I’m standing by the arbor, next to the entrance, exactly where Autumn and I signed our marriage certificate four years ago. But unlike that day, the inn is decorated with fresh flowers. There’s happy music playing in the background. On one side are my friends from Kings Security and my adopted family, the Teagers. On Autumn’s side are her grandparents, Mr. Big, Suzie, Chiara and her family, and some other locals from Cherrywood.

Once the music changes, my heart leaps into my throat and flutters. Fuck. I wasn’t so nervous even on the day of our real wedding. I slide my hand into the pocket of my jacket and hold the triquetra coin that the bartender gave me. But every anxiety evaporates when Autumn ambles toward me, her parents on either side of her.

Her white dress hugs all her curves until it flows out at the bottom. She looks like a mermaid.

Laura kisses Autumn’s cheeks, and then she takes me into a hug. “There was so much guilt buried in our hearts that we’d done something wrong to you two. But today, I’m so happy that you came into Autumn’s life. Welcome to the family, son.”

My throat chokes as Laura squeezes me tightly, and if it was only us, I might let the tears fall. Jasper’s grip is tighter today as he side hugs me before placing Autumn’s hand in mine.

There’s no officiant, but only Autumn and I standing under the arbor, holding each other’s hands.

“You came into my life before I even needed you, Lukas.” Our guests chuckle. “But then you became a big part of everything. Whenever something happened, good or bad, I wanted to share it with you. You didn’t judge me, and that’s the best thing a teenager can ask for in a friend.”

“Are you calling me out on my age, babe?” I squeeze her hand, and she giggles.

“No. Your old age is just an added bonus.”

I could stay here all day, watching her this happy.

“But as the years went by, I realized we’re two parts of the same soul born a few years apart. As much as I knew that thought wasn’t completely wrong, I couldn’t get over the fact that a choice had been stolen from us, and I knew you felt the same way.” She waits for me and I nod. “Every time we talked by letter or in an email, it brought us closer. We showed a part of ourselves to each other that we struggled to share with others. And then you got shot.”

Like in her written letters, her spoken words have the power to take me to an emotional high and then let me fall into a happy place.

I grin, grazing her soft cheek with the back of my hand. “You say it like I asked for it.”