The entire day felt surreal to him, as if he were trapped inside a dream or a nonsensical film. Maybe Gabriel was playing one of his absurd jokes again?

He stood there, dressed in a suit—not the cheap, ill-fitting one bought at the first roadside shop, the one he usually wore when pretending to be an agent. No, this suit was tailor-made, perfectly fitted to his frame. That day, he felt like a million dollars.

His brother, equally impeccably dressed, kept looking at him with eyes full of... something hard to define. Was it pride? Joy? Relief? Or simply brotherly love? Whatever it was, Dean felt deeply grateful.

And then there was her. He had always been in love with her, always considered her the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on—an embodiment of all the wonders the world could offer. But that day... she had never shone brighter.

She wore a white dress that trailed behind her like a promise. Her hair was styled with delicate artistry, and her jewelry sparkled in the sunlight. Yet, the only thing he could truly fix his gaze on were her eyes. In them, he saw her soul—warm, loving, steadfastly by his side until the very end. And all of his soul reflected back.

He remained in shock for a long time after they collapsed together onto the hotel bed. Neither spoke a word. They simply lay on their backs, staring at the ceiling and the crystal chandelier that hung as a centerpiece in their newlywed suite.

Because that was exactly what they were now. Husband and wife.

She was still dressed in that uncomfortable, tight gown, her makeup slightly smeared from the long night. All the hairpins had been lost on the nightstand, right beside the chocolate-dipped strawberries and the champagne they had been sipping alternately straight from the bottle.

He had left his jacket somewhere, probably still in the car, having lost his tie along the way as well. A few hours ago, after downing yet another round with her father, he’d had to undo several buttons on his shirt to breathe easier.

"Winchester..." he muttered under his breath, still staring at the ceiling, a low, quiet laugh escaping his lips.

He never expected life to reward him after years of sacrifice and endless battles. Never thought he would find himself lying in a marital bed with the woman of his life—finally able to call her his wife.

"You know," he said softly, "that name’s never brought much good luck, right? I feel like I just cursed you."