Page 102 of Fury
After we hang up, Greyson pulls me into his arms again, his expression suddenly serious. "Are you happy? Really happy?"
"More than I ever thought possible," I assure him, placing my hand over his heart. "You're everything I've ever wanted, Greyson Reed."
"And you," his voice is thick with emotion, "are everything I never dared to hope for."
As we stand there under the stars, his arms around me, my head on his chest, I know with absolute certainty that this is where I belong. Whatever comes next—wedding plans, family reactions, the inevitable chaos of merging our lives completely—we'll face it together.
Just as we've faced everything else.
The ring on my finger catches the moonlight, sending prisms of color dancing across Greyson's face. A promise made. A future secured. A love that survived the worst and emerged stronger.
Mrs. Greyson Reed.
I like the sound of that.
I smooth the delicate lace of my dress, gazing at my reflection in the antique mirror of the bridal suite. Six months have passed since Greyson slipped his grandmother's ring onto my finger, and today—finally—I'll become Mrs. Reed.
The door opens behind me, and I catch my father's reflection as he steps inside, his eyes immediately filling with emotion.
"Look at you," he whispers, his voice rough with feeling. "You're breathtaking, Livie."
I turn to face him, suddenly nervous. "Is everything ready? Is Greyson here?"
Dad smiles, crossing the room to take my hands in his. "He's been here since dawn, driving everyone crazy with last-minute checks. Torch threatened to knock him out just to give the staff some peace."
The image makes me laugh, easing some of the butterflies in my stomach. "That sounds like my man."
"Protective to the end," Dad agrees, his expression relaxing as he studies my face. "I can't believe this day is actually here. My little girl, getting married."
"Dad," I warn, feeling tears threatening. "Don't make me cry. Cassandra will kill me if I ruin this makeup."
He reaches up, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear—a gesture so familiar, so comforting, that my heart aches with love for him.
"I remember the day you were born," he says quietly. "This tiny, perfect little thing with a head full of dark hair and lungs that could wake the dead." His laugh is gentle, tinged with nostalgia. "The moment they put you in my arms, I knew I was in trouble. My baby girl. The one who'd wrap me around her finger without even trying."
"Dad," I whisper, unable to stop a tear from escaping.
He brushes it away with his thumb. "Through everything, the hard years, watching you grow up too fast, you've always been the light in my life, Livie. My greatest pride."
I lean into his touch, savoring this moment with the first man I ever loved. "I wouldn't be who I am without you. Without everything you taught me about strength and family and loyalty."
"And now you're starting your own family," he continues, his voice thick with emotion. "With a man who loves you the way you deserve to be loved. A man willing to burn down the world to keep you safe."
"Just like you would," I point out, squeezing his hands.
"Just like I would," he agrees with a nod. "That's how I know he's worthy of you."
A knock at the door interrupts us, and Cassandra pokes her head in. "Five minutes, you two. Everyone's seated."
Dad clears his throat, composing himself. "Ready to do this, baby girl?"
I nod, suddenly eager to begin this next chapter of my life. "More than ready."
He offers his arm, his eyes suspiciously bright. "Then let's not keep that man of yours waiting any longer. God knows what he might do if he thinks you've changed your mind."
As we step into the hallway, I catch a glimpse through the window—the garden of the Reeds' family estate, transformed with white roses and twinkling lights. Guests fill the rows of chairs, a blend of club members in their formal cuts and friends from town in suits and dresses.
And there, at the altar, stands Greyson. Even from this distance, I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way he keeps glancing toward the doors from where I'll enter.
