Hailey and her coworkers, in shared excitement, had a blast planning the wedding. It was to be a simple affair, beautiful and understated, a celebration of their family rather than a public spectacle.

They spent their lunch breaks poring over fabrics and flowers, transforming the shelter’s break room into a temporary wedding planning headquarters. Hailey was surprisingly decisive—she knew she wanted the manor gardens, a small guest list, and a menu that included both Alfred’s elegant finger foods and her own choice of a massive, tiered candy buffet.

The ceremony was to take place under the very floral archway where Bruce had proposed, a detail she insisted upon.

***

A week before the wedding, the two separate parties perfectly summed up the couple’s different personalities.

Bruce’s Bachelor Party was a quiet affair, a night Bruce would have easily canceled if not for the insistence of Alfred and the pure, unadulterated excitement of Richard. It was held not in the high-rise penthouse downtown, but in the manor’s massive, leather-scented library.

The evening began with the construction of a sprawling, magnificent pillow fort, complete with Christmas lights for ambiance. Their mission was to defend it from invading forces. With toy swords and plastic shields, the men of the house—Alfred wearing a tea towel as a noble knight’s mantle and Bruce a blanket draped Spartan style—spent two hours slaying dragons and mongols in a roaring, joyful battle.

After the fortress fell, they moved on to the Bat cave’s secondary media console for video games. Richard, a master of fighting games, handed Bruce a string of humiliating defeats in rapid succession. The night ended with hot cocoa, popcorn, cotton candy, watching Spider-Man: No Way Home, and a shared sense of peaceful exhaustion, a perfect send-off into married life.

***

Hailey’s Bachelorette Party was, predictably, the polar opposite. Though Hailey herself had suggested a quiet dinner at home, her friends insisted she WAS NOT going to “spend a quiet evening at home.” The event, organized by her most enthusiastic coworkers, was a glorious celebration of her wild side, held in a pulsing, neon-lit club downtown.

After several hours of dancing and Dum Dum lollipops (her favorite was grape, which they had customized for her night), the main event began. The lights dimmed, and the male dancers took the stage. Hailey, dressed in a black mini-dress and a pink plastic tiara, was completely in her element. She cheered and laughed, showering the dancers with dollar bills and cheeky psychological commentary.

The night was loud, vibrant, and perfectly messy, a final, uninhibited roar of freedom before she embraced her destiny as Mrs. Bruce Wayne.

***

The big day was finally here and upstairs in the manor, the atmosphere was one of quiet, joyful preparation. Hailey sat at a vanity, dressed in her gown, her hair mostly finished. Alfred stood behind her, delicately arranging a few final, stray curls near her temple.

“You look breathtaking, Miss Hailey,” Alfred said, his voice thick with genuine emotion, his hands pausing in their work. “A vision of pure happiness.”

Hailey smiled, looking at his reflection in the mirror, her eyes bright with affection. “Thank you, Alfred. I never thought I’d see a day like this.” She turned slightly in her chair, her expression becoming earnest. “There’s something I need to ask you. Something very important.”

Alfred met her gaze, his kind eyes already showing understanding. “Anything, Miss Hailey.”

“My father…” Hailey began, her voice softening with sadness. “He’s not here. He’s been gone a long time now. And there is no one else I would rather have by my side for this moment. Would you do me the incredible honor of walking me down the aisle?”

Alfred’s composure, usually unshakable, fractured for a brief moment. His eyes shone with unshed tears, and he placed a gentle, steadying hand on her shoulder. “My dear Hailey,” he said, his voice barely a whisper, touched to his very core. “It is I who is truly honored. You are my daughter, in every way that matters. Just as Bruce is my son.”

A wave of relief and joy washed over Hailey, and she reached up to squeeze his hand. “Thank you, Alfred.”

Alfred retrieved a small envelope from his inner pocket, addressed in Richard’s handwriting. “A final duty, Miss Hailey, from your insistent ring-bearer. He asked this be delivered only after the bride was fully dressed.”

Hailey took the letter addressed to “Dr. Hailey,” her expression softening as she recognized the handwriting. The small envelope suddenly felt more important than any wedding vow.

Dear Dr. Hailey,

I know today is the biggest day and you are probably super busy getting ready to marry my Dad. I’m writing this now because I wanted to make sure you know something really important before you get married.

You are the coolest grown-up I know. You don’t just fix bruises—you fix bad moods. Thank you for all those times we sat and talked when I was missing my first mom and dad. Those talks really help. You say stuff like “emotional fireworks” and “rage with rhythm,” and it makes me feel like maybe my brain is a superpower. You laugh like you mean it. You hug like you’re not afraid of ghosts.

The manor used to be huge and quiet, but now it smells like popcorn and cotton candy, and I hear you singing songs that are kind of loud but make my feet tap anyway.

I feel really, really lucky. Lots of kids only get one mom and one dad. I had a great first mom and dad, but they’re gone. Now, I have a new Dad, and after today, I get you.

