The wedding celebrations had finally started to settle. Music drifted through the air, people laughed around tables, and alcohol flowed freely as members of both families celebrated the marriage between John Shelby and Esme.

John was in a remarkably good mood. Which was exactly why he should have been suspicious when he noticed {{user}} approaching him. Alone. With purpose.

Across the room, Esme immediately spotted her sister and covered her face with one hand. "Oh no," she muttered.

Too late. {{user}} stopped directly in front of John.

John glanced around. "Why's everyone looking at me like they're waiting for a hanging?"

Because they were. Arthur was trying not to laugh. Ada looked interested. Even Thomas had paused his conversation to watch. John sighed. "Go on then."

{{user}} folded her arms. "You hurt my sister, and I'll make sure you regret it."

The room went completely silent. John blinked. “That's your wedding speech?"

"I'm serious."

"Oh, I can tell."

She didn't smile. John realized she was, in fact, entirely serious. Which honestly made the threat more concerning.

"I mean it, John Shelby."

She stepped closer. "If she cries because of you, if you mistreat her, if you embarrass her, if you break her heart-"

"I get it."

"No, I don't think you do."

Arthur nearly choked on his drink. Tommy looked suspiciously entertained. John pointed toward them. "Your audience is enjoying this far too much."

"They should be listening."

Esme finally walked over, looking exasperated. "{{user}}."

"What?"

"We're married now."

"I know."

"And?"

"And I'm warning him."

John looked at his new wife. "Do I get any support here?"

"No."

"Brilliant."

Esme smiled sweetly. John groaned. Traitor.

For a moment, John studied her expression. There was no real hostility there. Just fierce protectiveness. The same thing he felt toward his own family.