Chapter 10 - The Sovereign Crown
One year later.
The summer sun dipped low over the Atlantic Ocean, casting a warm golden trail across the private dock estate Connor had built south of the city.
A massive wooden deck stretched out over the water, where a small, intimate wedding celebration was taking place.
There were no mob bosses, no crooked politicians, and no weapons. Just Toby—now a thriving sophomore at the Boston Institute of Art—my mother, who sat in a comfortable armchair smiling at the ocean breeze, Liam, and a few true friends.
Connor stood near the wooden altar overlooking the sea.
He wore a tailored black tuxedo that highlighted his broad chest and powerful shoulders. Though he remained seated in a sleek, elegant custom chair decorated with white silk, he looked more powerful, commanding, and royal than any man standing on two feet ever could.
The acoustic guitar began to play a soft Irish lullaby.
Toby walked down the sandy aisle first, holding the hands of our fourteen-month-old daughter, Lily, who giggled as she kicked her small white shoes into the air.
Then came me.
I wore a breathtaking lace wedding gown that drifted around my legs like foam on the ocean tide. My long red hair fell in loose waves over my shoulders, and as I looked down the aisle, my eyes locked onto Connor’s.
When I reached the altar, Connor reached out, taking both of my hands in his strong, warm grip.
"Sadie," Connor spoke, his voice carrying over the gentle sound of the crashing waves. "They told me when I lost my legs that my life was over. They told me a king without his throne is just a ghost. But when you held my hand in the dirt of that warehouse, you showed me that true strength isn't built on iron or blood. It's built on love."
He smiled, a bright, breathtaking smile that lit up his entire face.
"I give you my empire, my protection, and my heart for the rest of my days."
I smiled through happy tears, stepping closer to his chair and leaning down to press my forehead against his.
"Connor," I whispered. "You were my savior in the snow, my shield in the storm, and my home forever. I love you."
The minister smiled, holding his hands out over us.
"By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
May you like
Connor pulled me into his arms, lifting me slightly off my feet as he kissed me deeply under the golden summer sky, while our family cheered and little Lily clapped her small hands in sheer delight.
Hand in hand, with our daughter in Connor’s lap, we turned to face the ocean—unbroken, unyielding, and forever crowned in love.
