Chapter 14 - Gabriel Finally Chose Peace
Cross holdings were restructured completely.
Criminal-linked assets sold or surrendered.
Foundation expanded.
Gabriel created legal advocacy program for children affected by organized-crime prosecution and witness displacement.
He refused naming it Cross.
Boys insisted nickname: Dad’s Bad Decisions Fund.
Not approved officially.
Arthur Vale died in federal prison after illness.
Damon remained incarcerated.
Serena moved to California and worked quietly in nonprofit fashion employment program.
Marco retired from security and opened restaurant.
Life became almost boring.
Wonderful.
Gabriel proposed again eleven years after first wedding.
No ballroom.
At boys’ soccer field after rain.
He held no giant diamond.
Just grandmother’s simple ring restored.
“Claire, I’m not asking for old marriage back.”
“Good.”
“I’m asking whether woman you became might choose man I’m trying to be.”
I cried.
“That’s annoyingly good.”
“Therapist helped.”
“Of course.”
Boys appeared from behind bleachers.
They had sign:
MOM SAY YES SO WE CAN GET CAKE.
I laughed.
“Yes.”
Gabriel closed eyes.
May you like
Relief.
Then kissed me.
