“Mommy!” the twins shouted, running toward me and wrapping their little arms around my waist.
I was startled when I heard applause. Covering my mouth with my hands, I looked around and saw my parents and Arlo’s parents there, clapping. I had no idea this was happening today. Even Thomas was present, smiling and nodding at me.
Arlo approached me and held my hand. It was then I noticed that the restaurant was adorned with white and pink flowers. A long table set for a big family was beautifully arranged in the center. The decorations were simple yet cozy, creating a perfect and heartwarming atmosphere.
Moments later, Arlo knelt in front of me, still holding the microphone. My cheeks flushed as he continued to sing and then began to speak, proposing to me again—this was part two of the proposal he made to me last night.
“Will you marry me and bring your light into my life forever? My love for you knows no bounds,” he said tenderly, his words filled with love and sincerity.
I smiled at him as he kissed my hand. I felt like this was one of the happiest moments of my life. Tears of joy streamed down my face as I heard the twins squeal in delight. Looking around, I saw my mother crying while my father comforted her and kissed her on the cheek. When Uncle Philip saw my father kiss my mother, he swallowed hard, smiled at me, and nodded when he noticed I was looking at him. I could feel the depth of his love for my mother.
“Arlo, you seem completely in love with my daughter. Take good care of her, son. You’ve given her the kind of happiness I could never provide. I’m so happy for the two of you. My only wish is for you both to live a long and happy life together and bless us with many grandchildren,” my father said to us.
“Dad,” I said softly.
“Don’t worry, uncle. I love Lily with all my heart. She’s my life, and I promise to give you plenty of grandchildren,” Arlo replied, squeezing my hand and making me blush at his words.
Thomas echoed my father’s sentiments. He also apologized to both of us, admitting his mistakes in trying to interfere with our happiness. He realized it was wrong to stand in the way of others’ joy. His heartfelt words brought tears to my eyes.
I was surprised to find Ma’am Ella beside me. She hugged me and apologized for the hurtful things she had said in the past. Though her words had deeply wounded me, I knew I would eventually forgive her, but not yet. She asked if she could hug the twins, and I allowed it. She also apologized to the twins.
“Mommy, Daddy,” the twins called out to Arlo and me, their innocent faces lighting up with joy. I smiled at them.
“She’s your grandmother, kids. She’s your daddy’s mom,” I said with a smile.
“I love you so much,” Arlo whispered to me.
“It’s already noon, and my sister hasn’t eaten breakfast yet!” Violet shouted. My stomach growled in response.
“Wedding first, then food!” Arlo’s friends shouted back. I was amazed by their camaraderie as they all held hands with their wives, who were present with them. Their children, slightly older than my twins, were also there.
I was stunned by the beauty of Gilbert’s wife and, equally, by Leo’s wife. All their wives were gorgeous women, which explains why they never mentioned other women.
“Our wedding?” I asked Arlo, surprised.
“Yes, babe. I can’t wait any longer to call you Mrs. Bonde,” he said, kissing me on the lips.
“Oh God, my heart is pounding. I wasn’t expecting this,” I said.
“I’m the reason your heart is racing, babe,” Arlo replied with a wink, the same kind of wink he gave me the first time we met at the Emerald Shores Hotel where I used to work.
Leo guided me to stand in front of the officiant who would marry us. It was a civil ceremony—Arlo was far too eager for a formal church wedding, so this would come first. Everything was happening so fast that it felt surreal.
I stood trembling before the mayor, with Arlo holding both my hands. He smiled at me reassuringly as I felt the nerves creeping in. So this is what it feels like to be a bride, marrying without any prior knowledge that you would be.
“I love you,” Arlo whispered.
“Babe, I’m nervous,” I admitted.
“Let’s get started before the bride faints from nerves,” the mayor joked. He had noticed how anxious I was.
“Let’s begin, Mayor,” Arlo ordered.
The mayor started speaking, and Arlo and I exchanged glances while he officiated the ceremony.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the mayor announced. Arlo immediately pulled me in for a kiss, devouring my lips as if he would never let go. The mayor cleared his throat in amusement at Arlo’s overly passionate kiss.
