The music had slowed, laughter fading into the night air. The party was winding down, the kind of quiet that settles after a storm of celebration. I caught sight of Koda first—my little man slumped over a plate of wedding cake, frosting smeared across his cheek, his chest rising and falling in the deep rhythm of sleep. The sight tugged at me, fierce and tender all at once. He’d given everything tonight, carrying those rings like they were the world. Now the world had worn him out.
Jace was already there, steady as ever. He brushed a hand over Koda’s hair, then looked up at me. His voice was low, but strong, the kind of tone that carried more than words. “I’ll watch him,” he said. “It’s your wedding night. Go.”
For a moment, I just stared at him. My boy—no, my man—standing tall, shoulderi
