Chapter 11 - Never Invisible Again
Six months later, the courtyard of the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago was bathed in crisp autumn sunlight.
Black limousines lined the perimeter of the block. Two hundred members of the Chicago high society and the Ferrante syndicate stood in solemn, respectful silence on the stone steps as church bells chimed noon across the city.
The massive bronze doors swung open.
Veto Ferrante walked out into the sunlight. On his right arm, Willow walked proudly—radiant in an ivory lace dress, her diamond ring sparkling in the afternoon glare, her head held high. In Veto’s left arm, wrapped in a christening gown of antique silk, was little Alexander.
The crowd erupted in applause and murmured respect as the Don and his Donna descended the steps.
Just beyond the cathedral gate, sitting calmly beside the lead limousine with a red silk ribbon tied to his leather collar, was Bruno. The dog gave a single, deep bark of greeting as Alexander cooed in Veto’s arms.
Willow stopped at the bottom of the steps. She looked across the avenue toward Lakeshore Drive, where the autumn leaves were swirling in the golden breeze.
She remembered the freezing rain from a year ago. She remembered the filthy alley behind the service dumpsters, the chemical burns on her fingers, and the crushing despair of whispering to a baby she feared would be born into darkness.
Veto stopped beside her, noticing the distant look in her eyes. He adjusted the baby in his arm and took Willow’s hand, lacing his fingers through hers.
“What are you thinking, Donna Ferrante?” he asked softly, a rare, warm smile softening the severe lines of his face.
Willow looked at the man who had torn down an empire to build her a fortress, then down at the son who would inherit his name and his honor.
“I was thinking,” Willow said, her voice clear and strong as it carried on the Chicago wind, “that I am finally seen.”
May you like
Veto brought her hand to his lips, kissing the platinum ring that bound them together.
“You are the center of my world, Willow,” Veto replied, his voice a vow that would stand for the rest of their days. “And neither you nor our son will ever be invisible again.”
