Page 63 of Hearts & Embers

For years I’d believed certain parts of my life were over forever. Loss had convinced me that happiness would always arrive with limitations attached. The people standing behind me had helped carry me through those years without ever asking for recognition. Looking at Aurora beside me, I realised they had also helped carry me toward this moment.

Outside the chapel, photographers organised family portraits while guests mingled in the gardens overlooking Lake Michigan. The weather could not have been more perfect. Gentle sunshine reflected from the water while a mild breeze prevented the afternoon from becoming too warm. Every direction seemed to offer another beautiful backdrop for photographs.

Elyssa spent much of the session alternating between emotional pride and logistical management.

At one point she adjusted Aurora's veil, corrected the position of a bouquet, and instructed a distant cousin to stop blinking in photographs.

Nobody argued.

Years of friendship had taught them resistance was generally futile.

The reception took place at a waterfront ballroom overlooking the Chicago skyline where large windows provided panoramic views of the city and elegant floral arrangements and candlelight transformed the venue into something extraordinary.

Round tables filled the room, each decorated with white roses, greenery, and subtle gold accents that complemented the overall colour scheme. The atmosphere felt sophisticated without becoming formal enough to discourage laughter or celebration.

Dinner began shortly after our arrival.

Conversations filled the room while waitstaff moved efficiently between tables. Firefighters mixed comfortably with teachers, family members, and friends and the combination created exactly the atmosphere Aurora and I had hoped for. Rather than separate groups remaining isolated, everyone seemed determined to enjoy the evening together.

Several members of Firehouse 99 quickly became favourites among Aurora's teaching colleagues.

The reverse was equally true.

Apparently teachers and firefighters had far more in common than anyone expected.

Once dinner concluded, the speeches began.

Cody spoke first.

His speech somehow managed to be heartfelt, embarrassing, and hilarious simultaneously. He shared stories about our years together at Firehouse 99 while carefully selecting examples that remained wedding appropriate. The audience laughed frequently, and more than once I found myself shaking my head while Aurora laughed beside me.

"I've known Jasper for a long time."

Cody paused briefly.

"Long enough to know that nobody expected him to become the romantic one. We all expected he would marry his gym equipment."

The room erupted with laughter.

"Then Aurora came along and the equipment was relegated to a distant second place."

More laughter followed.

By the time he finished, even I had to admit it was an excellent speech.

Elyssa followed shortly afterward.

Her speech focused primarily on Aurora, their friendship, and the journey that had led us all to this day. Several moments were emotional enough to bring tears to multiple eyes. Other moments involved stories Aurora would probably have preferred remain private. The balance was perfect.

Most importantly, it reflected how deeply Elyssa cared about the woman standing beside me.

By the time the speeches ended, the celebration felt even more personal than before.

The first dance followed shortly afterward.

Aurora and I moved onto the dance floor while the band began playing a song we had chosen months earlier—All of Me by John Legend.

The ballroom lights softened slightly, conversations faded into the background, and for several minutes the rest of the room seemed to disappear. I wrapped an arm around her waist while she rested a hand against my shoulder, and together we swayed beneath the glow of candlelight and city lights beyond the windows.