To the end

27

Love, Healed and Forever

The days after Thargen's death had passed in a blur of quiet moments, soft smiles, and healing touches. The air felt lighter, but the invisible thread between Vegas and the kids still tugged at his heart. The guilt of his absence, the pain he’d caused, lingered like a shadow. He watched as Venice and Leiah played with Thankhun in the garden, laughter bubbling up into the warm afternoon air. He wanted to join them, but a hesitation kept his feet rooted.

Kim's hand slipped into his. "You don't have to stand here forever," he whispered, his voice warm and reassuring. "They're waiting for you."

Vegas swallowed, his eyes glistening. "What if they don't need me?"

"They do," Kim said firmly. "Just take the first step."

Vegas inhaled deeply and walked forward. Venice noticed him first, her eyes widening. Leiah turned, her gaze flickering with uncertainty. Thankhun gave Vegas a small nod and stepped back.

"Hi," Vegas said softly, his voice trembling.

Venice’s brow furrowed.

Leiah's lips trembled, and she rushed forward, throwing her arms around him. "We missed you!"

Venice followed, hugging him tightly. "Don't go away again," he whispered.

"I promise," Vegas choked out, tears slipping down his cheeks. "I’m not going anywhere."

Kim stood back, his chest swelling with emotion. Thankhun patted his shoulder. "You did good, Kim."

That night, after the kids had fallen asleep, Kim found Vegas sitting on the balcony, the moonlight casting a silver glow on his face. Kim walked over and sat beside him.

"They love you," Kim whispered.

Vegas smiled, the tension in his shoulders finally melting. "I think I needed to hear that more than I realized."

Kim took Vegas’s hand, his thumb brushing over the scarred knuckles. "Vegas, there's something I've been meaning to do."

Vegas turned, eyes curious. Kim took a deep breath, then knelt on one knee, pulling a sleek silver band from his pocket. Vegas gasped, his eyes widening.

"You proposed to me years ago," Kim said, his voice shaking. "But life got in the way. We couldn’t make it official then, but I want to now. Vegas, will you marry me?"

Tears welled in Vegas's eyes, and he covered his mouth with his hand. "Yes... Yes, Kim. A thousand times, yes."

Kim slid the ring onto his finger, then leaned up, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. "I love you ."

Of course! Here's a heartwarming scene of Kim and Vegas's wedding with the kids involved:

The grand hall of the main mansion was bathed in soft golden light, the air filled with the scent of fresh flowers. The space was adorned elegantly, not in excess, but with an intimacy that reflected the essence of the two men about to exchange vows.

Kim stood near the altar, his tailored white suit perfectly accentuating his sharp features. His eyes, however, were soft, glistening with emotion as he watched Vegas approach, dressed in an all-black suit that made his silver cufflinks glimmer.

But it wasn't just the sight of Vegas that made Kim's heart clench with joy; it was the presence of their two children, Venice and Leiah, who walked ahead of Vegas, scattering petals along the aisle.

Venice held a small satin pillow with two matching rings resting on top. His steps were determined, his pride in the task shining through his serious expression. Leiah giggled softly as she scattered the petals, twirling a little under the glow of the chandeliers.

When Vegas reached Kim, they shared a moment of unspoken understanding. Kim’s fingers brushed against Vegas's hand, grounding them both.

The ceremony began, filled with whispered promises and tears barely held back. When the time came for the rings, Venice stepped forward solemnly, offering them up with trembling hands.

“Don’t drop them,” Leiah whispered urgently, making everyone chuckle softly.

Kim slid the ring onto Vegas's finger, his voice low but firm. “With this ring, I promise you everything that I am, and everything we’ll be.”

Vegas's hands shook slightly as he placed the ring on Kim's finger, his voice rough with emotion. “You’ve always been my home. With this ring, I promise to protect and cherish that home forever.”

When the officiant declared them married, Kim cupped Vegas’s face, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both gentle and filled with the fierce love they had fought so hard for.

Venice and Leiah clapped wildly, their joy echoing through the hall.

As the newlyweds turned to face their family, Kim whispered to Vegas, “We’re finally where we’re meant to be.”

Vegas smiled, eyes glistening. “Together.”

And as they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, with their children beside them, they knew this was only the beginning of the life they'd always dreamed of.

The reception hall glowed with soft golden lights, reflecting the warmth of the evening. Guests buzzed with excitement, the air filled with laughter and the quiet clinking of glasses.

Kim stood beside Vegas, fingers intertwined, a quiet confidence in his eyes. The formalities were done, but a tangible anticipation lingered. Vegas squeezed Kim's hand, his eyes searching Kim's face for permission, for something unspoken.

Kim's lips curled into a smirk. He tilted his head closer and whispered, “What are you waiting for?”

A heartbeat passed — then Vegas closed the distance, his lips meeting Kim's in a kiss that silenced the room. The world blurred around them. The kiss was gentle at first, a brush of promises and longing fulfilled. But it deepened, a surge of passion and years of unspoken words pouring out.

The guests erupted into applause and cheers, but neither of them heard it. When they finally pulled back, their eyes glistened with a shared understanding, love, and triumph.

Kim whispered, his voice breathless, “We’ve come this far… and I’m not letting go.”

Vegas smiled, his eyes soft. “Neither am I.”

The End