Six months later

The moonlight casts shards of light, beaming through wide windows that look out over the city. It provides a romantic backdrop for our guests. Shimmering crystals sparkle from chandeliers suspended elegantly from the domed ceilings.

Candlelit tables flicker amongst the intimate setting, and hints of floral fragrances fill the room in elegant bouquets scattered throughout the venue. We booked both side-by-side ballrooms, and our friends love the ease of going from ceremony to reception.

In my arms stands Mrs. Benjamin Thomas Stone, her strapless white dress flowing behind her as we sway in sync to the music, intentionally chosen for this precious moment, inspired by the night she accepted my proposal.

“All of Me” by John Legend.

Held within my arms, Jordan buries her face against my chest, calm and happy.

Her words flash before me.

When I look into your eyes, I can see a reflection of the two of us, and the life I hope we'll share together.

I swear to God, in that perfect moment, I knew the world lay at our feet.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I murmur against her silken waves.

“I promise you, it’s real.”

Her gaze is poised on mine. She smiles back at me, her eyes full of desire.

My pulse picks up speed at the sight of the soft swells of her breasts.

“Um, don’t stop.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” she says with a smile.

I have it all now, and she’s mine. Our first dance ends, and we begin to mingle.

We make our rounds, revisiting our closest friends. We interrupt Theo and Eden dancing as a new song begins. Theo, nipping at Eden’s ear, whispers words I can only imagine, causing giggles to burst from her. Their lingering looks speak of promises made and promises kept.

“Congrats,” Theo says. “Life offers many challenges, but I know you both can meet them if you're willing to face them together.”

“Thanks, Dr. Grant.”

Then he offers a firm handshake, followed by a hard slap to my shoulder.

“I’ll remember that.”

“It’s like a work of art,” Eden begins. “Such a beautiful place. You two deserve the very best, and I’m so happy for you both. Your journey back to each other was inevitable. You belong together.”

Jordan falls into her embrace. They have become such close friends.

Then we cross the room to sample the creations our caterer has recommended. I spot Alex and Madison. It’s a girl. Poor, stupid Alex is now a father, and payback is a bitch.

I knew all his bad-boy tendencies would come back to bite him in the ass one day. But Madison will balance the scale. Her calm approach to life brings stability to their relationship.

“Sliders: Burger Station? Who does that?” Alex’s grin is warm as he pulls me in. “We’re so happy for you, brother.”

“Or Beef Wellington. Your choice,” I say with a smile.

“And how’s little Miss Gabriella Storm?”

Jordan’s deep amber eyes fill with longing, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m all in. All she has to do is say the word.

“Perfect,” Madison says just as Alex replies, “Teething and cranky.”

I’m amused by the pair as their gaze’s lock, and they both crack a smile.

“Did you dance with our mother yet?” Alex asks as I try to hide the cringe.

Her inability to be present in any real way is a direct result of being the wife of Alexander Kincaid Storm Jr., our Father, and I can’t fault her. But he’s gone now, and it’s time to move on. And I hope she will.

“I think she was looking for you, Alex.”

He slugs me, then consumes a burger.

“Best man comes with certain responsibilities.”

He mutters something with his mouth full that sounds an awful lot like fuck you.

I just grin and move along.

Shit, it’s Jules, the crazy maid of honor, I think to myself.

She proceeds to pull us toward the bar.

“Three shots of tequila.”

“Make that one,” Jordan interrupts.

“Killjoy.”

We watch her lick her salted hand and shoot back the shot, shaking her head in disgust, finally reaching for a lime.

“So,” Jules waves her hand in the direction where Steel and Jordan are dancing. “Is this thing with Steel serious?”

She’s been after the poor guy forever. I would say that she’s not even on his radar.

“Shhh,” she says then. “He’s coming over.”

Jordan shrugs as our gazes meet. She’s telepathically telling me to let it go, which I don’t.

“Yep, it’s serious,” I say, nodding.

“That’s not the vibe I’m getting. It feels… spur-of-the-moment. Or seasonal, like a summer fling. Ever think of that?”

I stare at her in disbelief. Is she for real?

“I’ll take that shot now.”

Then I slowly back away, pulling Jordan with me.

The never predictable Steel Archer presents us with an idea we can’t refuse, inviting the family of his fallen men. There was no hesitation on my part. The answer was clear. Steel had saved Jordan’s life not once, but twice. I’d give him anything he ever wanted.

When the time comes, we take our seats among everyone else, watching as Steel approaches the makeshift pulpit.

“Friends, coworkers, and family, we’ve all come here today to rejoice in the marriage of Benjamin and Jordan Storm, and they have graciously given us this moment to celebrate the lives of our fallen men.”

He has done so much, absorbing the financial costs for each funeral, setting up college trusts for the children, and financial assistance for the wives. And now it’s time he pays his respects.

“It’s never been easy, saying goodbye to a fellow brother at arms, a fellow soldier. Who knows how many lives were spared by these men? Yes, we have lost them, but they gave their life to a cause, protecting the lives of the innocent.”

He quietly clears his throat, swallowing the emotions that threaten to escape.

“We’ll never forget their bravery, strength, and courage. They are the bravest of the brave, and this memorial plaque will hang in honor of each soul lost. Dallas Sanderson, Kenneth Reed, Sean Washington, and Travis Brooks. Today, we honor them, by celebrating their lives. Now please join me in a prayer.”

It’s certainly a unique twist to our wedding, but it’s also the highest form of patriotism. I’m incredibly proud of Steel, and by the looks of it, Jordan’s tears confirm my sentiments.

There are magical moments to last a lifetime, and as the evening’s festivities fly by, I know I have someone who will stand by my side without limits. We’ll let each other grow without limits and love one another without end.