Chapter Text
“Gray,” says Carmen at the alter, “it’s time we tie up loose ends. I’m saying I do.”
“I do as well,” he responds in his oh so lovable Australian accent before kissing his new bride. They walk down the aisle to their wedding reception where they are greeted by cheers from their friends but Carmen looks passed that and soon finds her mom in the crowd, who embraces her daughter, both begin to cry tears of joy. Graham just looks on with a smile.
“I’m so proud of you, linda, my beautiful little girl. Mi Carmen Isabella,” says Carmen’s mom as she hugs her daughter close. “And since it’s just you and me, I’d love to dance with my baby girl.” Carmen smiles and takes her mom up on the offer. After this dance, Carmen goes and dances with her husband.
“I’ve never been so happy in my entire life than I am with you,” sighs Carmen. “I feel complete. Whole. I have you, I have my mom. There’s nothing more I could ask for, well other than knowing why Chief killed my father in the first place all those years ago.”
“Well, we’ll deal with that later, I promise,” responds Graham. “Please try to enjoy our wedding night.”
“Fine,” sighs Carmen. The two share another dance before heading over to do the cake. It’s her mother’s tres leches, one of Carmen’s new found favorite desserts. The two delicately feed each other a bite of the cake.
“I’m so happy for Carm,” whispers Ivy to her brother Zach. “After all the hardship she’s been through, she deserves this.”
“Agreed,” adds Shadow San stoically. He then turns and looks at his own brother. “After all we’ve done, we all deserve a second chance at happiness.” His brother nods in agreement. As for Jules, she can’t help but smile. She’s happy for her dearest friend. Devenaux as per usual is late to the wedding, he even missed the ceremony. It’s for the better, at least that’s what Julia tries to tell herself.
After another hour or two, the reception draws to a close and Carmen and Graham arrive at their home about a block away from where her old home was burnt down in that blaze that night years ago and begin packing for their honeymoon. “You sure it’s smart living this close to something so awful from your past?” Inquires Graham.
“It’s the only way I still feel close to dad other than the locket,” responds Carmen as she lets out a sigh. “Surely you understand?”
“Yeah, I guess,” shrugs Graham. “My brother was in the Australian equivalent of the navy, his ship got blown up, he died when I was about five. I never knew him that well.” He giggles and rubs his neck trying to hide his pain and his tears.
“Why have you never told me this before? I’m sorry to hear about that,” responds Carmen as the two embrace in a hug for a quiet moment. “You really do get me and for that I’m grateful.” The next morning bright and early, the two hop on her red private jet she got as the technical rightful heir to VILE and head off to their honeymoon in London. Before they leave, they are both given great big hugs by her mom as she tells them to stay safe. The two assure her they will.
A few days later, the two arrive in London and their honeymoon begins. They tour the Tower of London, they see the Crowned Jewels, they watch the changing of the guard from the top of Big Ben. Needless to say it’s an amazing and unforgettable honeymoon. They spend a good nine days in London before returning home to Argentina where they are soon greeted in a great big welcome home hug from Carmen’s mom. “Welcome home, niña,” she says as she embraces Carmen way too tightly. “Y tu, niño.” After several minutes, Carmen’s mom finally lets go.
A few years later, the two welcome a healthy baby girl into their lives whom they name Vera. She has dusty brown hair with a tint of red and bright blue eyes, the perfect mix of both her parents. “Ella es muy preciosa, muy linda,” says Carmen’s mom as she holds her new granddaughter close. Carmen blushes. “Aw, gracias, Mamá.”
“De nada,” responds her mother beaming with pride at being a grandma. Everything is perfect, but Carmen can’t help but feel a part of her past is still missing and she knows exactly what. She just doesn’t want to ask her mom, not now, not now that they all have everything they’ve ever wanted and then some, but at the same time, she can’t let it eat away at her anymore either. She doesn’t know what to do other than find the time to confront Chief about it face to face at a coffee shop not far from her new home.