The air inside the venue buzzed with anticipation. Family and friends filled the rows of white chairs, murmuring excitedly as soft music played in the background. The setting was breathtaking-an elegant outdoor garden with delicate white roses and twinkling lights woven through the arch where Jey stood, waiting.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit with a white boutonnière pinned to his lapel, Jey took a deep breath, shifting from foot to foot. He wasn't nervous-just impatient. He wanted to see her. His wife.

Jimmy stood beside him as his best man, grinning. "You good, Uce?"

Jey exhaled sharply, nodding. "Yeah, man. Just ready to get this done."

Solo smirked. "You mean ready to finally lock it down?"

Jey chuckled but didn't deny it. Natalia had been his from the moment she walked back into his life, but today made it official.

The music changed.

Everyone turned as the wedding party began making their way down the aisle-Naomi, Almia, and Galina looking radiant as they walked in perfect sync, followed by Malachi, who carried the rings with a big, proud grin.

Then, the moment Jey had been waiting for.

Natalia.

Time slowed as she stepped into view, her arm linked with Roman's. The sunlight hit her just right, illuminating the intricate lace of her gown and the soft waves in her hair. But it wasn't just how stunning she looked-it was the way her eyes found his, full of love, full of certainty.

Jey swallowed hard. Damn. Jimmy had been right. He was losing it.

Roman, serious as ever, led her down the aisle with a quiet protectiveness, his presence a reminder that she wasn't alone in this new chapter. When they reached the altar, he met Jey's gaze, giving him a small nod before placing Natalia's hand in his.

"Take care of her," Roman murmured.

Jey squeezed Natalia's hand, his grip firm, reassuring. "Always."

The officiant began speaking, but Jey barely heard a word. All he could focus on was Natalia-the warmth of her fingers laced with his, the way her lips trembled slightly like she was fighting back emotion, the love in her eyes mirroring his own.

When it was time for vows, Natalia spoke first, her voice steady despite the tears welling in her eyes.

"Jey, from the moment we found our way back to each other, I knew this was where we were meant to be. You are my best friend, my partner, my love. You make me feel safe, you make me laugh, and most of all, you make me believe in forever. I promise to stand by you, to love you, and to build a life with you, no matter what comes our way."

Jey's throat tightened, but he forced himself to speak through the emotion pressing in his chest.

"Nati, I spent a lot of time running from my past, from my mistakes, from everything I thought I couldn't handle. But you? You showed me what it means to stop running. To face life head-on. To love without fear. You and Malachi-you're my home. And I promise to love you, to protect you, and to stand by you for the rest of my life."

A tear slipped down Natalia's cheek as she smiled at him.

The officiant turned to Jey. "Do you, Joshua, take Natalia to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Jey didn't hesitate. "I do."

"And do you, Natalia, take Joshua to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Her voice was soft but sure. "I do."

With that, the rings were exchanged, the final words spoken, and then-

"You may kiss the bride."

Jey didn't waste a second. He pulled Natalia into his arms, capturing her lips in a deep, breathtaking kiss. The cheers of their family and friends faded into the background because in this moment, it was just them.

Husband and wife.

Forever.