Page 94 of Code Name: Grit

Drake nodded solemnly. “We will.”

The ceremony itself was brief but meaningful. We exchanged vows we wrote ourselves—promises of support, understanding, and unwavering commitment. When Drake slipped the platinum band onto my finger to join my engagement ring, his hand was steady, his eyes clear and certain.

“I love you,” he mouthed as the officiant continued speaking.

“I love you,” I silently replied.

And then it was done. “You may kiss your bride,” the officiant announced.

Drake’s lips met mine, gentle yet possessive, and applause erupted around us. We turned to face our guests, hands linked,and I felt something settle inside me—a piece long missing finally sliding into place.

The reception flowedwith laughter and music, tables dotted the lawn, draped in white linen and adorned with wildflowers gathered from the surrounding woods, and fairy lights strung between trees would illuminate the celebration once darkness fell, but for now, the late-afternoon sun bathed everything in warm light.

“Mrs. Harrison,” Drake murmured against my ear as we swayed together for our first dance, one hand at my waist, the other clasping mine. “How does it feel?”

“Unfamiliar,” I admitted. “But wonderful.”

“Does taking my name feel strange?”

I smiled up at him. “Chiara Bianchi, Lumi Bianchi, Lumi Harrison—they’re all me. But the last is my favorite.”

“I’ll spend my life making sure you never regret becoming my wife.”

As the dance ended, Dante approached, glass raised. “Time for toasts,” he announced, his eyes bright with unabashed happiness.

Drake led me to our table, where Tank stood.

“He wanted to go first,” whispered Dante.

Tank cleared his throat. “I’ve known this man for years,” he began, nodding toward Drake. “Served with him, fought beside him, watched him face down dangers most people can’t imagine. But I’ve never seen him as brave as he was the day he admitted he loved Lumi.” Laughter rippled through the gathering.

“To Drake and Chiara,” Tank concluded, raising his glass higher. “May your life together be as extraordinary as you both are.”

Dante’s toast followed, equally heartfelt though more eloquent. “My sister spent her life searching for somewhere to belong,” he said, his eyes finding mine. “Today, she’s found it—not in a place, but in a person. In love.”

As the afternoon progressed, I took in all those gathered. My mother sat with Cassio, their heads bent close in conversation. Dante and Lark moved between groups, Bean sleeping peacefully against his father’s chest despite the noise.

Drake’s parents had blended in as though they’d known everyone here all their lives. Craig showed Tank and Atticus photos from a recent fishing trip while Sylvia chatted with Summer.

“Penny for your thoughts, wife,” Drake said, appearing at my side with two champagne flutes.

“Just taking it all in,” I replied, accepting the glass.

He followed my line of sight to where his parents got up to dance. “That’s us in thirty years,” he said.

“Promise?”

“Absolutely.” His free hand found mine.

As twilight descended, the fairy lights transformed the scene into something magical. Conversation flowed, music played, and occasionally, I caught glimpses of armed security at the perimeter—a reminder that in our profession, protection of some kind would be necessary more often than not.

Eventually, as the celebration continued around us, Drake leaned close. “Ready to slip away?”

I nodded, eager for what came next.

After changing into our travel clothes, we made our goodbyes quietly, embracing each of our guests before departing.

“Happy?” Drake asked as we climbed into the helicopter that would take us to the private airfield where K19 Security Solutions’ jet waited to carry us across the Atlantic to Italy. It was a gift of sorts, courtesy of Doc and Merrigan Butler.

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