Chapter 7 - The Woman Who Taught a Mafia Boss How to Live
Rafferty sold the Cain estate.
The newspapers called it the end of an era.
Fay called it a good decision.
They moved into a smaller house overlooking the river.
It had a garden.
A kitchen Fay actually liked.
A bedroom for Josie.
And a porch where paper boats could be built without anyone watching.
Rafferty began investing in legitimate businesses.
A shipping company.
Several restaurants.
A construction firm.
Most importantly, a foundation for families dealing with children's medical care.
He named it the Delacroix-Cain Foundation.
Fay objected.
“My name should come first.”
He smiled.
“Agreed.”
Their life was not perfect.
Rafferty still woke from nightmares.
Fay still worried about money even when she no longer needed to.
Josie still struggled with hearing in crowded rooms.
But now they faced problems together.
One Sunday morning, Fay found Rafferty burning breakfast.
She laughed.
“You control half the city's logistics and can't cook eggs.”
“I never claimed to be a chef.”
“You're burning them.”
“Strategic browning.”
She laughed again.
He loved that sound.
There was a time when he believed happiness was weakness.
Now he understood it was courage.
One afternoon, Josie asked Rafferty a question.
“Are you my daddy?”
Rafferty froze.
Fay looked at him.
He knelt.
“I’m Rafferty.”
Josie frowned.
“I know.”
“But you can call me whatever feels right.”
She thought for several seconds.
Then touched his cheek.
“Raffy.”
Fay burst out laughing.
Rafferty looked horrified.
“Raffy?”
Josie nodded.
“You're Raffy.”
He sighed.
“Fine.”
That night, he told Fay he was being bullied by a five-year-old.
Fay kissed him.
“You deserve it.”
Their relationship deepened quietly.
One evening, Rafferty took Fay to the old monastery.
The building had been abandoned for years.
He had bought it and restored it.
Now it would become a home for children awaiting foster placement.
Fay walked through the courtyard.
“You did this?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Rafferty looked at the old stone walls.
“Because someone once needed a place like this.”
She understood.
He reached into his pocket.
The paper boat was there.
He set it on a wooden bench.
Fay placed another beside it.
The two boats sat side by side.
“Same as before,” she whispered.
Rafferty looked at her.
“Not the same.”
“What's different?”
“We came back together.”
She smiled.
Then he took out a ring.
Fay stared.
“Rafferty.”
“I don't want another arrangement.”
He knelt.
“I don't want our families deciding anything.”
He opened the box.
“I don't want a contract.”
Her eyes filled.
“I want your answer.”
She laughed through tears.
“Yes.”
He stood.
She kissed him.
And for the first time, Rafferty Cain believed he had been chosen.
Not bought.
May you like
Not traded.
Chosen.
