Page 76 of Forbidden Daddy

Roman stood at the altar dressed in midnight black, his Celtic tattoos barely concealed beneath his tailored jacket. The harsh lines of command had softened in recent months, replaced by something that looked almost like peace. But when his blue eyes found mine across the sea of witnesses—Irish mob allies mixed with legitimate business partners—that familiar fire blazed to life.

Every step down the aisle felt like walking toward destiny. The guests rose in a rustle of expensive fabric, but I only had eyes for the man waiting for me. The man who’d chosen love over vengeance, who’d rebuilt his empire with honor instead of fear.

When I reached him, Roman’s hands came up to frame my face, thumbs brushing across my cheekbones with devastating gentleness. Then he leaned down to press a soft kiss to Cassian’s forehead before claiming my lips.

"My queen," he whispered against my mouth. "My legacy."

The ceremony blended traditions—Catholic prayers from my childhood mixed with Celtic handfasting that honored his heritage. Father McKenna spoke of love and commitment while the ancient Claddagh rings waited on a bed of Irish lace, ready to bind us not just as husband and wife, but as partners in every sense.

When it came time for vows, I spoke first, my voice carrying across the chapel with absolute certainty.

"Roman Creed, I choose you. Not just as a partner, but as my equal, my fire, and the father of our future. I vow to stand beside you through empire and exile, through triumph and trial. You’veshown me that love isn’t weakness—it’s the strongest foundation we can build upon."

His eyes never left mine as he responded, his voice rough with emotion.

"Cassie James, I stand beside the only queen I’ve ever needed. You’ve turned my world from black and white to full color, from survival to truly living. I pledge my loyalty not just as your husband, but as your partner in ruling the empire we’ll build together. You are my heart, my conscience, my home."

The handfasting cord wrapped around our joined hands felt like silk and steel—beautiful but unbreakable. Like us.

Later, at the reception, I watched our guests mingle beneath crystal chandeliers in the rebuilt grand ballroom. These were dangerous people—men who’d killed for honor, women who’d buried secrets deeper than graves. But tonight they toasted our union with genuine warmth, whispers rising not of doubt but respect for the queen who’d earned her place through fire and blood.

Elder Flanagan raised his glass during dinner. "To Roman and Cassie Creed—may your reign be long and your legacy eternal."

The cheers that followed made Cassian giggle in my arms, his laugh pure and bright against the backdrop of our carefully orchestrated world.

That night, after the last guest had departed, I stood in our son’s nursery watching him sleep in the handcrafted crib Roman had commissioned from a master carpenter in County Cork. Cassian’s tiny chest rose and fell with perfect rhythm, his face peaceful in sleep.

Roman’s arms came around me from behind, pulling me back against his chest. "He’s perfect," he murmured against my hair. "Just like his mother."

"He’s going to be trouble," I said, leaning into his warmth. "I can already see it in his eyes—that Creed stubbornness."

His laugh rumbled through his chest. "Then we’ll teach him to channel it properly. Honor before vengeance. Love before fear."

I turned in his arms, studying the face I’d come to know better than my own. "No regrets?"

"About which part? Marrying you? Having a son? Building something better than what came before?" His hands found my waist, anchoring me to him. "Never. You saved me, Cassie. From becoming a monster, from living half a life, from forgetting what it means to hope."

"We saved each other," I corrected, rising on my toes to brush my lips against his.

Together, we walked onto the balcony that overlooked our estate—rebuilt stronger than before, protected by loyalty earned rather than demanded. The grounds stretched out before us, moonlight painting everything silver, and I could see the future spreading like a map of possibilities.

Our empire was strong. Our family was whole. Our son would grow up knowing love and power in equal measure.

The future was fully, completely, undeniably ours.

"Ready to rule the world, Mrs. Creed?" Roman asked, his voice carrying that familiar edge of challenge.

I smiled against his neck, tasting salt and promises and forever. "Try and stop me."