Page 86 of Code Name: Tank
“She’ll be fine,” I’d assured her. “Once she sees me, everything else will fade away.”
I’d been right. As the music began, Piper walked toward me, her eyes locked on mine, and I could see the moment her nerves settled.
She was radiant in ivory silk, her honey-blonde hair swept up in an elegant twist that showed off the delicate pearl earrings that had been her grandmother’s. As she walked toward me—carrying a bouquet of sunflowers, peonies, and dahlias—her smile took my breath away. Gone was the guarded, wary woman who’d walked into our command center all those months ago. In her place was someone confident and glowing.
Admiral walked beside her, having volunteered for the honor of escorting her. His pride was evident as he guided her toward me, and I felt a surge of gratitude for the man who’d brought us together, even if he hadn’t intended to play matchmaker.
“Take care of her,” he said quietly as he placed Piper’s hand in mine.
“Always,” I replied, meaning it with every fiber of my being.
The ceremony was simple and heartfelt. When it came time for our vows, I looked into my bride’s eyes and spoke from the heart.
“Piper, you taught me that love isn’t about protecting someone from the world—it’s about standing beside them as they face it. You’re my partner in everything, my equal in all things, and the strongest person I know. I promise to support your dreams, celebrate your victories, and love you through whatever comes our way.”
Her own vows brought tears to my eyes as she spoke about trust, partnership, and the courage to love completely.
“Tank, you showed me that love doesn’t make you weak—it makes you invincible. You proved that the right person will never ask you to be anything other than yourself. I promise to be your partner in missions and in life, to trust you with my heart, and to love you fiercely for all our days.”
When the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, our kiss was sweet and full of promise.
The reception, held on Cedar Point’s main lawn, was magical, with strung lights twinkling after sunset. Alice, my mom, and Piper’s mother had outdone themselves with the planning, creating an atmosphere that felt both elegant and relaxed.
Our first dance was to an acoustic version of “At Last,” and as I held my wife in my arms, I marveled at how a case about financial theft had led me to the love of my life.
“Happy?” I asked as we swayed to the music.
“Completely,” Piper said, her hand resting over my heart. “Though I still can’t believe all of this is real.”
“It’s real, Mrs. Abrams. You’re stuck with me now.”
“Mrs. Abrams,” she repeated, smiling at the words. “I like the sound of that.”
