**Lake Michigan Rooftop – Exactly Six Years Later**
Candles flickered along the rooftop railing. Soft jazz floated through the warm night air as the lake glittered below.
Arthur adjusted his tie, standing awkwardly near a small arch strung with fairy lights. “Is this tie crooked?"
Leah, now seven and proudly the flower girl, squinted. “It's fine. You look nervous."
Arthur exhaled. “I've faced cartel bosses with less pressure."
She rolled her eyes. “Mom's already forgiven you, like, fifty times."
He smiled. “It's not about forgiveness anymore. It's about the promise."
Just then, the elevator doors opened—Sophie stepped out in a simple white dress, bump gently visible beneath the flowing fabric.
The crowd of friends, ex-agents, reformed operatives, and community leaders all stood.
D
