Chapter 10 - The Anchor
One year later.
The sun was setting over the Lake Michigan shoreline, casting a golden, brilliant glow over the private beach behind the Lake Forest estate.
A small wooden canopy decorated with white roses stood near the water's edge. Fifty guests—close friends, trusted allies, and family—sat in white chairs on the sand, smiling as the soft sounds of an acoustic guitar floated on the breeze.
I stood beneath the canopy wearing a simple, elegant lace wedding gown that trailed in the soft sand. My hair was styled in soft waves, pinned back with fresh jasmine flowers.
Standing opposite me was Victor.
He wore a sharp black tuxedo, looking impossibly handsome, his gray eyes shining with an overwhelming warmth that made my heart leap. Gone was the cold, terrifying mob boss who had threatened me in a kitchen two years ago. In his place was a man who loved fiercely, lived openly, and protected his family with honor.
Beside us stood six-year-old Finn, wearing a matching tiny tuxedo, proudly holding a velvet ring pillow with a massive grin on his face.
"Do you, Victor Rossi," the officiant asked, "take Harper Vance to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?"
Victor didn't hesitate for a fraction of a second. His eyes locked onto mine, his voice strong, deep, and clear as it echoed across the beach.
"I do."
"And do you, Harper Vance," the officiant turned to me, "take Victor Rossi to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," I said, a tear of pure happiness slipping down my cheek.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant smiled. "You may kiss the bride."
Victor stepped forward, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me close as he captured my lips in a deep, sweet, passionate kiss that brought cheers and applause from the crowd.
When he pulled back, he smiled down at me, wiping my tear away with his thumb. "You're stuck with me now, Mrs. Rossi."
"Best decision I ever made, Mr. Rossi," I laughed.
Finn immediately tugged on Victor's jacket sleeve. "My turn! My turn!"
Victor laughed, dropping to one knee, pulling Finn into a tight hug. I knelt beside them, wrapping my arms around both of them as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold.
"Are we a real family now?" Finn asked, looking between Victor and me.
"We were always a real family, buddy," Victor said, kissing Finn's forehead. "Now it's just official."
Victor reached into his pocket and pulled out a small silver necklace, fastening it around my neck. I looked down at the pendant resting against my collarbone.
It was a small, beautifully crafted silver anchor.
"So you never forget," Victor whispered in my ear, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. "You're our anchor, Harper. Forever."
May you like
I held the small silver anchor in my hand, looking out at the calm ocean water, listening to the laughter of my husband and son. The storm was over. The darkness was gone.
And for the first time in my life, I was finally home.
