"In case we think you're planning more sabotage?" I say with a laugh. When Graham frowns, I say, "Graham, I'm willing to put this behind us. You did this for your wife. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my future wife. Let's try to move on." He nods, and I continue, "The meeting is about reorganizing my keynotespeech, with the same CES branding... Only this time, I'll have my Sparkplug at my side."
"I'm proud of you," I tell Sera that night, holding her in my arms.
"It's their last chance," Sera whispers. "If they show me even a single sign that they're not truly, deeply sorry, then it's over. But I have to admit, so far, I'm impressed. Do you think Ellie seemed tired?"
"Yeah," I say. "But she didn't want to show it."
"Thank you for arranging travel care for her."
"I did it for you."
She moves closer, kissing my bare chest. "It feels good being back in Vegas... where it all began."
"It does," I agree. "And even better, knowing Damien is going to be locked up for a long time. I still can't believe I proposed in front of all those people. I didn't plan it. I was just so full of adrenaline, of purpose."
"It was beautiful," she whispers. "I spent so long dreaming about what it would be like to be wanted, and you showed me. The whole world is jealous of us, of what we have."
"Being here almost gives a man crazy ideas..."
"Crazier than the first time we were here?" she says, laughing.
"We could get married," I say. "I could make it happen likethat." I snap my fingers. "Victor could fly in. We could be husband and wife tomorrow."
"Yes," she says excitedly, peppering me with kisses. "I don't need a big, fancy wedding. I just want you."
"We'll have a party later, don't you worry."
"I mean it. If you were dirt-poor, I'd still want you. Still need you."
I call Victor, then hold Sera until she falls asleep, remembering what it was like the first time, knowing we were on a ticking clock, wondering if I would ever get to see her again.
Not even twenty-four hours later, I'm standing at the altar of a Vegas chapel, Victor and Eleanor in the crowd, watching us, as I wait for my woman to walk down the aisle. To others, this might seem rushed... but there's no such thing for us. To others, it might seem cheesy, but we embrace cheesy.
Vegas is where we fell in love. It's fitting that we solidify our love here.
Graham walks her down the aisle, a look of profound humanity on his face. Regret, gratitude, pride, love. It's all there in his expression, in the furrowing of his eyebrows.
Seraphina wears a beautiful pale green dress, her hair flowing to her shoulders, naturally gorgeous. I meant it when I told her we were going to have another party, a bigger one, where we may even renew our vows.
But deep down, I knowthisis the one I'll always remember. In a world of helicopter rides, private jets, and hiring out entire restaurants, it feels special to do something normal, something humbler, something that lets our love shine rather than having it outshone by the grandiosity of my position.
When she arrives at the altar, she's got tears in her eyes. Graham gives her away to me, saying, "I've cared for this young woman for almost a decade, Luke. I've made mistakes, but I mean this sincerely. Take care of her. Nurture her. Give her the life she deserves."
I take my woman's arms. "I will, I promise."
We stand at the altar together, in the city where it all started, ready to give our lives to each other.
When it comes time to give our vows, we make our own. I speak huskily, my eyes stinging as I look into my woman's captivating eyes.
"Sera, this is all just a formality. We gave our lives to each other when we met. In my heart, in my soul, we were married the moment I offered to fix your laptop..."
She throws herself into my arms, kissing me passionately.
Victor laughs. "Nobody saidyou may now kiss the brideyet."
Sera laughs between hungry kisses. "I don't freaking care."
We kiss again.