I know that I am super behind getting this chapter up, but I literally could not get it the way I wanted it to be.

Is it short? Yes. Has it been edited? Not really. It is fluffy? 100%

Disclaimer: Do I need to say it?

I run my hand through my hair nervously before toying with my cufflinks. Today's the day. I'm marrying Roza. Standing in the backyard of my childhood home I run my gaze over the people waiting for the ceremony to start. My two older sisters talking quietly with one of the Guardian's that accompanied the Moroi here, Mama rushing around taking care of last-minute details even though I told her that everything was perfect, A few of Roza and I's friends sitting and talking amongst themselves.

"You look nervous," Abe says as he comes to stand behind me, dressed in a bronze suit and fedora. I chuckle uneasily and run my hand through my hair again. God, it's Rose. I have no reason to be nervous. But it feels more like I'm excited than anxious. I guess the closest thing I can compare this to is when we prepare for a big fight or battle.

"I'm fine. Just worried that I'll forget my vows," I say with a laugh. "Have you seen her yet?"

Abe gives me a genuine smile and pulls a worn looking leather pouch from inside his jacket. He opens it and pulls out a cigar and hands it to me before pulling one out for himself. I look down at it and then back up with him with a raised brow. He holds his between his lips as he put the pouch back in his pocket and produces a lighter.

"Oh don't look at me like that son. What a cigar between father and son-in-law? Besides, it will calm you down some. And yes, I have seen Kiz. She looks lovely, she had asked me to check on you," Abe chuckles as he lights his cigar and puffs a few times before turning to me and lights mine. I mimic the motion and hold the smoke in for a few seconds before letting it out. Once upon a time, Ivan and I would indulge in a cigar and a glass of cognac on holidays or his birthday. It's been a long time since I've had a cigar.

We stand side by side and allow the aroma of the smoke to float around us, bringing the rolled paper back to our lips and inhaling. "You know, you have balls. You could never get me up here," Abe says as he taps the ash from the end. I scoff and turn to look at him, expecting him to be joking, but his face is as serious as stone.

"Really? Not even if it was Janine?" I ask and Abe smirks a little. "Possibly. I wanted to marry Janine when we were young, but with my line of work it was too dangerous. Plus with her being a Guardian… I could never take that from her."

I nod and take my last drag before stamping the end out under my shoe and search my pockets for gum. I may like the taste of a good cigar, but that doesn't mean Rose will. Coming up empty I look up to find Abe already holding a box of mints in his hand. I thank him and pop two into my mouth.

"Did Roza seem nervous to you?" I ask Abe quietly as people start to sit down. Adrian and Christian standing a few feet away to give Abe and I privacy. Abe puts a mint in his mouth as well before answering. "No, she is definitely excited. I have to say, Dimitri, I was skeptical when I met you about whether or not you'd be good enough for my little girl, regardless of me not being an active parent in her life. But I am glad she met you, and that you make her as happy as you do. There is no one else I'd give my daughter's hand to," Abe says as he pats my shoulder. I smile and let out a small breath.

I give him a heartfelt smile before he suggests going and getting the bride. I chuckle and nod at him as he departs, going to get the love of my life. Adrian and Christian are at my side moments later, both of them with smiles on their faces. "Alright! Ready? Do you need me to drive a getaway car?" Adrian asks with an obnoxious laugh and I lightly punch his shoulder.

"Yes I'm ready, and no, I do not need a getaway car. Christian? You have the rings?"

Christian nods and pats his breast pocket and, looks towards the house to see Janine coming out. It funny seeing Janine in something other than her uniform, but I can appreciate where Rose gets her figure from. Janine looks lovely in her indigo dress and she scurries down the aisle, giving us a thumbs up.

Showtime.

I take a deep breath and rolls my shoulders back as the music starts. Viktoria emerges out of the house first with a big smile on her face, dressed in a simple moss green dress, holding a boutique of Calla Lilies. She comes down and stands in her place as Lissa makes her appearance down the aisle just as gracefully as Viktoria. Coming to stand in her place with Vika, Lissa smiles as me and gives me a reassuring nod. The priest gestures for our guest to stand and we all look towards the back door and wait for Rose to make her appearance. Viktoria and Lissa look at each other before looking at Janine, indicating that Rose missed her cue to go.

