Epilogue #2
"It's been in the Reed family for three generations," he says, his arm secure around my waist. "My grandfather gave it to my grandmother right before he left for World War II. It was his promise to come back to her."
The significance isn't lost on me. After everything we've survived, this ring represents more than just marriage. It's a symbol of returning, of finding each other no matter what darkness tries to separate us.
"When?" I ask, unable to keep the excitement from my voice. "How soon can I be Mrs. Reed?"
He laughs, the sound carefree in a way I rarely hear from him. "As soon as you want. Tomorrow, if it were up to me."
"My dad might have something to say about that," I point out, though the thought of not waiting is tempting.
"Already spoke to him," Greyson admits with a slight smile. "And your brothers. Including Mason. Pretty much anyone who might object."
I stare at him in disbelief. "You asked my family for permission?"
"Not permission," he corrects, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Their blessing. There's a difference."
"And they gave it?" I ask, knowing how protective they all are, especially after what happened.
"Your dad said it was about damn time. Your brothers threatened my life if I ever hurt you, but yes, they gave their blessing. Mason just rolled his eyes and said he'd called it years ago."
Happiness bubbles up inside me, spilling over in laughter. "So, everyone knew this was happening tonight except me?"
"I wanted to surprise you," he says, pulling me closer. "Did it work?"
"Completely," I assure him, rising on tiptoes to kiss him again. "Best surprise ever."
His phone buzzes in his pocket, and he groans. "That'll be your dad. I promised to let him know as soon as I asked."
"Better not keep him waiting then," I say with a smile.
Greyson pulls out his phone, snaps a quick picture of us with my ring prominently displayed, and sends it off. Almost immediately, it starts ringing.
"Put it on speaker," I suggest.
He does, and my father's voice fills the night air. "She said yes?"
"Of course I said yes, Dad," I reply, laughing.
"Hot damn!" Dad whoops, and I can hear cheering in the background. "They're all here, baby girl. The whole club was waiting on the news."
My heart swells at the thought of our extended family gathered at the clubhouse, celebrating our engagement. This is what I fought for, what we both fought for—this sense of belonging, of family, of home.
"We'll be there soon," Greyson promises, his eyes never leaving mine.
"Take your time," Dad says with knowing amusement in his voice. "Something tells me you two might want a little privacy first."
After we hang up, Greyson pulls me into his arms again, his expression suddenly serious. "Are you happy? Really happy?"
"More than I ever thought possible," I assure him, placing my hand over his heart. "You're everything I've ever wanted, Greyson Reed."
"And you," his voice is thick with emotion, "are everything I never dared to hope for."
As we stand there under the stars, his arms around me, my head on his chest, I know with absolute certainty that this is where I belong. Whatever comes next—wedding plans, family reactions, the inevitable chaos of merging our lives completely—we'll face it together.
Just as we've faced everything else.
The ring on my finger catches the moonlight, sending prisms of color dancing across Greyson's face. A promise made. A future secured. A love that survived the worst and emerged stronger.
Mrs. Greyson Reed.
I like the sound of that.
* * *
I smooth the delicate lace of my dress, gazing at my reflection in the antique mirror of the bridal suite. Six months have passed since Greyson slipped his grandmother's ring onto my finger, and today—finally—I'll become Mrs. Reed.
The door opens behind me, and I catch my father's reflection as he steps inside, his eyes immediately filling with emotion.
"Look at you," he whispers, his voice rough with feeling. "You're breathtaking, Livie."
I turn to face him, suddenly nervous. "Is everything ready? Is Greyson here?"
Dad smiles, crossing the room to take my hands in his. "He's been here since dawn, driving everyone crazy with last-minute checks. Torch threatened to knock him out just to give the staff some peace."
The image makes me laugh, easing some of the butterflies in my stomach. "That sounds like my man."
"Protective to the end," Dad agrees, his expression relaxing as he studies my face. "I can't believe this day is actually here. My little girl, getting married."
"Dad," I warn, feeling tears threatening. "Don't make me cry. Cassandra will kill me if I ruin this makeup."
