Chapter 31 Two weeks later... Today is my wedding day. It's odd. I've been here before. Well not here, exactly. But I've been married. My first wedding was a lavish affair, a fabricated romance, meant to fool the world. But this wedding is simple. Small. And filled with so much love, I think I might burst from it. We're in our borrowed apartment. We could go back to my home-my father hasn't been seen anywhere in Las Vegas since that night in the woods. But I like the security of being here, my family is safer surrounded by security and in a building meant to survive the war of the worlds. Ava has been able to work remotely, though she'll have to go back into the office soon. I've already discussed transportation for her, and it includes a driver, and a specialty car designed to be bulletproof. The Kincaids have one already and are having another fabricated for our use. I'd ask her not to go to work, but I know the woman I'm marrying. Quitting her profession isn't an option. A small crowd stands in the kitchen. Several Kincaids, Smiths, and my sisters, of course, along with a few of the men in my operation I consider friends. In the back stands Zane, because Cadence is helping Ava prepare. Standing in front of me is Killian Smith, the man who we chose to officiate the ceremony. No one is as shocked as me, but I think that Killian might have become my most trusted friend. The shadow has a heart that's made of gold. "After the ceremony, we need to talk," he murmurs as the violinist takes her seat. "About?" "New identities for Ava and Anna." My head whips around, the crowd forgotten. "What?" "I have one for Chloe," he waves at his wife, and she waves back. "If anything happens to me, she has offshore accounts, a home bought by a shell company, and a new identity. She can disappear. We should do the same for your family." My jaw works as I try to find the words. Killian continues to prove why he's become a trusted friend. "You're right. Thank you." He nods. "My pleasure. I don't say this about many women, but your Ava is one of the good ones. You know that I'll do whatever I can to help." I have to look away, I'm so overwhelmed. "From you, that promise is worth more than gold." Because while my father has gone underground. He is coming back. And there will be a war. I look at my two sisters. Keeping them safe is next on my to-do list. But that is forgotten for the moment. Because the violinist begins to play and my bride appears. She wears a simple gown of pale blue, so light, it's nearly white. I know she picked the color because she didn't quite feel right about wearing true white. I let her make the decision. But to me, she is one of the most beautifully pure people I've ever met, and I'll spend my life protecting all the good I see shining out from the inside of her soul. I reach out my hand, resisting the urge to race down the aisle and collect her into my arms. My soon-to-be wife. The love of my life. Behind her, Anna appears. She wears a toddler gown in the same fabric and color as Ava's, flowers crowning her head. In her hand, the gift I gave her this morning: a new mama doll for her dollhouse with blonde hair. She jumps, making the flowing skirts flounce out. "I pretty!" The crowd gives a small laugh as Ava bends down and kisses Anna's cheek. "You're beautiful." I can't stand it anymore. "Come, my loves." And then I start for them. Because while patience is a virtue of mine, so is commitment. And I don't want to wait another second to make us a family for real.