Chapter 14 - THE NIGHT WITHOUT KNOCKING
Two years after Sophie first entered Dante's study, the mansion hosted a very different kind of gathering.
No politicians.
No secret negotiations.
No armed men standing beside every doorway.
Instead, there were teachers.
Neighbors.
Friends.
Children.
And a large black dog wearing a ridiculous blue bow.
The occasion was Elena's graduation from her teacher-certification program.
She stood in the garden holding her certificate.
Sophie clapped so hard her hands turned pink.
Dante watched from beside the roses.
When Elena approached, he smiled.
"I'm proud of you."
She looked at him.
"Thank you."
He shook his head.
"You did this."
Elena's eyes filled.
Later, after the guests left, Dante asked Elena to walk with him.
They moved toward the old fountain.
The garden lights glowed softly.
Dante stopped.
"Elena."
She turned.
He took a breath.
"I've spent most of my life making decisions for other people."
She smiled faintly.
"I know."
He continued.
"But the most important things in my life happened when I stopped trying to control them."
Elena looked at him.
Dante reached into his pocket.
He removed a small velvet box.
Elena froze.
He opened it.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
"I love you," he said.
Her eyes filled.
"I love Sophie."
He paused.
"And I love the life we've built together."
Elena covered her mouth.
Dante continued.
"I don't want you to become someone different for me. I want to spend my life beside the woman you already are."
He smiled nervously.
"Will you marry me?"
Elena laughed through tears.
"Yes."
Dante closed his eyes.
Then kissed her.
From behind the hedge came a small voice.
"Does Bruno get a ring?"
They turned.
Sophie stood there in pajamas.
Bruno beside her.
Dante laughed.
"I suppose we'll have to discuss that."
Sophie grinned.
May you like
Then ran toward them.
And for the first time in years, the mansion was filled with a kind of happiness no amount of money could buy.
