Chapter 40 Ending

4/12/2044

Luca stood in front of the floor-length mirror and fixed his jet black hair into a ponytail.

"Ty, can't you at least give me a hint about where we're going tonight?" he asked.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," he said. "And don't even think about asking dad," Tyree said.

"You are a tease," Luca said. "But I love you anyway," he said, kissing Tyree on the lips.

"It'll be worth the wait," Tyree said, returning the kiss.

Luca broke the kiss and headed to each of the kids' bedrooms to strip the sheets off the beds. He carried them into the laundry room and loaded the washing machine. The house was quiet because Alicia was at elementary school, Elena was at preschool, and the twins were at their grandpa's visiting. Tyree vacuumed the bedrooms and swept and mopped the rest of the house. When the house was cleaned up, they relaxed on the couch.

At six that evening, Tyree blindfolded Luca and helped him to the car.

"What's with the blindfold?" Luca asked.

"It's a secret, love," Tyree said.

"Just tell me one thing," Luca said. "Is this a birthday present?" he asked.

"It's a very special present," Tyree said. When they arrived at their destination, Tyree parked the car and turned off the engine.

Tyree assisted Luca out of the car and up to the building. "Where are we?" Luca asked when he heard the sound of keys jingling.

"You'll find out in due time," Tyree said. Tyree opened the doors and walked Luca inside. He shut the doors and helped Luca to a velvet bench.

"Okay, take off the blindfold," Tyree said. Luca took off the cloth and let his eyes adjust.

"We're at the studio," Luca said. "And you added more photos," he said, noticing their holiday photos.

"This is where we first met and fell in love with you," Tyree said. "Are you ready for present number two?" Tyree asked.

Luca took hold of Tyree's hand and walked alongside him.

"How many gifts are you planning?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Tyree only smiled and kissed Luca on the forehead. They entered Tyree's office, and Luca's eyes widened in surprise.

"What are you doing here?" Luca asked in confusion. Tyree turned to face Luca and said, "I contacted your lawyer because with your permission, I'd like be added to Elena's birth certificate as her father,"

"It can be legalized with your signature," Mrs. Donaldson said.

Luca stood there speechless for several seconds. A big grin crossed Luca's face, and he nodded his head. Luca and Tyree both signed their names on the papers.

"The paperwork will be finalized next week," she said, shaking their hands.

"You set that all up for me?" Luca asked.

"I know that she already considers me as her daddy, but I wanted it on paper," Tyree said.

"I love you for even considering that," Luca said. "She'll be so happy," he said.

"Close your eyes, because your last present is next," Tyree said. Tyree got down on one knee and pulled out a small black box from his pocket.

"Open your eyes," Tyree said. Luca opened his eyes to the small box in Tyree's hand.

"Mr. Luca Hodges, will you give me the honor of being Mr. Luca Richards?" he asked as he revealed a ring.

Luca smiled brightly and said, "Yes, yes, and yes!" as he hugged Tyree's neck. Tyree kissed Luca and slid the ring on his finger.

"This is the best birthday I have ever had," he said.

"Do you want to tell the family now or wait?" Tyree asked.

Let's tell them now," Luca said. "I'm on cloud 9 right now," he said.

"As you wish," Tyree said, bowing to him.

They left the art studio and headed to the pack house. Luca smiled as he glanced at the ring on the way there.

"Do you think it'll disappear before we get there?" Tyree teased.

"No," Luca said, shaking his head. "I'm just happy," he said. "It might take me a lifetime to come down from this high," Luca added. When they parked in front of the main house, Tyree heard, "I'm getting married," over and over in Luca's head. All Tyree could do was chuckle at him.

When they walked through the door, family and friends met them with "Happy Birthday, Luca,"

"Guys, we have an announcement," Tyree said once everyone settled down.

"Are you pregnant again?" Adrian asked.

*Cough*

"No, something better," Luca said, showing them the ring on his finger.

"Oh, you popped the question," Thomas said, patting Tyree on the back. "Congratulations, dude," he said.

"My baby is getting married," Carl said, giving them a hug.

"I guess this birthday party turned into an engagement party," Ken said with a big grin.

Luca and Tyree also announced that Tyree would be named as Elena's father on her birth certificate. The room was filled with cheers and clapping.

"Dad, can I ask a favor from you?" Luca asked.

"Sure, name it," Carl said, nodding his head.

"Walk me down the aisle," Luca said. Luca linked to Tyree and asked, "Who do you want as the best man?"

"Thomas, I'd like you to be my best man." Tyree said.

"And, Adrian, can you carry the rings?" Luca asked.

"We'd love to," Adrian and Thomas said.

6 months later

Luca sat in the chair while Adrian fixed his hair. "The white flowers look beautiful in your hair," Adrian said. The door opened and Drs. Luke and Evan Caldwell came in.

"We're so happy for you," they said, as they hugged Luca.

"Is Alina here?" Luca asked.

"Yea, she's with your father," Luke said. Thomas came in and said, "Let's take our positions." "It's time to start," he said. Luca grabbed the bouquet and stood next to his father.

Thomas walked down the aisle first. Then Alicia and Adrian walked down the aisle. As the music started, Luca came down, escorted by Carl. Luca stepped up beside Tyree while Carl sat down. Luca and Tyree turned and faced a pack elder.

We welcome family and friends to celebrate the union of Alpha Tyree Richards and Luna Luca Hodges. "Who gives away the bride?" he asked.

"I do," Carl said as he stood up.

"Tyree and Luca turn and face each other," the old man said. "Please exchange vows," he said. Tyree took the ring that Adrian handed him and said, "Luca, you have filled my life with happiness since the day we met." "I love and cherish you always," he said as he slid the ring on Luca's finger. Luca took the other ring and said, "Ty, if it wasn't for your love and understanding, I would have lost myself a long time ago." "You showed me love and proved it over and over again." "I love you for bearing with me through the bad times," he said.

"Now, you two can kiss," the pack elder said. Luca and Tyree shared a passionate kiss before facing everyone.

"I now introduce Alpha and Luna Richards,"