Chloe, Linda, Lucifer, and Amenadiel walked back into the wedding party calmly, knowing that all tough decisions had just been made. They were clear on their futures now: Lucifer and Chloe to focus on their Earthly family, and Amenadiel to focus on his Heavenly family—which was everybody.

Linda was feeling good about the decision. She had already accepted that Amenadiel's career as a police officer was going to mean that she would become the primary care-giver for little Charlie; having him change careers from police officer to God didn't really affect the situation—or so she told herself. She was going to miss having him around, and their nights together, but she hoped he would have time to be a parent to Charlie—if only a part-time one.

They all headed for the bar, where Arnold fixed their drinks. Chloe took a deep drink of her Macallan and thought about the decision Lucifer had made, choosing Trixie and her over the celestial Throne. She supposed she should be flattered—at the very least—but his decision just felt right. The decision felt right for him and for them. Plus, his decision freed her up to continue to act as a LAPD consultant and pursue her passion for justice, while continuing to run Lux. In addition, she no longer had to worry about being there for Trixie. No more thoughts of commuting between Heaven and Earth! And when she was busy at Lux or working a case, then Lucifer would be there. He would always be there for Trixie, and for her. This is the right path for us, she thought.

She looked around the club at her former co-workers drinking away next to Lucifer's celestial siblings, oblivious to the differences between human and angel. There were about twenty people left in the club, including Ella and Jerry, and Penelope, and Maze and Eve. She didn't see Eddie or Trixie at the moment; perhaps they had gone to the bathroom? But she did see Joe Dutton, so she kissed Lucifer on the cheek and took her drink over to his table.

"Thanks for coming, Joe," she said. "I appreciate the support."

"Thanks for inviting me, Decker," he said. "Or should I say 'Morningstar'?"

She smiled. "No, Decker it is and will remain."

"Anyway, thanks for inviting me … and thanks for your assistance on the case." He took a sip of his beer.

It's still probably his first and only beer of the night, Chloe thought. He's kind of a straight arrow. A lot like I used to be, before I met Lucifer. "Happy to do both," she said. "Any update on the case?"

"Yeah, looks like Pearson's going to plead out to voluntary manslaughter. The DA didn't believe we could prove pre-meditation. We couldn't pin the roofies on her, or the fingerprint transfer."

"Disappointing, but she'll still be doing time."

"Right," he said. "DA will recommend 25 years, and the defense attorney will point to the affair as a mitigating circumstance, as well as the lack of priors, and ask for ten. I imagine the judge will settle somewhere between 15 and 20. She'll probably end up serving eight to ten." He shrugged. "It's the closest thing to justice we'll see."

Chloe nodded. What happened after the arrest was one of the biggest stressors for police officers, who often became cynical at the legal machinations of the system. "And the husband? What happened there?"

He laughed. "Chuckie got fired from Warner Brothers, is what happened. When the boys changed their story and supported the AP's version of events, the studio settled with her. It wasn't a small settlement, either. Then they fired Chuckie—and they also fired the groom and the best man for lying to the company lawyers in a sexual harassment investigation. Who knows where they'll end up?" He paused. "Although Chuck will probably do okay—at least for a while. He's not going to have to share any of his savings or equity with the woman who tried to frame him. But he'll need that money, because I don't think he's going to be working in showbusiness again." He smiled. "And the bride called off the wedding. Seems she wasn't okay with the secretive bachelor party. She figured if he'd lie about the party before they were married, who knows what he'd lie about after they were married?"

"So … consequences all around."

"Yep. This was a good one, Decker. It was a tough one but, at the end, justice was served." He took a deep drink and set his almost-empty glass on the table. "I like your style, you know? You've got looks and brains, and a real passion for the work we do." He got up from the table. "I'll be seeing you around, right?"

Chloe nodded. "Yes, you'll be seeing me around. I'm still on the payroll. And if you ever need a consultation—"

"I know where to reach you," he said. "Take care, Decker. And congratulations on your wedding. You both look very happy together." He brushed her check with his lips and walked out of the bar.

