Chapter 12 - The Picture of Home
One year later.
The Thanksgiving table was set for forty guests, just like it had been the year before.
But this time, the grand dining room didn't feel like a museum of wealth and intimidation. It felt alive.
The crystal chandeliers glowed warmly over the massive spread of turkey, roasted vegetables, and four different kinds of pies.
The guests weren't mafia capos or terrified politicians. They were friends, neighbors, charity organizers from Rosa’s foundation, and Tommy’s loud, boisterous college roommates.
At the far end of the table, Rosa and Clara sat side by side, arguing good-naturedly in rapid Italian about whose stuffing recipe was superior.
Lily, wearing a beautiful green velvet dress, was running around the table, proudly handing out hand-drawn place cards to the guests.
I stood near the kitchen doors, taking it all in.
I wore a simple, elegant burgundy dress. Resting against my collarbone was Anthony’s grandmother’s sapphire necklace. And on my left hand, a gold wedding band sparkled in the light.
“You’re staring,” a deep, warm voice murmured right beside my ear.
Anthony slid his arms around my waist from behind, pulling my back flush against his chest. He was wearing a sharp, tailored suit, but the dangerous edge that used to define him was entirely gone. He looked relaxed. Happy.
“I’m just trying to memorize it,” I whispered, leaning my head back against his shoulder. “A year ago, I was standing in this exact spot, terrified I was going to lose my job because I tried to protect your mother.”
Anthony turned me around so I was facing him. He looked down at me, his dark eyes filled with a love so profound it still took my breath away.
“A year ago, you saved my soul,” Anthony said softly. “You walked into a house of ghosts and brought us all back to life.”
“Mom! Dad!”
We turned. Lily came skipping over, holding two place cards.
“I made your cards!” Lily beamed.
She handed one to Anthony. It had a drawing of a king with a big smile, and the words Best Dad written in glitter.
She handed the second one to me.
It was a drawing of a queen wearing a blue apron, holding a little girl’s hand.
The card read: To My Mom. From Lily.
My throat tightened. Even after a year, hearing her call me Mom felt like a miracle every single time.
I knelt down and pulled Lily into a tight hug. “Thank you, sweetheart. It’s the most beautiful card I’ve ever seen.”
“Okay, everybody sit down!” Rosa suddenly announced from the head of the table, tapping her wine glass with a silver spoon. “The turkey is getting cold, and Clara is trying to steal my gravy!”
The room erupted in laughter as everyone took their seats.
Anthony pulled out the chair to the right of the head of the table.
“For you, Mrs. Marino,” he smiled.
I sat down, and Anthony took the seat next to me, sliding his hand over mine under the table.
Rosa raised her glass of red wine.
The room quieted down, all eyes turning to the matriarch of the family.
“Last year,” Rosa began, her voice steady and proud, “I sat at this table and thought my family was broken beyond repair. I thought the violence and the secrets had taken everything from us.”
She looked at Clara, who squeezed her hand.
“But I was wrong,” Rosa continued, turning her gaze to Anthony and me. “Because family isn't built on power, or fear, or bloodlines. It is built on the people who refuse to leave you in the dark. It is built on courage.”
She raised her glass higher.
“To Anthony, who was brave enough to let go of an empire to save his family. And to Claire, who was brave enough to teach us how to love again.”
“To Anthony and Claire!” the table echoed, raising their glasses.
I leaned my head against Anthony’s shoulder as the clinking of glasses filled the room.
He leaned down and kissed the top of my head.
“Happy Thanksgiving, my love,” Anthony whispered.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” I smiled.
Across the room, through the large bay windows, the first snow of the season began to fall, blanketing the estate in a fresh, clean white.
May you like
There were no guards at the gates. No secrets under the floorboards.
Just a family, finally safe, and finally home.
