August 6 2020
THE WEDDING VENUE, EARLY MORNING
The venue was already buzzing. Florists flitted through the garden stringing lights. Waitstaff checked linens and placements. The ceremony was just hours away.
Dave stood near the edge of the courtyard, adjusting his cufflinks, trying not to let the nerves show.
He'd faced bullets. Clubs. Boardrooms. Fatherhood.
But this — marrying AJ — this was the moment that mattered most.
That's when Luke appeared beside him, quiet as always, dressed in a sharp black suit that still somehow looked tactical. His expression was calm but unreadable.
Dave-Got a minute?
Luke asked, voice low.
Dave nodded, sensing immediately this wasn't small talk.
---
PRIVATE CORNER OF THE VENUE
They stepped into the shaded breezeway behind the main hall. The hum of the crowd fell away.
Luke crossed his arms.
Luke- I didn't want to bring this up today. I wanted her to have a clean day. But something's not sitting right.
Dave stiffened slightly.
Dave -What are we talking about?
Luke pulled out his phone, showing Dave a security still of a woman parked near the venue the night before.
Luke - This woman been following the family's schedule since we left the hospital. Parked three blocks down. Same plate as the vehicle spotted near the crash. The woman isn't just watching—she's waiting.
Dave clenched his jaw.
Dave -Who is she?
Luke - We're still running the ID. But I'd bet everything he's connected to Ron's crew. Someone's trying to finish what Ron started.
Dave cursed under his breath, pacing for a moment.
Dave - And AJ?
Luke didn't hesitate.
Luke - She's safe — for now. I've got three men patrolling the perimeter and more inside dressed as waiters. But you need to know... we may not get another quiet day like this again.
There was a pause — heavy, full of unspoken history.
Dave - You love her right
Dave said, studying him.
Luke didn't blink.
Luke- Yeah. I do. But that doesn't change what's real. She's yours. I protect what matters — and she matters.
Dave stepped closer. The air between them was tense, thick, but respectful.
Dave - If anything happens—
Dave started.
Luke cut him off.
Luke - It won't. Not today.
---
A FEW MINUTES LATER
Dave returned to the main hall, his hand running through his hair, his heart heavier but clearer.
From across the room, he saw AJ in her robe, laughing with Jasmine and Maria, completely unaware — radiant, at peace.
He took a breath.
Whatever storm was coming... they would face it. Together.
And for now, he had a wedding to get to.