#

Chloe walked over to her mother's table. She was chatting amiably with the black Bishop. Bishop Hoffman. She owed him one for arranging the church at the last minute. She sat down and sipped her drink.

"Hello, Ms. Decker," Bishop Hoffman said. "What a pleasure to have witnessed your nuptials this afternoon! And I hope you don't mind that Penelope invited me to join your reception."

"Not at all, Your Excellency," she replied. "We're honored to have you here."

"My pleasure," he murmured.

"Johannes was just telling me about his work in South America, Chloe!" Penelope said. "It sounds so exciting—and dangerous, as well. Did you know that several governments actively tried to attack the Church? They were threatened by its power over the people!"

"Your mother is, perhaps, embellishing a bit on the dangers of the work," Hoffman said. "There were some dangers, yes. But the rewards were great, as well."

Chloe nodded. "I'm happy to see that you two are hitting it off. Between Lucifer's family and my police force colleagues, it's kind of a tough party. Not many openings for the normal chit-chat."

Hoffman nodded. "I've already had a brief discussion with Mazikeen and Eve." He smiled. "We agreed to table further theological discussions for another time."

Chloe laughed. "I'm sure you did. Maze isn't much on subtlety. But you and Eve might have some interesting chats. She's had years to work on her theological positions."

"Seminary?"

Chloe shook her head no. "Self-study. Extensive self-study. Along with discussions with some of the best and most educated experts she could find."

"Interesting." Hoffman paused. "Now: about Lucifer's family—"

Penelope interrupted him. "I was telling Johannes about our new home in Beverly Hills, Chloe. How lovely it is! And how we'll be a family again, once we move in."

"Yes, Mom. We'll be a family again. You and Trixie, Lucifer and me. The four of us. And I'll keep running this place while working part-time at the LAPD."

Hoffman asked, "And what will your husband do?"

"Whatever he wants, Your Excellency," she replied. "We've recently had a discussion and a change of plans in that regard. He was looking at a significant promotion, but he decided to turn it down, so that he could focus on our new family." She paused. "I expect our family will be his new priority now." She smiled at a sudden thought. "I wonder if he's thought this through? He's going to be a house husband now!" She couldn't wait to call him that.

"Interesting," Hoffman said. "Now, back to his family." He gestured at the ten or so costumed family members left in the bar. Chloe saw Raphael face down at a table, and Gabriel trying to dance to the DJ's music. Jophiel was trying to convince one of her LAPD colleagues to take him home with her, or to go to the back room, or basically to go anyplace else where they might get together. She saw that Jophiel's pitch wasn't working. He really needs to up his game. And all the siblings were dressed in their celestial garb. No wonder the Bishop wanted to talk about them!

"Are these people really kin of Lucifer, or are they actors playing roles?" he asked.

"They are really his kin, Excellency. He siblings. Brothers and sisters."

"Please, call me Johannes. And I'll call you Chloe, if I may?" She nodded. "I must confess that I don't understand. Why are they dressed in costumes, Chloe?"

"Johannes, I don't want to lie to you. But I don't want to answer your question either."

"Chloe!" Penelope said sharply. "Be more respectful to a man of the cloth!"

Hoffman put his hand on Penelope's arm. "It's okay, Penelope. I'm sure Chloe has a good reason for her silence."

"I do," she said. "But let's see what the others say." She saw Zadkiel, and motioned for him to join them. He ambled over and sat down. The table was now a bit crowded, but it worked.

"Zadkiel was Lucifer's best man," she told Hoffman. "He was the only one of Lucifer's siblings who stood with him during a recent argument, so we felt it was only natural and right to have him stand beside Lucifer at the wedding."

"'Zadkiel' is quite a name, young man," Hoffman said. "Do you know the story of Zadkiel?"

"Do I know my own story? Of course I do! Not that the books get it right. They say I'm the Angel of Mercy, but I'm really the Angel of Righteousness!" He looked at Chloe. "An angel with a broken staff. We're really going to have to get the staff fixed one day."

Hoffman looked at Chloe. "Are you still trying to convince me they're not actors?"

