Chapter 14 - The Midnight Stroll Along the Harbor and the Promise of Forever
That evening, long after the politicians had gone home and the jazz quartet had packed up their instruments, the harbor promenade grew quiet under a canopy of brilliant stars.
The city lights reflected off the dark water in shimmering ribbons of amber and gold.
Nora walked slowly along the wooden boardwalk, kicking off her high heels to feel the cool concrete beneath her bare feet, carrying her shoes in one hand while Vincent walked beside her, carrying his suit jacket over his shoulder.
"You were magnificent today," Vincent said, stopping near the edge of the pier to look out at the anchored container ships glowing softly in the distance.
"I was terrified," Nora confessed, leaning against his side as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close against his chest. "Every time a camera flash went off, I kept waiting for someone to jump out from behind a crane and try to steal the ribbon."
Vincent chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Nobody is stealing anything from you ever again, Nora. You own half the waterfront, you run the best bakery in Southie, and you have an ex-mob boss wrapped entirely around your little finger."
"An ex-mob boss?" Nora arched an eyebrow, looking up at him with a teasing grin. "Is that what you’re calling yourself these days?"
"Retired legitimate businessman," Vincent corrected smoothly. "Sound cleaner for tax purposes."
Nora laughed, the sound bubbling up bright and free over the quiet water of the harbor.
She reached out, her fingers finding his hand, lacing her fingers through his scarred knuckles with total, effortless familiarity.
"You know, Vincent," she whispered, her voice dropping into a soft, serious murmur. "When I poked you in the chest outside the Velvet Room, I was just drunk, angry, and having the worst birthday of my life."
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"I know," he smiled down at her. "It was the best mistake I ever made."
"It wasn't a mistake," Nora corrected him, standing up on her tiptoes to press her lips softly against his. "It was an introduction."
