June 1, 1947

"Jackie is so going to kill you."

Luz took a deep breath, sucking in the cigarette smoke with a satisfied sigh. "Yeah, but what a way to die."

Eddie shook his head. "You've been off smoking for over a year, Georgie. And you choose the day of your wedding to pick it back up again."

Luz took another breath. "It's just one. For the nerves."

Perconte grinned, shaking his head. "What do you have to be nervous about? You're marrying a girl way out of your league and she's already given you the cutest kid I've ever seen."

Guarnere cackled. "If the kid is his. He is named after me after all."

Luz threw Guarnere a rude gesture, his eyes still closed in contentment. "Don't know how many times I gotta remind you, Gonorrhea. William isn't named after you. And I'm going to make sure to tell Mack that you're spreading rumors again."

Guarnere smirked. "Bring it. Could use me some action."

Luz took one last deep inhale before stubbing out the cigarette. "OK, I'm ready." He stood, straightening the tie in his dress uniform. Organ music began to play outside the room. "Let's do this."

The church doors opened and Jaclyn appeared in a long white dress of satin and lace. In the distance, she could see the back of Luz's head as he faced the alter, but Eddie took a peek here and there, whispering into his brother's ear.

She smiled wide as she saw her families surrounding her. Almost everyone of Easy company had arrived. Certain faces standing out more than others.

Guarnere and Toye, standing supported by crutches and each other.

Liebgott, Perconte, and Randleman, grinning widely, each looking handsome in their uniforms.

Nixon and Winters, both accompanied by dates, one of whom she recognized as Margaret Henry from the 82nd Airborne.

Even Spiers, with his token smirk.

Of course Roe, his handsome face grinning and somehow soothing her nerves even from afar.

And her new family, all the Luzs. The girls looking so pretty in their dresses, the men dapper in their suits. Rosemarie held William, his chubby arms trying to reach out to her.

Jaclyn's eyes shone with tears as she made her way up the aisle. At the end, she found Luz. And as he turned to her, she silently whispered to him, I told you I'd come back to you.

Luz heard the doors open down the church and everyone's murmurs. It took everything in him not to turn around and look.

"Give me something, brother," he whispered to Eddie.

Eddie grinned before peering over his shoulder to Jaclyn. "She's smokin'."

"Obviously," Luz replied, rolling his eyes. "Quit checking her out and tell me something more."

"I don't know, man. She's wearing white."

"You're useless."

Finally, he could hear rustling behind him. With a nod from the pastor, Luz turned to see her.

He was pretty sure his stomach hit the floor. She was breathtaking. No other words would form in his mind as he took her in. Just breathtaking. And mine.

Jaclyn smiled softly to him and he grinned goofily back. Taking her hand, he trembled. As they stepped together onto the alter, he noticed her breathe deeply and then her eyes narrow. Uh oh.

The pastor began speaking. No idea what you're saying, buddy. When do I get to kiss her?

Jaclyn smirked slightly, catching his eye. She raised an eyebrow and whispered as the pastor turned to retrieve something most likely holy and important. "You are in so much trouble."

Luz grinned. "Looking forward to it, doll." He squeezed her fingers gently, and she grinned back.

With the pastor's back still turned, he stole a quick kiss, unable to restrain himself. She couldn't help the giggle that bubbled to the surface, causing the pastor to turn back towards them. They faced forward, eyes wide.

Oh shit.

Luz pushed open the front door of their home with a foot before sweeping her up into his arms, making her shriek in surprise. "Jeez, who knew honest women would weigh so much?" She swatted his head before leaning up to kiss him.

Distracted, Luz bumped and tripped into the staircase, almost dropping her. She laughed loudly, hanging on for dear life. "Such a romantic," she teased.

With another kiss, he placed her gently on her feet. She turned towards the living room, which was lit only with candlelight and a roaring fire. In front of the hearth was a plush blanket and a chilled bottle of wine.

"You were saying," he murmured in her ear.

Jaclyn grinned, walking towards the scene. "You did all this?"

Luz shrugged, but grinned, proud of himself. "My brothers helped set everything up, but it was actually your idea, Mack."

She turned, surprised. "My idea?"

He nodded before wrapping his arms around her. "I remember you saying once that if I was going to get you naked, at the very least there had to be a strong fire by a dry floor." He chucked his chin towards the makeshift bedroom. "Strong fire – meet dry floor."

Jaclyn giggled before circling her arms around his neck. Her sparkling eyes met his. "You are too much, Luz." I love you.

Luz grinned, pulling her closer. "Too much of a good thing, you mean." God, I love you, too.

fin.

I want to thank everyone again that encouraged me to continue to write this story. I honestly had a very difficult time shaping Jaclyn into a strong, badass woman who was also personable and likable. She turned out to be even better.

I'm toying with the idea of adding one last chapter on details of how they met. Not sure if that would take away from this ending though. Thoughts?