They drove through the gates and waved to some of the guests who were headed out back, and there were enough guards to fight off an army, all of them looking good in tuxedos. The tent company had laid a floor so no heels would get messed up on the soggy grass, and the tent that held the chairs and altar for the ceremony was beautiful with all the lit candles. Emma and Dallas had done a good job of organizing, and Cain hoped the day was all Dallas and Remi imagined. The back door of the house was lined up with the middle of the aisle, and that was covered as well.

All they had to do was wait for the bride and the friends Dallas had asked to stand with her. Dallas had found a family with them as well as with the Jatibons, so her bridesmaids were her sister-in-law Sylvia, Kristen, Emma, and Abigail. Cain shook hands with Bishop Andrew Goodman, her father’s oldest friend, and her new confessor. The church didn’t sanction this marriage, but Father Andy always preached that love knew no color or gender, and he was happy to officiate.

“It’s time,” the wedding planner said.

They left Remi at the altar alone with Father Andy and moved closer to the door. She watched her cousins escort Sylvia and Abigail to the front and whistled softly when she saw Emma. The off-the-shoulder, tea-length black dress fit Emma perfectly, and she looked beautiful. “Do you have a date for later?” she whispered in Emma’s ear before walking her down the aisle.

“Yes, and I’m planning on bringing her home,” Emma whispered back. “Now behave.”

Kristen and Mano performed their maid of honor and best man duties, and there were a few tears when Dallas and Remi said their vows. Cain’s mind went back to the day she’d said her own, and it made her smile. She’d never felt stronger in her life than the day she declared to the world that Emma owned all of who she was and would ever be.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Dallas and Remington Jatibon,” Father Andy said. The guests applauded, and Remi and Dallas kissed one more time before heading inside.

Vincent’s catering crew moved everyone to the next tent, and the band started playing. Remi put her hands on Dallas’s waist and lifted her off the ground, twirling her in a circle. “You’re mine now,” Remi said, and Dallas nodded.

“That’s what they want you to believe, but it’s the other way around,” Cain said, and Emma pinched her hard. “It’s not a bad thing, lass.”

“The smart play, mobster, is to be quiet and smile for the pictures.” Emma twirled, her dress floating around her.