She's my wife now.Mine in every way that matters.
The officiant barely finishes introducing us as Mr.and Mrs.before Lily is charging down the aisle, lavender dress flying.She crashes into our legs, wrapping her arms around us both.
"You're married!You're married!"
The other kids follow, creating a tangle of limbs and laughter.I look down at all of them, at Evangeline in my arms, and something settles deep in my chest.
This.This is what heaven looks like.
* * *
The reception is chaos in the best way.
Tables scattered across the lawn, covered in food that the club wives prepared.A sound system pumping out music.Kids running wild while adults drink and laugh and celebrate.
Tempest stands, tapping his beer bottle with a knife until the crowd quiets."Alright, alright.Best man speech time.Don't worry, I'll keep it short."
Laughter ripples through the crowd.
"I've known Hades for over a decade," Tempest starts."Watched him go through hell more times than I can count.Watched him fight, bleed, and nearly die for this club."He pauses, his expression sobering."But I've never seen him truly alive until now."
He looks at Evangeline."You did that.You and those kids.You gave him something worth living for instead of just something worth dying for."
My throat tightens.
"So here's to Hades and Evangeline.May their love be as strong as their fights."He raises his beer."And trust me, they fight."
Everyone laughs, including Evangeline.
"To found family," Tempest continues, his voice thick with emotion."To the bonds we choose instead of the ones we're born with.To making heaven out of hell."
"To heaven from hell!"the crowd echoes, raising their drinks.
I stand, pulling Evangeline up with me."Speech?"
"Just one thing."I look around at all the faces.Brothers I'd die for.Kids I'd kill for.A woman I'd burn the world down to protect."Thank you.All of you.For being here, for supporting us, for being our family."
"Now let's eat and get drunk," I add, which earns cheers.
The party kicks into high gear.Music louder, laughter freer.Mason and Jake challenge some of the prospects to arm wrestling.Emma and Sophie are teaching Lily how to dance.Brothers cluster in groups, telling stories and passing bottles.
Evangeline and I move through it all, greeting guests, accepting congratulations.But my hand never leaves the small of her back.Keeping her close, keeping her safe.
"Dance with me?"she asks after a while.
"Always."
We find a clear spot on the grass.No formal dance floor, just us swaying to whatever song is playing.Her arms around my neck, mine around her waist.
"Happy?"I ask.
"Deliriously."
"Good.That's the plan.Keep you deliriously happy for the rest of your life."
She laughs, the sound warm and content."Think you can manage that?"
"I'll die trying."
