I standin front of the bathroom mirror, adjusting my tie for the hundredth time, trying to smooth out every wrinkle. My heart’s racing, and it’s not because I’m unsure about marrying Kenna. I know without a doubt that she’s the one I want. But the thought of everything leading up to this day—the years of being apart, of missing out on Cohen’s whole life, of being locked away in a cell—gives me a knot in my stomach. I’m not nervous because I’m making the wrong decision. I’m nervous because I feel like I’m still trying to make up for lost time.
Time.
God, it’s the one thing you can never get back. The one thing prison takes from you the most. Not just minutes and hours, but the milestones. The in-between moments, the quiet mornings, and the “I love you’s.”
The past few years have been a whirlwind of regret, loss, and imprisonment. I’d spent so much time away from Kenna. So much time away from my son. I missed his entire first few years. His first steps. His first words. I wasn’t there to teach him how to ride a bike or how to navigate school or life. I wasn’t there for any of it, and the guilt claws at me.
It’s a guilt I wear like armor. No matter how many apologies Isay, no matter how many nights I’ve stayed awake picturing the moments I missed...it’s never enough. Maybe it never will be.
Kenna, though...she’s been my light through it all. The moment I first saw her as a kid, I felt an inexplicable spark ignite within me. But then came the mistakes. The wrong choices. The mess I made of everything. When I went to prison, I thought it was over. I thought I’d lost her for good. But Kenna, being the incredible woman she is, never gave up on me. Even though I wasn’t there, she always believed in me, believed in us.
That’s the love I still don’t feel worthy of. But I’m learning to accept it. Not because I deserve it, but because shewantsme to. I’d burn down the universe before I disappoint her again.
And now, here I am, standing in front of a mirror, about to marry the love of my life. After everything. After all the pain and distance.
I can hardly believe it.
I take one last look at myself, run my fingers through my hair, and grab the small bouquet I bought for Kenna. It’s the least I can do. She deserves the world, and I’m still trying to make up for all the years I couldn’t give her anything.
I whisper to my reflection, “Don’t mess this up. Not again.”
When I get to Kenna’s house, my breath catches in my chest when I see her standing in the front doorway.
She’s everything.
Her hair is in a braid, weaving around her head like a crown, with soft tendrils falling loose, perfectly framing her face. Her eyes are brighter than I’ve ever seen them, full of excitement and love, but also a quiet intensity. The look that always drives me crazy in the best way.
She’s wearing a short, satin white dress that clings to her in all the right places, showing off the curves I’ve spent years loving. And the combat boots. God, those boots. They’re so her. Bold, unexpected, and completely perfect.
I stop breathing for a second. Not because she looks beautiful. Even though she most certainly is. She looks happy. Free. Safe. Itmakes my heart flip knowing I helped put that look there. That alone is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
I take a step forward, unable to tear my eyes away from her. I feel a grin spread across my face.
“You look absolutely breathtaking,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.
She laughs, a little nervous but happy. “You’re not too bad yourself, Cap.”
I take a few more steps toward her, the bouquet in my hands feeling like a tiny gesture compared to everything I want to give her. “I mean it, Kenna. You look...like a dream.”
She blushes a little, eyes shining as she takes the flowers from my hands. “Thank you.”
I reach out and brush a lock of hair behind her ear, my fingers grazing her soft skin. “Ready to make this official?”
Kenna smiles at me. “More than ready.”
I pull her close, my arms wrapping around her as I press my forehead against hers. There’s something so simple, yet so incredibly profound about this moment. I feel the warmth of her body against mine, the beat of her heart, and I can’t help but whisper, “I’m never letting you go again, Kenna. I swear.”
She looks up at me, a soft, teasing smile on her lips. “You sure about that? I’m kind of a lot to handle, you know.”
I laugh. “I’m counting on it.”
She leans in closer, just enough that her lips brush my cheek. “You always were the only one stubborn enough to keep up with me.”
We stand there for a few moments, lost in the quiet of each other’s company, before I take her hand, never wanting to let go. The car ride is quick, but it feels like it lasts forever. My thumb brushes over her hand, tracing small patterns on her skin as I drive, and it’s impossible for me to stop smiling. I can’t believe we’re finally doing this.
Kenna looks over at me, eyes shining. “So, are you ready to never get rid of me again?”
I glance at her, my heart swelling. “I never wanted you out of my life to begin with, Kenna. You’re all I’ve ever wanted. I’m just lucky you’ve kept me around.”
