Chapter 13 - THE WEDDING WHERE EVERYONE HAD A VOICEOur wedding took place in a small chapel overlooking the New Jersey coast.
The ceremony was intimate.
Only family.
Close friends.
And the people who had helped us rebuild our lives.
Nicole stood beside Dante as his best man.
He wore a navy suit.
His scars were visible.
And he no longer tried to hide them.
My mother walked me down the aisle.
She squeezed my hand.
"Your father would be proud."
I smiled through tears.
Dante stood at the altar.
His eyes filled when he saw me.
During the ceremony, Nicole delivered a message through his tablet.
LOVE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF SCARS.
IT IS FINDING PEOPLE WHO NEVER ASK YOU TO HIDE THEM.
There wasn't a dry eye in the chapel.
Dante and I exchanged vows.
We promised honesty.
Respect.
Patience.
And a life built on choices rather than fear.
When the officiant pronounced us married, Dante kissed me.
Nicole applauded.
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My mother laughed through tears.
And for the first time, the Falcone family celebrated something that had nothing to do with power.