I’m so glad you picked Dad. I’m glad you picked me. Thank you for picking us!

Do I get to call you Mom now or do I have to earn it with chores and emotional growth?

I hope you never stop laughing. I hope you never stop putting those colorful sprinkles on my ice cream.

Thank you for everything!

I love you so much!

Love,

Richard

P.S… I’ll save you a piece of cake for the freezer. I’ll make sure it’s the best piece. Have fun on your honeymoon!

Hailey finished reading, tears welling up in her eyes, not from sadness, but from overwhelming joy. She looked up at Alfred, her face radiating light.

“Well, Alfred,” she said, her voice catching with emotion, “I suppose I have my answer.” She carefully folded the letter and tucked it into the bodice of her dress, right over her heart.

***

Alfred then went downstairs, finding Bruce in the master dressing room, staring at his reflection. Bruce was putting on his cuff links—simple onyx ovals—when Alfred entered, holding the second letter.

“Master Bruce, Master Richard was rather insistent on the delivery schedule for this. I believe the bride is now armed with sentiment, and it is time you were as well.”

Bruce took the letter addressed to “Dad,” his brow furrowed in confusion. He opened it and read it silently, his expression softening into profound tenderness.

Alfred, seeing the raw feeling on Bruce’s face, spoke softly. “The boy has a gift for language, Master Bruce. Perhaps you might allow an old man to share in the contents, given it concerns a matter so dear to my heart?”

Bruce didn’t hesitate. He cleared his throat and began to read Richard’s words aloud, his voice low and steady, but filled with emotion.

Hi Dad,

I know you are busy today getting ready for the wedding. I’m writing this because I wanted to say a few things I don’t say out loud very much.

I wanted to thank you for everything. Especially for the secret stuff. Thank you for those rides in the Batmobile late at night when Alfred and Dr. Hailey were asleep. It’s my favorite thing in the whole world. And thanks for sneaking into the kitchen with me to eat ice cream and not telling Alfred or Dr. Hailey. Those are the best nights.

But mostly, thank you for just being there.

When I have the bad dreams about my first mom and dad, you always know exactly what to do.

You don’t ask questions, you just sit with me, hug me. You taught me how to fight the bad dreams by breathing slow and being brave. You make the big stuff feel smaller, and you make me feel safe. You are my favorite hero.

I feel really, really lucky. Lots of kids only get one dad. I had a great first dad, and now I have you. You’re the best! Thank you for choosing me!

And after today, I get Dr. Hailey, too! I hope she lets me call her Mom.

I’m so glad she picked us. She is awesome, and when you two are together, you even laugh more.

Have the best wedding day ever. I’ll see you after the honeymoon.

I love you, Dad!

Love,

Richard

P.S… I’ll leave a piece of cake for you in the freezer, too. Don’t let Dr. Hailey get to it before you!

Bruce finished, holding the paper tight. He looked up at Alfred, and for a long moment, the two men—father and son—stood united in their shared pride and their determination to protect the joy the boy represented.

“Ready, Alfred,” Bruce finally said, his voice firm with renewed purpose.

***

The grounds were a vision of quiet elegance. A select list of guests filled the rows of chairs—a mix as unique as the couple themselves. The Gotham elite were there, along with the city’s close friends and protectors. Barbara Gordon smiled from the front row, Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent watching on with a profound sense of pride.

In civilian attire, a number of familiar faces mingled discreetly, with Clark Kent and Lois Lane among them. Pamela Isley and her parents had been invited, the young girl clutching her mother’s hand as she watched the proceedings with wide, curious eyes. Even the Cobblepots and a fidgety Ozzy were there. The press and paparazzi, in a rare show of respect, were also in attendance, capturing the day’s events from a respectable distance.

The ceremony itself was a perfect reflection of Bruce and Hailey’s love: beautiful, profound, and understated. Hailey, breathtaking in her gown, was escorted down the aisle by Alfred, who beamed with a paternal pride he hadn’t felt in decades. Richard, the Keeper of the Rings, watched from the sidelines, his own small smile a testament to the family he had helped create.

As they exchanged their vows, their hands clasped under the archway, Hailey began, her voice clear and strong:

“Bruce, you came into my life and gave me a chance at true purpose. You saw something in me I didn’t see in myself. You believed in me when no one else did. I never knew what real compassion felt like until you offered me a safe harbor. You didn’t just give me love; you gave me a life worth living. You gave me Richard, and you taught me what it means to be truly protective. I promise to always bring the light and the laughter to your life, to be your partner in every challenge, and to fill our home with joy, always.”