"Bishop—Johannes—I'm not trying to convince you of anything. I'm simply answering your questions. And not answering others. Your conclusions are your conclusions."

"Well, I don't understand," Penelope said. "Why do all of Lucifer's brothers and sisters claim to be angels?"

Chloe answered calmly. "Why don't you ask them?"

"All right," Penelope said, while Hoffman watched closely. "You: Zadkiel. Angel of Righteousness. Why do you claim to be an angel? What's your deal?"

Zadkiel just looked at her, confused. "Uh, maybe because I am an angel?" He looked at Chloe. "Sorry, but I'm getting bored here. This sin den isn't really my thing, you know?" He looked at Hoffman. "But you're okay, I guess. I like your vibes, Bishop Hoffman. I see a bright future for you." He looked at Chloe. "So … I'll see you soon? In the Silver City?"

Chloe shook her head. "No. You didn't hear yet? Lucifer abdicated and Amenadiel will be sitting on the Throne."

Hoffman was confused, again. Silver City? Throne? Angels? What have I gotten himself into?

Zadkiel thought about Chloe's words for a couple of seconds, then he said, "Cool. That's very cool. Should smooth a lot of ruffled feathers, if you know what I mean." He smiled. "So when does our big brother hold the ceremony?"

"Not sure. But very soon, I should think."

"Good news, indeed." He looked at the other three. "Thanks for the party. Gotta take off, now." He looked at Chloe, "Welcome to the family, Chloe. I think you'll do fine." Then he looked at Hoffman. "And you, Bishop. I think you'll do fine as well." Then he lifted Penelope's hand and kissed it. "Good evening, Chloe's mother, blessed by God. It was a pleasure to meet you."

Then he walked to the front door and disappeared into the LA night.

#

Hoffman was even more confused than he'd been before. These … people. Actors. Angels. Whatever they were, they weren't like anything he'd ever encountered. He felt as if he were drowning in confusion. He remembered Esteban's words, just before he'd left St. Monica: Not all of the guests may be emotionally stable. Perhaps that was the cause of their beliefs. They were simply deluded. But why would so many share the same delusion?

Chloe watched him calmly. Then she made a decision.

"Hey, Mom," she said. "Would you please excuse Bishop Hoffman and me for a few minutes? I want him to talk with Amenadiel."

Penelope nodded. "I think I'll have one more drink, then try to convince Trixie and Eddie it's time to go." She paused. "Where are they, anyway?"

Chloe looked and saw them both at the head of the stairs, holding empty champagne flutes. And holding hands, as well. She smiled. Looks like the whole 'we're just friends' phase is over, she thought. She pointed towards them and her mother glanced up.

"Great," Penelope said. She motioned to the two teens, who slowly came down the steps in response. "I'll spend some time with them, while you two visit with Amenadiel and Linda."

Chloe took Hoffman by the arm and led up to the table where Amenadiel and Linda were sitting. They sat down, and at that moment the DJ's music went silent and Lucifer started to play the club's piano.

"He plays piano?" Hoffman asked, surprised.

Chloe nodded. "And he sings, as well. Beautifully."

"I'm impressed!"

"Anyway, Bishop Hoffman, this is Amenadiel—our officiant. And his … friend, Dr. Linda Martin."

"Pleased to meet you both," Hoffman said. "You did a wonderful job today, Mr. Amenadiel."

"Thank you," came the response. "And it's just Amenadiel."

"Ahh, another individual with no surname! And yet, you're wearing a suit and tie, and not in costume as are the others."

Amenadiel nodded. "I've had more exposure to … expected standards of behavior … than have my other siblings."

"Siblings? Then you are related to Lucifer also?"

"Indeed. I am his elder brother."

"So you are an angel as well?"

Hoffman saw Amenadiel looked at Chloe. She said, "Bishop Hoffman has been speaking with Zadkiel," she said. "Zadkiel told him that he was an angel. The Angel of Righteousness."

"And what do you believe, Your Excellency?"

"I believe in the Bible, so I believe in angels," Hoffman said. "Though I'll confess that I have a great deal of difficulty believing that I'm in the midst of so many angels at the moment, several of whom are intoxicated."