We all wait a few more moments before Rose and Abe step out of the door, and I let a sigh of relief out. But that is short-lived when my breath gets stuck in my chest looking at Rose. She looks like a Goddess. Her long hair is pins in a low bun at the base of her neck with those few curls falling around her face, and a crystal band around her head. Her dress floats over her body with lace and embroidery, in what she likes to call "peek a boo" shoulders. The bangle I gifted her all those years ago is present on her wrist as she glides down the aisle towards me. Abe and Rose come to a stop in front of me and Abe leans down to kiss her cheek before taking the hand that he is holding, and places it in my outstretched hand.

"Keep my girl safe," Abe says softly as he places his on top of our hands and gives us as smile before moving to sit beside Janine. I smile at Rose as I help her step up the platform to stand in front of me. "I was worried you weren't going to come out for a moment," I say softly, my eyes running over her as I take in every detail.

Rose giggles and rolls her eyes. "Don't worry Comrade, I didn't have second guesses. I broke the heel off my shoe and had to find another pair," she whispers, and I laugh. Only Rose.

I rest my head against Rose's as we sway slowly, the sound of our wedding song drifting in the background. I gently rub my nose against Rose's as I look into her eyes, bathing in the feeling of completeness.

"You look so beautiful, my love," I whisper as Rose's fingers play with the loose hair at my neck. She smiles and hums in the back of her throat. She stretches her lips up to meet mine and presses them to mine. I move one of my hands from her waist and cup her cheek, holding her there as I move my lips lazily against hers. I can hear the sound of our loved ones cheering and hollering at us, but I'm in my own little world.

Rose pulls away a moment later but pecks my lips again. "Thank you," she says softly, running her fingers through my hair. "You, on the other hand, look hot as fuck," she whispers and I let out a deep belly laugh and pull her closer to me. I duck my head down and press my lips to the soft spot behind her ear and squeeze her waist as our song comes to an end. The moment our song ends, Eddie swops in to get his dance and I turn to Mama to dance with her.

"You and Roza both look so happy," Mama says as we watch Rose and Eddie dance a few people away from us. I smile and rest my head on top of Mama's. "She does, doesn't sure?" I say and Mama chuckles at me. "It makes me happy that you found someone, Dimka. I love that you have someone who makes you smile like you do," Mama says as she squeezes my arm.

Mama and I continue to dance before the song comes to an end and I sweep Rose back into my arms, pulling her back to my chest and kissing her shoulder. Her laugh echoes through the yards and I match it, spinning her around in my arms and resting my hands on her hips. Rose wraps her arms around my neck and we sway to the slightly up-beat song, watching our friends dance around us. Although, Adrian is doing something between the Macarena and the chicken dance, so I'm not sure if we can call that dancing.

"Who is that?" Rose asks, canting her head to someone behind me. I turn the two of us to look and tense up. What the hell is he doing here?!

"Stay here," I say firmly as I press my lips to hers and catch Adrian's eye, nodding to our unwanted house guest. I move towards the side of the house, my fist clenched as I try to hone in my rage.

"You are not welcome here," I hiss as we approach. Adrian places his hand on my shoulder and pulls me back slightly. "Uncle Rand, what are you doing here?" Adrian says, placing himself between the two of us.

"Well, I heard my boy was getting married. I felt that I should congratulate him," Randall says as he steps forward, but Adrian puts his hand out to stop him. "Randall, you really should leave. This event is invitation only," Adrian says calmly, sensing my discomfort.

"I must not have received mine," Randall says as he pushes Adrian's hand aside. Randall moves forward and I take a slight step back, trying to put some distance between us. Not out of fear like I would as a child, but more because I didn't want to end up in jail on my wedding night. My wife will be less than impressed if that happens.

"Dimitri? What's wrong?"

Just once, I wish she would listen when I say stay put. We all turn our attention to the woman in white who has joined the conversation. "Roza, go back to the party. Please," I say gently and give her a pleading look. Her eyes flick from mine to Randall's, understanding crossing her features. Instead of turning around and going back to the festivities, she steps closer and comes to my side.

"Who the hell are you?" Rose demands, crossing her arms under her chest her fixing her glare on Randall. I place my hand on the small of her back and pull her closer to me. I look over at Randall who is running his eyes over my bride, giving her looks that make my skin crawl.

"I think the better question, beauty, is who are you?"

