Page 51 of Judge's Justice

"You're beautiful," His voice is rough. "So fucking beautiful."

Phoenix clears his throat. "If you two are ready, I'd like to start this before Judge has a complete breakdown."

The gathered crowd laughs. Warren flips Phoenix off without looking away from me.

Phoenix begins. His words are simple, heartfelt, talking about family, protection and choosing each other every single day. About building something good from broken pieces. About second chances and new beginnings.

I barely hear any of it. I'm too focused on Warren. On the way he's looking at me like I hung the moon. On the way his thumb strokes across my knuckles. On the way Grace is beaming at us from where she's standing next to Mariah.

"Do you, Warren Cole, take Nora James to be your wife?" Phoenix asks. "To protect, to cherish, to stand beside through whatever comes?"

"I do." Warren's voice is steady. Certain. "I absolutely do."

"And do you, Nora James, take Warren Cole to be your husband? To trust, to support, to build a life with no matter what?"

I look at Warren. At this man who took a beating for me. Who kept every promise he ever made. Who makes me feel seen, wanted and loved every single day.

"I do," I say. "I do."

"Then by the power vested in me by, honestly, I don't know, the internet probably, I pronounce you husband and wife." Phoenix grins. "Judge, kiss your wife before you pass out."

Warren doesn't need to be told twice.

He cups my face with both hands, gentle despite their strength, and kisses me. I hear Grace cheering behind us. Hear the brothers whistling and clapping. Hear Ivy laughing and saying something to Canvas about finally.

When we break apart, Warren is smiling so wide I can count every tooth.

"Hi, wife."

"Hi, husband."

Grace rushes forward, wrapping her arms around both of us. "You're married! You're really married! Does this mean Warren is officially my dad now?"

Warren crouches down so he's at her level. "If you want me to be. If you want to be Grace Cole instead of Grace James."

Grace's eyes go huge. "Really? I can have your last name?"

"Really. We'll make it official. Legal. Permanent." Warren signs. "I want to adopt you, Grace. If that's okay with you. I want to be your dad in every way that matters."

Grace launches herself at him, nearly knocking him over. "Yes! Yes, I want that! I want you to be my dad!"

Warren holds her tight, his face pressed into her hair, his shoulders shaking. When he looks up at me, there are tears streaming down his face. "Thank you. For this. For her. For everything."

I kneel down and wrap my arms around both of them. "Thank you for finding us. For saving us. For being exactly what we needed."

"I love you," Warren signs against my back where Grace can't see. "Both of you. So fucking much."

"We love you too."

The party that follows is perfect. Canvas's chili with extra whiskey, of course. A cake that Ivy and I made together yesterday. Music and laughter and Grace and Mariah running around with the other brothers' girlfriends chasing after them. Saint arguing with Canvas about something medical. Phoenix and Ivy dancing in the corner, their happiness still so new and bright.

Warren doesn't leave my side all night. Keeps his hand on my waist, my back, and my shoulder. Like he needs to touch me to believe this is real.

When Grace finally crashes from her sugar high, Warren carries her to one of the spare rooms. He tucks her in, kisses her forehead, and signs "I love you" even though she's already asleep.

Then he takes my hand and leads me outside. The compound is quiet. The party still going inside, but muted. The night air is cool, stars bright overhead.

Warren pulls me close, wrapping his arms around me. I rest my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.