Just happy to watch Gabriel tackle the mounds of sugary, chocolatey dessert, Jack couldn't keep the smile from his face. Gone was any shred of regret from what had happened on that mission last year. He might have broken up an engagement and gotten a family without really wanting another, but the result had been a contentment he hadn't known in a long time.

They had a little wine and since Gabriel was now completely filled with volcanic fudge, brownie and ice cream, they skipped the dancing and just walked hand in hand along a brightly lit street with lights curled around the branches of trees.

"Gabe, I have a question to ask," Jack said as they stood alone in a garden lit by fireflies at the rear entrance of the boutique hotel that Sasan had also recommended. With a flourish of his greatcoat, Jack took a knee and offered Gabriel a ring.

They were bond mates. They had a child. Marriage didn't mean as much to Alphas and Omegas as it did to Betas but... Call Jack a romantic.