"Don't die.I need you alive."
"Then I'll live.For you, for them, for us."
We dance through several songs, just enjoying being close.Around us, the party continues.But in this moment, it's just us.
"I love you," she whispers.
"I love you too, Angel.More than I knew I could love anything."
"Even more than your bike?"
"Don't push it."
She laughs again, burying her face in my neck.I breathe her in, memorizing this moment.This feeling.This perfect peace.
Eventually, the sun starts to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.The string lights flicker on, casting everything in a warm glow.
The kids have claimed a corner of the yard, playing some game that involves a lot of running and shouting.Mason's in charge, naturally.Emma's keeping Lily from getting trampled.The boys are being boys, rough and tumble and happy.
I watch them, my chest tight with something that might be pride or love or both.
"They're going to be okay," Evangeline says, following my gaze."We're all going to be okay."
"Yeah.We are."
She leans into me, and we stand there watching our kids play as the sun sets on our wedding day.The party continues around us, but we're in our own little bubble.
This is what I fought for.What I bled for.What I'd do all over again without hesitation.
Not revenge.Not violence.Not the club.
This.Family.Love.Peace.
Heaven from hell.
* * *
Later, after the last guests have left and the kids are finally asleep, Evangeline and I collapse on our bed.We’re still in our wedding clothes, too exhausted to change.
"That was perfect," she sighs.
"It was."
"Thank you.For all of it.The wedding, the family, everything."
"Don't thank me.We built this together."
She rolls to face me, propping her head on her hand."What are you thinking about?"
"How different everything is.Six months ago, I was just the club enforcer.No family, no future, just violence and brotherhood."
"And now?"
"Now I'm a husband.A father.A man with something worth protecting."I trace her jawline with my finger."You changed my entire world, Angel."
"You changed mine too."
We lie there in comfortable silence, just existing together.Through the window, I can hear the distant sounds of the city.Cars, sirens, life continuing on.