"Ahh, yes." Amenadiel looked at Hoffman closely, as if he were judging him. Then he said, "You'll come to understand, I see. And when you do, you'll be even more devoted to our Father."

"Amenadiel, do you really think so?" the woman—Dr. Martin—asked him. "Is this your … new position … starting to work?"

Amenadiel nodded. "Turns out, it doesn't require a unanimous declaration or a ceremony. It just needs to be right. And so, yes, I'm starting to see what has been hidden."

Hoffman continued to be confused. "I really don't understand, Amenadiel."

The black man smiled. "You will understand, very soon. In fact, I'd like to make an appointment to visit you for some counseling. Shall we say, this Tuesday afternoon?"

"You'd like counseling from me? Normally, one of my Priests handles individual counseling."

"No," Amenadiel said. "I'll be counseling you."

#

Chloe guided the somewhat dazed Bishop back to Penelope's table, where she saw that her daughter and Eddie had found another glass of champagne to sip.

"It's only our second glass, Mom," Trixie offered before she could say anything. Two glasses over the span of an evening wasn't too bad. They're good kids, she thought.

Then she looked closer. Trixie's lipstick was gone, and there was no trace of it on her champagne flute. Then she looked at Eddie, who was focused on Trixie to the exclusion of anybody else. Had they? She decided that yes, they probably had. My little girl had her first kiss!

She was going to have to talk with Trixie about going slowly, because thirteen was just too young for a physical relationship—even if Eddie was a good person. Kissing was one thing, but she and Trixie needed to set some ground rules if the relationship was going to progress the way it looked like it was going to go. But tonight was not the night to have that conversation. She especially didn't want to have it in front of her mother.

"So Eddie," she said. "Did you enjoy your evening?"

He nodded. "Yes, Ms. Decker. I really did." He smiled. "It was amazing, actually."

She smiled back. "I'm so glad to hear that." Oh, yes, I believe they did! "Well, finish your champagne, and then I think Trixie's Nana is ready to take you home."

"Thank you again, Ms. Decker. And congratulations on your wedding. I'm glad you and Trixie invited me."

"You're very welcome, Eddie," she said. "And I look forward to seeing more of you, when both our families live in Beverly Hills. Do you have a move date?"

"I'm not a hundred percent, but I think it's going to be soon. Maybe in a couple of weeks! Dad said there was some kind of incentive if the escrow closed within thirty days."

"What a coincidence! We'll be moving in a couple of weeks, as well!"

Eddie smiled. "I'm happy to hear that." He looked at Trixie. "I'm really happy to hear that."

Chloe watched her daughter smile and blush at the same time. Oh, yes, they most certainly did! She was going to have to have that talk with Trixie sooner, rather than later.

#

With Lucifer at the piano, the DJ had nothing to do, so he packed up and left. The DJ's departure was a signal to most of the LAPD folks still there. They drained their drinks and came by to give their best wishes to the bride. They all seem to be really happy for me, Chloe thought.

Soon the only remaining guests were Ella and Jerry, Linda, and a few die-hard celestials. And Maze and Eve, of course. Though Chloe thought that Eve was looking a bit worse for wear. Keeping up with Maze must be hard work.

Chloe walked over to Ella and Jerry. "Thank you both for coming tonight," she said. "I hope you enjoyed yourselves."

Ella smiled, a smile that lit up the room. "Of course, Chloe!" she said. "What a wonderful ceremony." She looked around and noticed how empty Lux had gotten. Then she looked at Jerry. "Time to go, amigo," she said. "The party's over and it's time for us to go."

Jerry smiled back at her, and then turned to Chloe. "Thanks, boss," he said. "Congratulations and best wishes."

"Of course, Jerry!" she said. "Glad you and Ella could make it." She paused. "Now, how are you two getting home? Do you need a ride?"

Jerry shook his head. "Nope. I've been pacing myself. Only a couple of TNT's. No problem driving home."

"Smart man. That's good to hear." Chloe looked at Ella. "And you?"