"She is none of your concern."

We all turn to find Abe behind us with Pavel, striding up to us. I watch Randall take a step back as Abe comes between the four of us, pinning Randall with his gaze. "But, if who this lovely young lady is such a concern for you, she is my daughter. She is also Dimitri's wife, and can easily kick your ass nine ways to Sunday. I warned you what would happen if you approached any of the Belikov's."

I tuck Rose to my side as I watch the staring match happen in front of us, Randall's eyes flicking from Abe to Rose and I and then back to Abe. Randall purses his lips together before casting his eyes to the ground.

"I can see that the family reunion is over," Randall says before looking back up to me, then down to my arms around Rose. "For what it's worth, I hope you two have a happy marriage."

"Yes, well you showed Dimitri exactly how not to treat the women in his life," Rose says coldly. I flick my eyes down to her and squeeze her waist gently before locking eyes with Randall.

"Do not come back," I say as he turns to leave. I stay behind as Abe and Pavel escort him off the property, not doubt making sure he is far from here before returning to the party. I turn and pull Rose to my chest, using her to ground myself and bring myself back to a level where I don't feel like I'm about to explode. Rose simply wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head on my chest.

Rose's hands move from my lower back to my shoulders, running her palms in circles over my back before pressing her lips to my chest. "Come on Comrade, lets go back and enjoy the rest of our night. Besides, there is only a little bit of time before we leave," Rose says, giving me a smirk.

I smile lightly knowing where she is going with mentioning our departure. I dip my head down and catch her lips in mine, dipping her back before pulling her upright again. Rose squeals against my lips as I lift her back up, her hands coming up to cup my cheeks. "Ready to go back, Mrs. Belikova?"

"Yes," Rose says before Adrian's laughter interrupts our bubble. "Before you two head back, I want to give you your wedding gift."

I turn to Adrian and furrow my brows at him. Wedding gift? Voicing my question to him, he smirks and gestures for us to come inside. We walk into the living room and sit down, but Adrian stays standing. "Look, this gift has to stay between the three of us until you get back from your honeymoon, understand?"

I look at Rose who has a confused expression on her face before we look back to my cousin. I lace my hand in Rose's as Adrian paces for a minute. "Dimitri, do you remember what you told me at your bachelor party?"

I nod my head at him and wait for him to go one. "What I'm about to tell you is Crown secret, and the only reason I am the one telling you is that I feel that it would be best that you had time to process this before seeing Aunt Tati. For the last ten years or so, a group of Moroi, Dhampir and Alchemist have been trying to find ways to protect our races. And in the last three years, they have successfully figured it out. They developed a drug trial that manipulates the Dhampir genetics that can allow conception between two Dhampirs."

I stare at Adrian with my mouth gaping open, not quite registering what he is saying or the feeling of Rose squeezing my hand.

"What-what are you saying?" Rose whispers.

Adrian gives us a smirk and sits down on the coffee table in front of us. "What I'm saying, Little Dhampir, is that if you decide to join the trial, you two could be having your own 'Little Dhampir' in a year's time. Now there are a lot of rules and conditions to being apart of the trial, but when I brought up your wishes to Tati in casual conversation, she thought that the two of you would be perfect candidates."

The room is silent and heavy as we process the words that were said to us. A part of me feels like I can't handle any more joy today, but another part of me is fearful that it won't work. Rose on the other hand has an unusual reaction. She starts laughing before bursting into tears.

Her tears startle Adrian and he fumbles to pull his pocket square out of his jacket, but Rose has already turned into my chest, clutching my shirt as she sobs. I wrap my arms around her and rock her gently, shooting Adrian a look to tell him that she's ok.

"We could have a baby?" Rose sobs onto my shirt, lifting her eye and fixing her eyes with mine. I give her a small smile and rest my head against hers, brushing her tears away. I kiss her nose and nod my head at her before she rests her head in the crook of my neck.

I look over to Adrian who is sitting there awkwardly, trying to figure out if this was a bad idea or not. "Thank you," I say sincerely, which puts a smile on his face. I give Rose a squeeze as she calms down and sits up in her place, wiping her fingers under her eyes to fix her make up.

Rose then leans over and wraps her arms around Adrian and gives him a tight hugging, whispering her thanks as well before clearing her throat and standing up. "Alright, we have been gone long enough that people are going to notice."