Chapter 9 - The Dawn of Moretti
Three weeks later.
The news of Viktor Orlov’s arrest dominated every major television network in the country.
The master encryption drive Hannah had recovered provided the Department of Justice with enough evidence to dismantle the entire Belarusian syndicate, crippling organized crime across the East Coast.
Because of her central role in the investigation, the federal government officially dropped all bounty notices, sealed her records permanently, and granted her absolute legal immunity. Hannah Mercer was finally, completely free.
In Westchester, the sun was shining brightly over the Moretti estate. The damaged front doors had been replaced with reinforced mahogany, and the bullet holes in the grand hallway had been meticulously restored.
Outside, in the sprawling sunlit garden, a large white blanket was spread across the green grass.
Sophie was rolling around with a small golden retriever puppy Gabriel had bought her for her birthday.
And across the lawn, Claire was standing completely unsupported.
She wasn't holding a chair. She wasn't holding a hand. She was wearing simple blue sneakers.
Gabriel stood ten feet away, wearing a simple linen shirt, kneeling on the grass with his arms outstretched.
"Come on, moon traveler," Gabriel called out, his eyes shining with pure pride. "Take a brave step."
Claire took a deep breath.
One step.
Two steps.
Three steps.
Four.
Five.
Six.
Seven.
Eight.
She didn't stumble. She didn't buckle. She walked straight into Gabriel's waiting arms, throwing her tiny hands around his neck as he lifted her high into the air, spinning her around while her laughter rang out across the sunny garden.
"I walked, Daddy! I walked all the way!" Claire cheered, kissing his cheek.
"You walked the whole way, baby," Gabriel murmured, holding her tight, his heart overflowing with a peace he had never thought possible.
Standing near the rose garden, holding a tray of iced tea, was Hannah. She watched them with a soft, beautiful expression, tears of happiness sparkling in her eyes.
Gabriel set Claire down on the grass, where she immediately ran off to play with Sophie and the puppy.
Gabriel stood up and walked slowly toward Hannah.
"You're not wearing your apron today, Miss Mercer," Gabriel noted, a warm, charming smile touching his lips.
"I resigned as your maid this morning, Mr. Moretti," Hannah replied playfully, setting the tray down on a garden table. "The agency says I'm overqualified."
Gabriel stopped in front of her. The summer breeze blew a strand of dark hair across her face. He reached out, gently tucking it behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her soft skin.
"Then I suppose I'll have to offer you a new position," Gabriel said softly.
Hannah looked up into his gray eyes, which were no longer cold or dangerous, but full of warmth, devotion, and love. "And what position is that?"
Gabriel reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
Hannah’s breath hitched.
He opened the box, revealing a stunning, pear-cut diamond ring that caught the golden afternoon light.
"My daughters need a mother who teaches them how to be brave," Gabriel said, his voice deep and unsteady with raw emotion. "And I... I need a woman who reminds me who I am every time I come home."
Hannah covered her mouth with her hand, tears slipping down her cheeks. "Gabriel..."
"Stay with us, Hannah," Gabriel whispered, taking her trembling hand. "Not as a maid. Not as a bodyguard. As my wife."
In the distance, Sophie and Claire stopped playing, watching them with wide, excited eyes.
"Say yes, Hannah!" Claire shouted across the lawn. "Say yes!"
May you like
Hannah laughed through her tears, stepping into Gabriel's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Yes," she whispered against his lips. "Yes, Gabriel. A thousand times yes."
Gabriel pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss as the warm summer sun bathed the estate in golden light.
