He stands just a few steps away, speaking words that should hold weight: unity, commitment, love, and forever. Yet all of it blurs into background noise because all I can see is Finn. His eyes never leave mine. And in them, I see it all.
College. The way our history started and since then how he has protected me, fought for me, and loved me even when I didn't deserve it. I blink back tears just as the officiant's words come back to focus.
"... and now, it's time to say your vows."
Finn takes my hand in his. His voice is low, but sure. "Gianna... I have loved you before I even knew I was allowed to. I've loved you in silence, in chaos, and in war. I've seen the worst of the world with you, and still believe you're the best part of it. I promise to protect you, even when you don't need it. To fightfor you, not against you. And to choose you, over and over, every day, for the rest of my life."
Tears roll down my face as I speak.
"Finn... you've been my shield, my peace, my greatest surprise. When everything felt like it was falling apart, you were my reason to keep standing. You saw me when no one else did. I promise to never stop seeing you, too. To trust you. To fight for you. And to love you, not just in the good, but in every messy, broken, beautiful moment we'll ever have."
His thumb wipes away my tears, and in his eyes, I see forever.
CHAPTER 40
Finn
I knewthe greenhouse would be the perfect place to have the wedding, but I didn't realize it would be this beautiful. Everything looks magical, especially now that the sun has left the sky.
The aisle is framed by a soft scattering of moss and tiny fairy lights woven discreetly into the ground, glowing like stars that fell to earth. We're all at the reception, but I try to be alert. Liam's words still ring through in my mind. My eyes follow James' movement. He showed up earlier, and trust me, I wanted to make him pay for everything he did to me, but I didn't want to ruin this perfect moment.
I didn't want my anger or emotions to ruin Gianna's day. Although he apologized, I don't trust him. My eyes remain glued on him as he talks and interacts with other Irish members.
Gianna drops her hand to my lap, and I turn to her with a smile on my face.
"Are you okay, husband?" she says, emphasizing the word husband.
I chuckle, grabbing her hand on my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I am, wife," I say, and she smiles. "I'm just enjoying the view."
My eyes move to the crowd when someone whispers something in Gianna's ear about some arrangement. Although there's tension in the air, everyone is dining, drinking, and having fun. The waiters move like ghosts among them, holding silver trays with champagne and sparkling water, while security guards stand posted at every corner.
The soft clinking of glasses echoes through the greenhouse as guests raise their champagne in celebration. A hush falls over the crowd as Connor Costello, one of the eldest members of the Irish, steps forward. His silver hair catches the light hanging above the vines, and though his frame is small, his voice carries the weight of a thousand histories.
He raises his glass.
"I've lived long enough to know what war looks like," he begins. "And I've lived long enough to see the cost of it. The blood spilled, the grudges passed from father to son. Today... signifies something great. The coming together of two families. Two strong names joined by love."
The applause is slow at first, but then it swells, full of reverence and a touch of wonder. Someone from the Italians stands. I don't know who he is, but from the look of the people surrounding him, he seems pretty important. Gianna leans in. "That's Marcelo Rosso, he's a distant cousin."
I nod, my focus returning to Marcelo. He raises his glass. "This union is more than symbolic. It is strategic. The end of our long feud with the Irish. It's a powerful move." He looks around the room, his eyes landing on Gianna. "To love across a divide takes more courage than any battle I've ever seen. May your love be the bridge between us, now and always."
This time, the room erupts, clapping, cheers, and the sharp sound of glasses toasting from every corner of the greenhouse. The tension in the air seems to ease, and everyone goes back to eating and drinking.
My eyes drift across the room as the noise settles. They land on Sofia first, seated near the front of the Italian side. Dante is beside her, their chairs angled just slightly toward each other the way people do when closeness has become second nature. He leans over to say something into her ear, and she tips her head back with a quiet laugh. It suits her, that kind of ease. I'm glad she has it.
A few tables over, Elena is gesturing at something across the room with the enthusiasm of someone telling a story no one asked for but everyone will enjoy. Marco watches her with the patience of a man who has long since learned to love the chaos. He catches my eye and gives a single, composed nod. I return it.
The dance floor fills with a few people, and my eyes glance to Liam discussing with a few members of the Irish at a corner before settling on Rina. The woman Liam was once promised to, before everything fell apart. This must be an uncomfortable moment for them both.
The party continues. I let myself enjoy the moment and worry about problems later. This day belongs to Gianna and me. "You know, for a second there I thought you fell from the sky," I whisper into her ear, and she giggles, sending a small jab to my stomach.
She puts a slice of cake in her mouth, chewing slowly. "I didn't peg you as someone so romantic," she says, narrowing her gaze at me.
"What?" I say, a smirk dancing at the edge of my lips.
"Your vow. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard," she says, her eyes softening.
I cup her face with my hand, rubbing my thumb across her cheek. "I'm glad you think so. And I mean every single word I said."
