Chapter 10 - The Moon Traveler's Home
One year later.
The grand ballroom of the Moretti estate was decorated with thousands of white orchids and twinkling fairy lights.
A string quartet played soft classical music as two hundred guests—diplomats, legitimate business leaders, and close friends—gathered around the polished dance floor.
Gabriel stood near the center of the room, wearing a flawless black tuxedo. He looked powerful, commanding, but completely at ease. The dark shadow that had haunted his face for years was entirely gone.
The music shifted to a gentle waltz.
The heavy double doors opened, and Hannah walked into the room. She wore an exquisite, off-the-shoulder white lace gown that flowed like water around her feet. Her hair was styled in soft curls, and she looked radiantly beautiful.
Walking in front of her, dressed in matching pink flower-girl dresses, were Claire and Sophie.
Claire walked down the aisle with total confidence, holding a basket of rose petals, her stride firm, strong, and completely normal. There was no trace of her past weakness—only the strength of a girl who had learned to run.
Gabriel's eyes never left Hannah as she walked toward him. When she reached the altar, he took her hands, bringing them to his lips and kissing her knuckles gently.
"You take my breath away," Gabriel whispered.
"You built us a home, Gabriel," Hannah replied softly, her brown eyes shining with devotion.
The minister conducted a brief, beautiful ceremony.
"Do you, Gabriel Moretti, take Hannah Mercer to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Gabriel said, his voice echoing through the grand hall with absolute certainty.
"And do you, Hannah Mercer, take Gabriel Moretti to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," Hannah said, beaming.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Gabriel pulled Hannah into his arms, kissing her deeply as the entire room erupted into applause. Claire and Sophie cheered, jumping up and down, hugging each other.
Later that evening, as the party continued inside, Gabriel and Hannah stepped out onto the quiet, sunlit terrace overlooking the Westchester hills.
The night sky above was clear, illuminated by a full, brilliant white moon.
Gabriel stood behind Hannah, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest as they looked up at the stars.
"What are you thinking about, Mrs. Moretti?" Gabriel murmured, kissing the shell of her ear.
"I was thinking about the day I walked into this house carrying one suitcase," Hannah smiled, leaning back against his chest. "I was terrified. I thought my life was over."
"And now?" Gabriel asked, slipping his hand over hers.
"Now... I realize my life was just beginning," Hannah said softly, turning around in his arms to look at him. "You saved me, Gabriel."
"No, Hannah," Gabriel said, cupping her face in his hands, looking at her with endless love. "You walked into a dark house, picked up my daughter, and taught us all how to reach the moon."
From inside the house, Claire ran out onto the terrace, holding her sister's hand.
"Daddy! Hannah! Look!" Claire pointed up at the sky with a bright, beautiful smile. "The moon is right above us!"
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Gabriel lowered himself to one knee, pulling both of his daughters into his arms, while Hannah knelt beside them, wrapping her arms around all three of them.
Under the bright light of the silver moon, the Moretti family stood together—unbroken, safe, and finally home.
