Page 88 of Undercover Shadow
“I do.” Clear and certain.
“The rings?”
Con produced the simple platinum bands we’d chosen together. No inscriptions that could be used for identification if we were captured. Practical even in romance.
As I slipped the ring onto her finger, next to the emerald engagement ring, I said the words we’d written together. “From the storms of Dunravin to the towers of Brodick, through every mission and every morning, you are my partner, my equal, my love. I promise to trust you, to support you, and to never stop choosing us.”
Her eyes glistened as she put the other ring on my finger. “You taught me that love isn’t weakness but strength. That partnership means standing together, especially when we disagree. You are my anchor, my challenger, my home. I promise to fight for us, to believe in us, and to love you through whatever comes.”
“By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss?—”
I didn’t let him finish. I pulled Leila against me, kissing her thoroughly while our friends cheered and laughed. She kissed me back just as fiercely, not caring about propriety or tradition.
When we finally broke apart, she whispered, “Hello, husband.”
“Hello, wife.”
Rose petals fell around us as we walked back down the aisle—the guests throwing them with enthusiasm.
Glenshadow’s great hall had been transformed with lights and flowers into the most magical of places for our celebration. The speeches ranged from touching—Con talking about partnership forged in fire—to embarrassing. I barely paid attention, too focused on my bride, until Typhon stood, commanding attention without effort.
“I’ve overseen hundreds of partnerships in my career,” he began. “Most are professional. Some become friendships. Very few become what these two have—a bond that saved millions of lives because they trusted each other when it mattered most. As Con said, the best partnerships are forged in fire, but I’ll add that they are sustained in peace. May you have both in equal measure.”
As the evening progressed,Viper pulled Leila and me aside. “I hate to interrupt, but there’s something you should know.”
“If you’re about to assign us a mission on our wedding day—” Leila started.
“No, nothing like that. But there’s been chatter. Someone’s been asking questions about the Forgotten Sons, about what really happened at Brodick.”
“Press?”
“Unknown. Just be aware. Even on your honeymoon. Maldives, right? Beautiful beaches, terrible sight lines, multiple aquatic approach vectors.”
“We’ll be careful,” I promised.
“I know you will.” She squeezed Leila’s hand. “Enjoy your happiness. You’ve earned it.”
The party continued late into the night. At one point, I found Ash outside.
“Thank you for being here,” I said.
“I wouldn’t have missed it. You know that.’’
“Still.”
“Brose made his choice. My only regret is not paying more attention. Not that I believe it would’ve done any good.” I watched him return to Sullivan’s side. For too many years, my friend had been a loner. More so than Con, Gus, and me. Knowing he had his wife’s support as he navigated his uncle’s betrayal lessened my worry about him.
“What are you thinking?” I asked my wife, wrapping my arms around her from behind.
“That Idris would have loved today. The ceremony, the people, you—us.”
“I think he was here, in the love you carry for him.”
She turned in my arms. “That’s deeply romantic coming from you.”
“You bring out the best in me.”
She kissed me then, slow and deep. “Take me to bed, husband.”
