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And I see him.
Gabriel stands at the altar in a black suit that fits him perfectly. His hair is neat. His beard is trimmed. The small cross tattoo on his wrist is visible where his sleeve ends.
He's surrounded by his brothers. All eleven of them standing as groomsmen. Phoenix, Judge, Brick, Canvas, Wraith, Echo, Ranger, Diesel, Saint, Angel and Razor. All in matching suits. All grinning because they know exactly what's about to happen.
The church is packed. Every member of the Iron Phoenix and their families. Friends from town. Even some of Gabriel's family from out of state, including his sister Marie, who he reconnected with last year after a decade of silence.
But I only see Gabriel.
He's crying. Silent tears streaming down his face as he watches me walk toward him.
I'm crying too. Can't help it. Don't even try to stop.
My father and I reach the altar. Gabriel steps forward. Takes my hand from my father's arm.
"Take care of her," my father says.
"Always," Gabriel promises.
My father nods and steps back to sit with my mother.
Gabriel and I stand facing each other. The priest begins speaking about love and commitment and building a life together. I don't hear most of it. Too focused on Gabriel's face. On the way he's looking at me like I'm the only person in the world. Like I'm everything he's been searching for.
"I love you," he mouths.
"I love you too," I mouth back.
The ceremony continues. We exchange vows, traditional ones because neither of us trusted ourselves to write our own without breaking down completely. We exchange rings, gold bands that Gabriel picked out months ago.
"By the power vested in me," the priest finally says, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Gabriel cups my face gently, and then he kisses me.
The church erupts in cheers and applause. The kids are clapping loudly. The brothers are whistling. The women are crying happy tears.
We break apart and he rests his forehead against mine.
"Mrs. Stone," he whispers.
"Mr. Stone," I whisper back.
"Ready to start our life?"
"Been ready since the moment I met you."
He grins, takes my hand and we turn to face everyone.
Our family. Our friends. Our future.
We walk down the aisle together. Out of the church and into the bright afternoon sunlight where a fleet of motorcycles is parked, the entire Iron Phoenix ready to escort us to the reception.
The reception is held at the clubhouse. The common room has been transformed: white lights strung everywhere, tables covered in simple white cloths, flowers arranged in mason jars.
It's beautiful. Perfect. Exactly what I wanted.
Gabriel and I have our first dance to a song we picked together, something slow and sweet that makes me cry again when he pulls me close and whispers that he's the luckiest man alive.
Then everyone joins in. Phoenix and Ivy. Judge and Nora. Brick and Rosie. Canvas and Eden. All the couples swaying together while the kids run around causing chaos and the single members drink beer and make jokes about who's falling next.
