Chapter 10 - The Christmas Wish
Christmas morning arrived with a blinding, beautiful sunrise that reflected off the fresh white snow surrounding the estate.
The grand living room was filled with the smell of fresh pine and cinnamon. Lily was practically jumping up and down in front of the mountain of presents stacked under the tree—toys, books, clothes, and games that Luca had arranged to be delivered overnight.
Vanessa stood by the roaring fireplace, wrapped in a cozy sweater, holding a cup of hot coffee, watching her daughter's unbridled joy with a tearful smile.
Luca walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest.
"Did she open the big one yet?" Luca whispered in her ear.
"Not yet," Vanessa laughed softly. "I told her to leave it for last."
Lily ran over to the massive box wrapped in gold paper, her eyes wide with wonder. She tore off the wrapping to reveal a gigantic, intricate wooden dollhouse, complete with tiny furniture, working miniature lights, and a family of handmade dolls.
"Mommy! Look!" Lily squealed, clapping her hands. "Look what Santa brought!"
Luca stepped forward, kneeling beside the little girl near the tree.
"Did Santa bring everything you asked for, Lily?" Luca asked with a gentle smile.
Lily stopped playing with the dollhouse. She looked at the massive pile of gifts, then at her mother, and finally turned her big, expressive eyes onto Luca.
She walked over to him, wrapping her small arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
"Santa didn't bring this," Lily said softly into his ear. "You did."
Luca’s heart swelled, his strong arms tightening around the child. He looked up at Vanessa, who was watching them with tears flowing freely down her cheeks, a smile of absolute happiness gracing her lips.
Luca reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. He held it out toward Vanessa, opening it to reveal a breathtaking ring featuring a rare, brilliant diamond flanked by two smaller sapphires.
Vanessa gasped, covering her mouth.
"Ten years ago, I was a broken boy who had nothing to give you," Luca said, his voice thick with emotion as he rose to his feet, holding the ring out to her. "Today, I give you my empire, my life, my name, and my heart. Will you marry me, Vanessa? Will you let me spend the rest of my days loving you and protecting our family?"
Vanessa didn't hesitate for a single second. She stepped forward, throwing her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply as Lily cheered and clapped behind them.
"Yes," Vanessa cried happily against his lips. "Yes, Luca! A thousand times yes!"
May you like
He slipped the ring onto her finger—a perfect fit.
Outside, the church bells down in the valley began to chime, signaling the start of Christmas Day. The war was over, the shadows had retreated, and in the warmth of the home they had built together, the little girl’s impossible Christmas wish had finally come true.
