Page 69 of Phoenix Rising

The sun cast a golden hue over the city as Lucinda gazed out over the City Hall parking lot, her heart thudding in her chest. Down below, she watched as Ember adjusted the buttons on Becky’s formal chief uniform. Even from the distance of the second-floor office, Lucinda could tell Becky was nervous, her usual composed stance a little stiffer than usual, her hands constantly moving to smooth out invisible creases on her uniform.

Becky’s chief uniform was striking, the deep navy against the golden accents giving her an air of authority that Lucinda found both familiar and comforting. She smiled softly at the scene. It was so Becky to wear her formal uniform on herwedding day, a nod to the career that shaped so much of her life and theirs.

"Lucinda, you ready?" Artie’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

She turned to see him leaning in the doorway, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that somehow made him look taller than usual. He grinned as he stepped inside, the playful glint in his eyes immediately easing the tension that had been building in her chest.

"As your Man of Honor, I can only do so much to keep your mom out of this room," Artie teased, his voice light but laced with the truth. "She's been hovering like a hawk, and I swear, if I hadn't blocked her twice, she'd be in here fussing over you."

Lucinda laughed, shaking her head. "I bet she’s been driving you crazy."

"You have no idea." Artie leaned in conspiratorially. "But seriously, you ready? Becky’s looking like she’s ready to march into battle."

Lucinda smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles from her crisp, white pantsuit, taking a deep breath as she tried to steady her nerves. "Yes, I’m ready."

Artie stepped back, taking in her outfit fully forthe first time since he entered the room. His eyes widened, and his hand flew to his chest in mock shock. "Honey, you look beautiful! Becky is gonnadiewhen she sees you."

"Don’t say that!" Lucinda’s heart leaped into her throat at his choice of words, and she swatted at him.

Artie chuckled, holding his hands up in surrender. "It’s just an expression, Dr. England. Relax! Everything is perfect." He glanced down at his watch. "Now, let’s go. Your future wife is waiting."

Lucinda nodded, the weight of the moment settling in her bones as she linked arms with Artie.

She was ready, or at least she hoped she was. It wasn’t like this was something they hadn’t talked about—hell, they’d talked about everything over the last two years. But still, the butterflies were there, fluttering relentlessly in her stomach.

They made their way down the hallway, the polished marble floors of city hall echoing under their footsteps. As they approached the entrance of the small chamber where the ceremony would take place, Lucinda could see Becky standing at the front, talking quietly with Ember and Josephine. Natalie smiling widely and lookingbeautiful in her little floral dress. She had grown so much since Lucinda had first met her.

Ember spotted Lucinda first, and a broad smile spread across her face as she whispered something to Becky. Becky turned immediately, her gaze locking onto Lucinda’s. In that instant, the nervousness Lucinda had been carrying seemed to dissipate. Becky’s eyes softened, and a smile—small but genuine—bloomed on her face.

Artie gave Lucinda’s arm a gentle squeeze, whispering, "She’s completely gone for you, you know that?"

Lucinda’s throat tightened, but she managed a nod. "Yeah," she whispered back, her voice thick with emotion.

As they entered the chamber, Becky stepped forward to meet Lucinda halfway, her hand outstretched. Lucinda placed her hand in Becky’s, feeling the warmth and strength in her grip, a sense of grounding in the chaos of emotions swirling within her.

"You look amazing," Becky murmured, her voice low enough for only Lucinda to hear.

"You don’t look too bad yourself, Chief," Lucinda replied, her lips curving into a soft smile.

Becky chuckled, a quiet laugh that only Lucinda could draw out of her. "Ready?"

Lucinda took a deep breath, nodding. "I’ve been ready a long time now.”

The ceremony was intimate and simple, just the way they had wanted. There were no grand gestures or elaborate decorations, just the people who mattered most. It was a reflection of who they were: practical, grounded, and deeply committed to one another. They had chosen to be married at city hall on the two-year anniversary of signing their personal relationship disclosure forms. It felt fitting to elope at the very place where their professional paths had first crossed.

As the officiant spoke, Lucinda’s mind drifted back to that day. She remembered filling out the forms, the tension between them palpable even then. They had barely been able to make eye contact as they signed their names, the unspoken feelings hanging heavy between them. It was surreal to think how far they had come since that moment, how much had changed.

Becky squeezed her hand gently, bringing herback to the present. Lucinda looked up to see Becky watching her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

"Are you okay?" Becky mouthed, concern flickering in her eyes.

Lucinda's heart seemed to thaw in that moment. The warmth of the love in her partner’s eyes and the support of all of their friends and family made her want to weep.

Lucinda smiled and nodded. "Yes,"

Becky’s expression softened, and for a brief moment, they were the only two people in the room. Everything else faded away—the murmured voices, the soft shuffle of feet, the faint hum of the building. It was just them standing together, ready to take the next step in their journey.

The officiant’s voice broke through the haze. "If anyone has any objections…"

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