Chapter 19 - The ChristeningOne year later, the grand, historic Cathedral of the Holy Name in downtown Chicago was filled with sunlight and the scent of white lilies.
The pews were packed, but not with the dangerous, shadowy figures that usually attended Julian Sterling’s events.
Instead, the church was filled with legitimate businessmen, politicians, and the loyal, trusted inner circle that had survived the transition.
Elise stood near the marble baptismal font, wearing a stunning, elegant white dress that perfectly highlighted her radiant, healthy glow.
Beside her stood Julian, looking impossibly handsome in a tailored navy suit, holding their one-year-old son, Leo, in his strong arms.
Leo, wearing a traditional white christening gown, was happily pulling on his father’s expensive silk tie, babbling loudly into the quiet church.
Julian didn't look annoyed; he simply smiled, gently prying the silk from his son's tiny fists and kissing his chubby cheek.
The priest finished the holy blessing, pouring the sacred water over little Leo’s dark hair.
“I baptize you, Leonardo Elias Sterling, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” the priest intoned solemnly.
The congregation murmured a quiet "Amen," and Elise felt a profound, overwhelming sense of peace wash over her entire soul.
They had named him Leonardo for strength, and Elias as a reminder that the sins of the past had finally been washed away.
As they walked down the center aisle together, the crowd parting respectfully, Julian pulled Elise close to his side.
“You look breathtaking today,” he whispered in her ear, causing a bright, genuine flush to spread across her cheeks.
“And you look like a very proud father,” she teased back, smiling as Leo reached out to grab her dangling earring.
Marcus, looking somewhat uncomfortable but immensely proud in a tailored tuxedo, was waiting for them at the church doors.
“The cars are ready to take everyone to the estate for the reception, Boss,” Marcus reported with a respectful nod.
“Thank you, Marcus,” Julian replied warmly.
May you like
Elise looked out the open cathedral doors at the bright, beautiful city of Chicago, realizing she no longer saw a place of fear and hiding.
She saw their home.
