Chapter 7 - The Baby Who Saved an Empire
Months passed.
Marcus went to trial.
Daniel accepted a prison sentence.
Connor testified.
And Gabriel dismantled much of his criminal organization.
He kept only legitimate businesses.
Construction.
Restaurants.
Security companies.
Real estate.
For the first time, Gabriel built something that didn't require people to fear him.
But Clara's pregnancy became increasingly difficult.
One stormy night, her water broke early.
Gabriel panicked.
He drove like a maniac through Chicago.
“Slow down!” Clara cried.
“I am driving slowly.”
“You're doing ninety!”
“I can do eighty.”
“Gabriel!”
He finally stopped arguing.
At St. Catherine, doctors rushed Clara into surgery.
Gabriel waited outside.
For the first time in his life, there was nothing he could threaten, buy, or control.
He could only wait.
Three hours later, a nurse opened the door.
“Mr. Russo?”
Gabriel stood.
“Your son is here.”
He stopped breathing.
“My son?”
“Yes.”
“And Clara?”
“She made it through.”
Gabriel nearly collapsed.
When he entered the room, Clara was exhausted.
But smiling.
The baby slept against her chest.
Gabriel approached slowly.
“Come here.”
She looked at him.
“You want to hold him?”
Gabriel nodded.
Clara placed the baby in his arms.
Gabriel stared at the tiny face.
Then the baby opened his eyes.
Gabriel laughed through tears.
“What should we name him?”
Clara smiled.
“Michael.”
“After your father?”
“No.”
She looked at Gabriel.
“After the man I hope you'll become.”
Gabriel understood.
Michael Russo would grow up differently.
He would never learn that power meant fear.
He would learn that strength meant protecting people.
Gabriel bent and kissed his son's forehead.
Then he looked at Clara.
“I love you.”
She smiled.
“I know.”
“No.”
He shook his head.
“I need you to hear me.”
He knelt beside her.
“I loved you before I understood you. I loved you when I was wrong. And I love you now that I finally know the truth.”
Clara cried.
Gabriel reached for her hand.
“Marry me.”
She laughed softly.
“You're proposing after everything we've been through?”
“I thought dramatic timing was important.”
May you like
She kissed him.
“Yes.”