Ella blushed. "I think … I think I already have my ride tonight," she said.

Chloe smiled. "Then I'm happy for you both." She paused. "And Jerry? When your next shift starts, come in a little early, if you will. I'd like to have a quick chat with you."

His eyebrows went up. "Uh, boss. Yeah, sure. I mean, I think I already know what you're going to say. And I promise to treat Ella right. I swear!"

Chloe laughed. "No, it's not about that! I want to talk with you about something else." Then she put on a serious cop face. "But Ella does have powerful friends in surprisingly high places. You hurt her at your own peril. You hear me?"

"Yes, boss."

"And so long as you two are a couple, my name is Chloe, not 'boss' or 'Ms. Decker'. Okay?"

Jerry nodded and set his drink down. "Time for us to go, Ella."

Ella hugged Chloe one more time, the kind of hug she reserved for momentous occasions. Then she kissed Chloe on the cheek. Jerry didn't really know what to do—hugging his boss seemed kind of awkward—but Chloe solved his dilemma by reaching out and hugging him good night.

Then they departed, to finish their evening somewhere else.

#

Chloe looked at Lucifer and caught his eye. It was time for the announcement. He stopped his song and tapped the microphone. "Uh, hello celestial siblings, brothers and sisters. Mazikeen and Eve. And Dr. Martin! I have an announcement to make." He paused. "Can somebody wake Gabriel up? She's going to want to hear this.

"Okay, great. Thanks. And thanks to each of you who came here tonight to play human and watch Chloe and I go through our human marriage ceremony. It means so much to us to have shared our important day with you!

"Today was all about love and commitment. And that got me thinking about things, and Amenadiel and I have been talking about things, and now I have an announcement to share with you all: I am renouncing my claim to the Throne. Abdicating, as it were. I know that you would have all supported me, but I've found something more important here on Earth. With Chloe and her family. This is what I want to do, and I don't think I'd be the kind of God I would want to be—or that you would expect me to be—while my real focus was on one small family. So I'm giving up the Silver City Throne!

"Amenadiel has agreed to take my place. I know he's really the better choice, and I know you'll all breathe easier with my big brother on the Throne, instead of me. So consider this a done deal."

Somebody called out from the back of Lux, "Congratulations Amenadiel!" And the other angels who were still awake clapped their hands.

It was done.

#

Later that night, as Chloe and Lucifer prepared for bed, she knelt down beside him on their bed. Her blue-green eyes met his dark ones, and they gently kissed. Then she pulled away.

"You gave up the Throne for us," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "Me, a nobody human with a daughter from another man. You gave it all up for us. I can hardly believe it, even though I watched you do it."

He nodded, his face serious. "Yes. Yes, I did. And I'd do it again, Chloe. Do you know why?"

"Not really. Tell me."

"Because I've never loved before. I've never focused on the happiness of another person before. Until I met you, I was always focused on my own desires—and they were mostly selfish, trivial, desires of the lowest sort." He put his hands on her shoulders. "Then I met you, and everything changed. Not all at once; you know better than anybody how long I took to change, and how many detours I took along the way. Maybe I'm not yet done changing, growing. We'll have to see about that.

"But you were always there—always on my mind. No matter what poor decisions I made, I was always aware of how they would affect you. Sometimes I caused you pain, and for that I'm truly sorry. All I can say is that, at the time, I thought I was making the right choice—not only for me, but for you, as well."

He shook his head sadly. "I've never been great at expressing my feelings, as Linda knows all too well! I know now that if I'd opened up to you—been vulnerable—then the journey we've been on would have moved quicker. But I didn't know how to do that."

She put her finger over his lips. "Hush, husband," she said quietly. "However long it took us, here we are: husband and wife. Let the past be the past, and let's focus on our future. Together."

"I cannot wait, my wife. I love you so much!"

"And I love you, Lucifer Morningstar."

He cocked his head, as a new thought came to him. "Chloe, do you think … do you think you could learn to call me Samael?"

"I'll try. Now stop talking." She smiled. "We're supposed to be on our honeymoon."