Epilogue

Today is the day I get to make Cassie mine. I get to marry my own angel. We"ve already had some ups and downs. Right after the engagement party, she told me she wanted to get the IUD removed so we could get pregnant. I told her we should have some time, just the two of us before we started a family.

There were other reasons why I didn"t want children right away, but they are intertwined with my past, and I don"t want to put that pressure on Cassie. Thankfully, after several long talks with her mother, she agreed to wait for a bit—emphasis on the bit. The waiting right now is killing me. Carlos is by my side as my best man and the garden is filled with members of Cassie"s family and the employees of both Midnight Heat and The Dragon"s Lair.

I see some movement in the back, and then the music starts. My hands are clammy, and my stomach is in shambles. Not one single mission in my entire life has made me feel this way. I"ve always been stone-cold when doing them. But this is my life we"re talking about. I"m joining it with the love of my life. Our lives will change forever now that we have each other.

My attention is brought back to what"s happening all around me. We"re having the wedding in the Lee"s garden and everything looks perfect. Mama Lee starts coming down from the house and behind her are some bridesmaids. I keep looking to see where Cassie is and then I see Papa Lee, standing proud with her on his arm.

She looks radiant in her fancy white dress and her joy is visible for all to see. That"s my angel. They walk slowly towards me, and Carlos squeezes my arm, but I can"t look away from her. She"s done something with her hair that makes her look ethereal, and I can"t wait for our wedding night. When they reach us, Mr. Lee seems reluctant to give her away.

"Dad!" She whispers.

Then Mr. Lee finally conceded, and I couldn"t be happier. We"re holding hands together in front of the minister, and our family and guests, but we only have eyes for each other.

"Dearly beloved, we"re gathered here today…"

I lose track of what the minister says, just looking into Cassie"s eyes. Then Carlos pinches me, and everyone laughs. I realize Cassie has finished with the vows, and I have to say mine. Thankfully, we did not make our own, and I"m able just to repeat what the minister is telling me. When we say our ‘I dos,' Cassie"s face lights up, and I wish I could sweep her away right now and not have to deal with the reception. But this is her special day, and I want her to enjoy it.

Because for me, every day with Cassie is special. When my ring is on her finger, my chest goes out, and I look like a proud peacock with its mate. When we are announced as husband and wife, I kiss my bride with all I"ve got and leave her breathless. We leave through a cloud of bubbles and get inside the limousine.

The reception is, of course, at the Lee"s restaurant and we spend the time talking to relatives and friends. I"m not a good dancer, but I try for Cassie. Only the slow songs, though. I"m not about to make a fool of myself in front of the Lee family. But when midnight comes, I sweep my wife away and take her home.

Tonight, I"ll make her mine. Mark her in a way that no one else will be able to doubt who she belongs to. That"s a promise.