, boss," Gabriel said, leaning against the counter.
Mara raised an eyebrow, laying her sifter down. "You're late for your coffee, Don Moretti."
"I was busy," Gabriel replied smoothly, reaching into his pocket and placing an official-looking document on the marble glass counter.
Mara glanced down at it. "What is this? Another contract?"
"It's a deed," Gabriel said softly. "I bought the building next door. The property wall can be knocked down by next month. It doubles your kitchen space and gives you room for a sit-down cafe."
May you like
Mara stared at the deed, her mouth slightly open. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with overwhelmed emotion. "Gabriel... this is too much. You already bought the ovens."
"Nothing is too much for you, Mara," Gabriel said, stepping around the counter and wrapping his hands around her waist, pulling her close. "You gave me a life outside of blood and duty. You gave me a home."