He reaches up, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear—a gesture so familiar, so comforting, that my heart aches with love for him.
"I remember the day you were born," he says quietly.
"This tiny, perfect little thing with a head full of dark hair and lungs that could wake the dead.
" His laugh is gentle, tinged with nostalgia.
"The moment they put you in my arms, I knew I was in trouble.
My baby girl. The one who'd wrap me around her finger without even trying. "
"Dad," I whisper, unable to stop a tear from escaping.
He brushes it away with his thumb. "Through everything, the hard years, watching you grow up too fast, you've always been the light in my life, Livie. My greatest pride."
I lean into his touch, savoring this moment with the first man I ever loved. "I wouldn't be who I am without you. Without everything you taught me about strength and family and loyalty."
"And now you're starting your own family," he continues, his voice thick with emotion. "With a man who loves you the way you deserve to be loved. A man willing to burn down the world to keep you safe."
"Just like you would," I point out, squeezing his hands.
"Just like I would," he agrees with a nod. "That's how I know he's worthy of you."
A knock at the door interrupts us, and Cassandra pokes her head in. "Five minutes, you two. Everyone's seated."
Dad clears his throat, composing himself. "Ready to do this, baby girl?"
I nod, suddenly eager to begin this next chapter of my life. "More than ready."
He offers his arm, his eyes suspiciously bright. "Then let's not keep that man of yours waiting any longer. God knows what he might do if he thinks you've changed your mind."
As we step into the hallway, I catch a glimpse through the window—the garden of the Reeds' family estate, transformed with white roses and twinkling lights. Guests fill the rows of chairs, a blend of club members in their formal cuts and friends from town in suits and dresses.
And there, at the altar, stands Greyson. Even from this distance, I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way he keeps glancing toward the doors from where I'll enter.
"He's nervous," I say, surprised.
Dad chuckles. "Terrified is more like it. Zach said he hasn't slept in two days."
"Why would he be scared? He knows I'm going to show up."
"It's not about you showing up," Dad explains as we approach the garden doors. "It's about deserving you. Men like us, men with darkness in their pasts, we never quite believe we deserve the light."
The music changes, signaling our cue. Dad places my hand in the crook of his arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"You'll always be my baby girl." His voice is low enough that only I can hear his words. "But from today, you're his. His to protect, his to cherish, his to build a life with." He kisses my cheek, a final benediction. "I couldn't have chosen better for you if I'd tried."
The doors open, and every head turns to watch us enter. But I see only Greyson, his eyes finding mine across the garden, his expression transforming from anxiety to wonder as he takes in the sight of me in my wedding dress.
Dad and I begin our walk down the aisle, each step bringing me closer to the future I've chosen. As we reach the altar, I feel my father's grip tighten briefly before he places my hand in Greyson's.
"Take care of my greatest treasure." His voice carries in the hushed garden.
Greyson's eyes never leave mine as he answers, "With my life."
Dad steps back, and suddenly it's just us, Greyson and me, standing before our families and friends, ready to make promises that will bind us forever.
"You're stunning," Greyson whispers, his voice rough with emotion.
"So are you," I reply, taking in his tailored suit, the way it emphasizes the breadth of his shoulders, the strength that has sheltered me through the darkest times.
The officiant begins the ceremony, but I barely hear the words. I'm lost in Greyson's eyes, in the love shining there, in the future I can see reflected in their depths.
When it's time for our vows, Greyson speaks first, his deep voice steady despite the emotion evident in every word.
"Livie, from the moment you walked back into my life, nothing has been the same.
You challenged me, frustrated me, made me question everything I thought I knew about myself.
" His thumb traces circles on my hand as he continues.
"You've seen me at my worst—vengeful, violent, consumed by darkness—and somehow still found something in me worth loving. "
A murmur ripples through the guests, but Greyson doesn't falter.
"I stand here today promising you not perfection, but devotion. Not a life without storms, but a hand to hold through every tempest. Whatever comes, whatever challenges we face, I will be beside you—loving you, protecting you, choosing you every day for the rest of our lives."
Tears blur my vision as I begin my own vows, my voice wavering slightly before finding strength.