Bruce took a deep, steadying breath. His voice, usually guarded, was soft and raw, a sound reserved only for her. He fought the overwhelming swell of emotion—the fear, the relief, the blinding joy—that threatened to break his composure. He met her gaze, focusing only on the fierce love he saw reflected there, and finally spoke, the words coming out slower, more deliberately than he intended:

“Hailey… for so long, my life was defined by the past, by duty, and by a solitude I believed was necessary. You were the explosion of honest feeling that I spent eighteen months running from, only to realize you were the very thing I was searching for. You forced me to accept that I could have happiness, and you made the word home mean something again. You are the greatest choice I have ever made. I promise to stand by you, to cherish the fierce woman you are, and to spend every day protecting the family you built around me. I promise to be your husband, your partner, and Richard’s father, until the last star burns out over Gotham.”

Bruce finished, his voice catching slightly on the last word, his eyes reflecting a rare, profound vulnerability. He didn’t wait for the officiant; he simply leaned in, kissed her deeply, and with that kiss, they were bound.

***

At the reception, the joyful atmosphere was palpable. Hailey and Bruce took to the dance floor, and soon found themselves pulled into a rotation of friendly faces. The wedding cake wasn’t a traditional white cake; it was a dark chocolate, 5-tiered cake with white butter creme frosting, a decadent, perfect symbol of their beautiful, complicated love.

Various members of the Justice League took turns dancing with the newlyweds, each one offering a warm embrace and their sincerest hopes for the family they had built.

During one of the songs, Clark Kent, his suit impossibly crisp, took Hailey’s hand and led her in a graceful spin. “Hailey,” he began, his voice soft but earnest. “When Bruce first told me about you, I’ll admit I was hesitant. But I’ve been watching you, and seeing you with Bruce and Richard…” he paused, a gentle smile on his face. “Barbara has even told me how impressed she is with your work, with your heart. She said you’re the perfect person to take up the mantle of Batgirl.” Hailey’s eyes welled up with tears of pride and gratitude. “I know who you were at one time, but the past is part of who we are; it does not define who we are or the things we do. I’m so proud of everything you’ve become.” Hailey smiled, a rush of tears stinging her eyes as she squeezed his hand in thanks.

A short while later, Diana Prince, in a flowing red gown, took Bruce’s hand. As they moved across the floor, her expression was one of profound peace. “I have not seen you this… present,” she said, her voice a warm, gentle hum. “It is a beautiful thing to see you home, Bruce.”

Bruce looked at her, his usual guarded demeanor softening into a rare, open smile. “She is my home,” he replied simply, his eyes flickering toward Hailey as she laughed with Clark.

After their dance, Bruce led Diana away from the music and laughter to a more secluded part of the garden, a quiet spot where a stone bench overlooked a pond. He felt a deep need to be honest with her.

“Diana,” he began, his voice low and serious. “There’s something you should know about Hailey. About her past.” He proceeded to tell her everything, sparing no detail of the chaos and madness that had once defined Hailey’s life, and the man she had been tied to.

Diana listened in silence, her expression unreadable. When he finished, she was a little taken aback, her brow furrowing slightly in thought. She understood the great darkness of which he spoke. But then her expression softened as she turned her eyes back to the reception.

“The past is a part of who we are, not our entire story,” Diana said, her voice filled with a wise compassion. “And it is clear that Hailey has chosen a new path. I am so impressed that she has taken up the mantle of Batgirl and is doing so much good at the shelter. Look at the life you two have built together. This is a fortress of love.”

Later, Bruce and Clark found a quiet moment at a table, a shared grin on their faces as they watched the festivities.

“I guess you’re next to tie the knot,” Bruce said with a rare, teasing laugh. Clark just smiled, a gentle blush spreading across his cheeks.

“I don’t think I would have done anything differently,” Bruce said, his voice dropping to a low, quiet tone. “Except maybe not having to lie about Hailey. But it was necessary to keep her safe. I hadn’t planned on falling in love with her. It happened so naturally, it surprised even me. I tried to bury my feelings, but my heart had other ideas. In the end, it was Hailey who rescued me.”

He looked Clark in the eye, a profound sincerity in his gaze. “Don’t wait too long before you ask Lois. Don’t let life pass you by, Clark.”

Clark’s expression softened, a deep, understanding gratitude in his eyes.

He nodded slowly.

“You’re right,” he said, the words barely a whisper. “Thank you, Bruce. I believe I owe Lois a dance.”

He then stood up, gave Bruce a firm pat on the shoulder, and excused himself, his eyes already searching the crowd for the woman he loved.

Soon after, Richard, now with a new sense of confidence, stepped up to Pamela and, with a slight bow, asked her to dance. To everyone’s delight, the two children twirled around the dance floor, their innocent laughter a bright song in the heart of the manor.

Bruce and Hailey watched them, their eyes full of a shared, adoring pride.

“I guess you’re not the only one in this family who has a way with the ladies,” Hailey said, a playful smile on her lips.

Bruce chuckled, and they continued their own slow dance, their foreheads resting against one another as they watched their family in the soft light of the night.

© Copyright 2025 J.R. Geiger. All rights reserved.