Chapter 10 - The Heart of Boston
Two years later.
The snow was falling gently over Boston once again, dusting the streets in a soft blanket of white. Inside the grand cathedral in the North End, glowing candlelight filled the room with warmth.
Mina stood at the altar in a breathtaking lace gown, holding a bouquet of white roses. Beside her stood Dominic, looking handsome in a tailored tuxedo, his eyes shining with uncharacteristic emotion.
Ezra, dressed in a matching suit, proudly held the velvet ring box, standing as his father’s best man.
"Do you, Dominic, take Mina to be your lawful wedded wife?" the priest asked.
"I do," Dominic said, his voice ringing strong and clear through the sanctuary. He looked at Mina as if she were the only person in the world. "With every breath I have."
"And do you, Mina, take Dominic..."
"I do," Mina interrupted softly, smiling through happy tears.
When the priest declared them husband and wife, Dominic pulled Mina into his arms, kissing her deeply as the gathered crowd erupted into applause.
The reception was held at Mina’s Place, which was closed to the public for the night. Friends, family, and even the tough men who guarded Dominic gathered to celebrate, filling the diner with warmth, music, and laughter.
As the night wore on, Mina stood near the back alley door, looking out at the falling snow through the glass. A warm coat was draped over her shoulders.
Dominic stepped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Thinking about that night?" he asked softly.
"I was," Mina admitted, turning her head to kiss his cheek. "If Burkett hadn't cut my hours, I would have walked out the front door. I never would have found Ezra."
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"It wasn't luck, Mina," Dominic whispered, holding her tight as Ezra ran over to hug them both around the waist. "It was fate."
The cold snow continued to fall outside on Dorchester Avenue, but inside, surrounded by love and family, Mina Reyes was finally home.
