106 | the taste of happiness-1

I sit on the bench at the patio, facing the backyard as I wait for Aiden and Dad from their morning walk. I sip the tea in my hand, wondering about how my future will unfold after everything that happened. So many things are going on inside my head, and while I'm pondering in thought, Aiden walks toward me. He takes a seat beside me. "How was the walk with my dad?" I ask. Aiden sighs, and to my surprise, a smile touches his lips. "Pretty good." His answer makes me raise my eyebrows in question. But then, I laugh softly. Aiden told me what Dad did in the previous morning walk, and judging from Aiden's answer just now, I hope that today is different. I hope that Dad has warmed up to him. Since I overheard Dad's conversation with Mom the day the accident happened, I know that sooner or later, he will give his blessing to us. I return my gaze to the backyard when my thoughts consume me again. "What are you thinking about?" Aiden asks. I huff, blowing a strand of my hair. "College. What I'm going to do in the upcoming months." "Tell me about it." "Now that I think again, I want to extend my exchange program in Seattle," I say truthfully. "It's going to end soon. One semester, remember? I'd already thought about extending it a few months ago, you know, before…" My words stop. I don't know how to talk about the time when we separated. It's painful to remember, and I know that Aiden would always feel guilty for what happened. It might have hurt him more than it did me. I feel Aiden's hand taking mine. He puts it on his lap. While he's holding my hand, I turn my head to look at him and find the pain crossing his expression. "Nevaeh…" he rasps, and I know without him saying it that he wishes he could turn back the time to undo the heartbreak. "I didn't tell the universities that I wanted to extend the program because of how things went that time," I say, "and I should tell them now that I've decided to continue." Aiden nods. "What's holding you back then?" "I don't know. My dad?" I sigh again. "Even if I continue the program in Seattle, I don't know if he would be okay with me living with you again." Aiden squeezes my hand, looking me in the eye. "Don't worry. He'll understand." My brows furrow. "How?" Aiden chuckles, and the look in his eyes is everything. It's like he has this big secret, a key to unlock my happiness, something that can erase all my worries. "Everything will be alright, Heaven," he whispers. His eyes are smiling. I want to believe him. "Do you really think so?" "Yeah. Just trust me on this." With that said, he kisses my forehead and pulls me to him so that I can rest my head on his shoulder. "I want to come back to our home when I'm back in Seattle," I mumble. "Speaking of that, I wonder how Ashton, Ian, and Sam are doing." I miss them. Aiden laughs. "They're probably busy predicting what will happen to us in a group chat." His sentence makes me smile. I'm really grateful that we're surrounded by those people who care about us. "I still want to spend more time in Seattle," I say. "I'm really looking forward to the new semester there." Aiden tightens his hold on me, and even though I don't see his face now, I have a feeling that he's smiling. "Do you know what I'm looking forward to?" he asks. I look up at him and shake my head. His question fills my mind with curiosity. "The winter break." He smirks, making me raise my eyebrows. One month later Winter break I never expected that today would be such an important moment in my life. Had I asked myself six months ago if I would be doing something like this with Aiden Klein, I wouldn't have even dreamt of it. My heart is still thumping hard against my chest after what we just did. We're now holding each other's hands tightly. "Ready to meet the rest of them?" He looks at me with a grin on his face, and I can't help but chuckle lightly. I feel like I'm still dreaming. The happiness overwhelming me feels like it will never fade. I'll treasure this moment forever. I nod at Aiden. He opens the door in front of us so that we can step out, and we're immediately greeted by squeals of joy. "Oh, my God." Sienna's loud voice, filled with excitement, echoes in the air as she snaps a picture of my face using her phone, like she wants to capture my happiness forever. "Look over here, Mrs. Aiden Klein." I laugh. Before I can respond to her, I'm already pulled into a tight hug. Mom's warm embrace surrounds my entire body, and when she pulls away, my eyes water at the sight of the tears in her eyes. "My baby girl." Her smile can melt even the coldest ice. She's looking at me like I'm an angel, while in fact, she's my real-life angel. "I know that this day would come. I just didn't expect it would be so soon." I wipe a tear rolling down my cheek, letting out a soft laugh. No, I'm not wearing a wedding dress. No, we're not in a wedding reception. But, yes, I'm married to Aiden Klein. Here, in NYC City Hall. Me only wearing a white short dress and a white blazer. Him wearing a simple suit. When we showed up at the City Clerk, we were only allowed three other people to come in with us, and since we didn't want to decide which one among our parents, our mothers decided to wait outside. Our fathers had come into the wedding room with us. The photographer tagged along as the third guest, hired to capture the moments of our wedding ceremony -- me and Aiden exchanging our vows and placing our wedding rings. The ceremony literally only took about a minute or two, and boom! We were married. My gaze darts to my husband, who is now being hugged by his mother. She's crying happy tears, and when she pulls away to look at her son's face, I can see her eyes filled with so much love, contentment, and relief. I smile softly at the sight of Aiden beaming with happiness. It's like I'm falling in love with him for the first time again. Two years ago, he was so happy before his world crumbled so suddenly. I don't need a grand wedding, and neither does Aiden. We don't need a majestic wedding reception inviting famous celebrities, socialites, and politicians, one that makes headlines and pulls the media's attention. At least, not yet. We're still going to have it sometime next year. Still, it's not the size of the ceremony that matters to us, but the fact that we have each other. I am here by his side. "Congratulations, honey." Aunt Melanie hugs me. She's been crying as well. When she pulls away, she has a smile on her lips. "I'm so happy for you and Aiden. He is a good man." I nod, smiling through tears. She squeezes my hands. "Thank you, Aunt Melanie." Uncle Vaughn steps forward from behind her, and we hug each other too. A big smile spreads across my face. The amount of gratitude I'm feeling is indescribable.