Page 62 of Hearts & Embers

It was embracing my future.

The officiant smiled warmly as he looked between us.

"By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Applause erupted immediately.

"You may kiss your bride, Jasper."

The smile Aurora gave me before I kissed her was one I knew I would remember for the rest of my life.

The cheers that followed echoed through the chapel while guests rose to their feet. Laughter mixed with applause as the reality of the moment settled around us. Aurora looked every bit as happy as I felt, and when we turned together to face our family and friends, I realised how many people had contributed to our journey. The room was filled with individuals who had supported us through challenges, celebrated our successes, and stood beside us when life became complicated.

As we stepped outside the chapel, Aurora's eyes widened slightly when she noticed an unusual amount of activity gathering near the front entrance.

"Honor guard?"

"I had nothing to do with it."

She raised an eyebrow.

"I don't believe that for a second."

The truth was that I genuinely hadn't organised it. Firehouse traditions often developed a life of their own and apparently the crews had decided our wedding would be no exception.

Several members of Firehouse 99 were already waiting outside the chapel in full dress uniform. White gloves, ceremonial caps, polished shoes, and perfectly pressed jackets transformed the men and women I normally saw in station gear into something remarkably impressive. Firefighters from neighboring companies had joined them as well, creating a formation stretching across the front pathway leading away from the church.

At a command from Cody, ceremonial axes rose overhead.

The honour arch formed instantly.

A murmur of appreciation moved through the gathered guests.

Aurora's hand tightened around mine as she looked around at the firefighters surrounding us.

"They really love you."

The words were spoken softly.

"They've been my family for a long time."

She squeezed my hand.

"I'm glad they're mine now too."

Together we stepped beneath the arch.

Applause followed us along the pathway while family and friends watched from both sides. Several firefighters maintained professional expressions with varying degrees of success while others grinned openly as we passed.

The tradition represented far more than ceremony.

Looking around, I saw people who had stood beside me through every important chapter of my adult life. They had celebrated successes, carried losses, endured difficult years, and helped me rebuild when I hadn't believed rebuilding was possible.

Now they were standing here to celebrate this moment as well.

By the time Aurora and I reached the end of the formation, gratitude sat heavily in my chest.

Not because of the tradition itself but because of what it represented.