Chapter 9 - The Bloom in VermontTwo months later.
The morning sun broke gently over the green hills of Burlington, Vermont, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of liquid gold, soft rose, and deep violet.
The air was crisp, fresh, and filled with the mouth-watering fragrance of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, warm sourdough bread, and rich espresso.
I stood behind the marble counter of Lena’s Bakery & Cafe—a sunlit, cozy shop with large glass windows overlooking the blue waters of Lake Champlain.
The grand opening was a roaring success. Dozens of local residents, tourists, and friends filled the cozy wooden tables, enjoying pastries and coffee under the warm morning light.
Behind the counter, I worked alongside two young female assistants—women whom I had personally hired through a local domestic abuse survivors' shelter, giving them safe housing and fair wages to rebuild their lives.
At 10:00 AM, the glass front door opened, its brass bell ringing musically.
Vincent stepped into the bakery.
He wore a dark charcoal wool coat over a casual cashmere sweater, looking striking, powerful, yet entirely relaxed. Over the past two months, Vincent had restructured his vast business empire, stepping back from street operations to focus entirely on legitimate real estate, shipping logistics, and philanthropic foundations.
When he saw me standing behind the counter wearing a white flour-dusted apron, a bright, breathtaking smile lit up his handsome face.
He walked over to the counter, leaning over the glass case to press a sweet, lingering kiss against my lips.
"Good morning, my beautiful baker," Vincent murmured against my skin.
"Good morning, Mr. Moretti," I giggled, handing him a warm mug of black coffee and a fresh blueberry scone. "How is the city treating you?"
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"The city is quiet," Vincent smiled, taking a sip of coffee. "Because everything that matters to me is right here in Vermont."
Across the cafe, a young mother holding a newborn baby waved warmly at us. My heart swelled with a deep, profound joy that completely washed away every remaining shadow of the dark past.
