Chapter 6 - The Rose on Long IslandOver three hundred prominent business leaders, supreme court judges, corporate partners, and my former restaurant friends—including Sam from The Copper Keg—gathered around white-linen tables set up along the stone patio, enjoying fine food and live acoustic music.
I stood near the marble balustrade wearing a breathtaking, floor-length ivory silk wedding gown designed to celebrate every soft, gorgeous curve of my figure. My dark hair fell in glossy waves over my shoulders, my hazel eyes shining with absolute, unshakeable happiness.
Down on my left hand rested an eight-carat flawless emerald-cut diamond engagement ring set beside the Moretti family signet band.
My seventeen-year-old brother, Toby—now walking cleanly on his own two feet without a cane—stepped up beside me, wearing an immaculate black tuxedo, holding a glass of sparkling cider.
"You look like a real queen, Mara," Toby smiled brightly, his eyes shining with deep, genuine pride as he hugged me tightly.
"I am a queen, Toby," I laughed softly, kissing his cheek. "Thanks to the man who saved us."
Adrian walked out onto the terrace wearing an immaculate black tuxedo, stepping up behind me, wrapping his broad, warm arms around my waist, pulling my back flush against his solid chest.
He pressed a sweet, lingering kiss against my temple, his storm-gray eyes shining with an absolute, unshakeable devotion.
"What are you thinking about, my queen?" Adrian whispered softly into my ear.
I looked out over the vast, sparkling blue waters of Long Island Sound stretching before us into the unbroken horizon, feeling a deep, weightless peace settle into every corner of my soul.
"I was thinking about the five-hundred-dollar dare," I answered softly, turning in his arms to rest my hands against his broad chest. "When a broke waitress walked up to a mysterious stranger in the darkest corner of a bar."
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Adrian offered a rare, breathtaking smile—a look of pure, eternal love that lit up his severe, handsome face.
"You didn't just accept a dare, Mara," Adrian promised, leaning down to press his lips softly, fiercely against mine in a deep, unhurried kiss. "You claimed my heart."
