Aileen
The same night, my dad, Mom, Dave, and I all went to Becky’s birthday party with the cake that Mom and I baked together.
Marshall was surprised to see my dad, but he welcomed us warmly. I gave Becky a pair of rolling skates as a gift. She was overjoyed to receive them and asked me to buy a pair so we could practice together.
Marshall seemed a bit disheartened to see me and Dave chatting together. But I knew he would be able to accept it with time.
At first, I was worried about how things would turn out. One week after we moved out, I’ve grown to realize how much Dad had really changed.
I loved spending time together as a family. But, I was missing not being able to see Dave often also. As always, he was busy with work. And I was busy with college and exams.
If you ask how people at college reacted to the news and stuff, they avoided me at first and also talked behind my back like usual.
But I was used to it. At least Rosalia and the Principal were supportive of me. And Skylar was the same as usual. But he has kept his distance from me a little. Not that I care, though.
Fast forward to 3 months later. Dave’s dad called me and Dave to go to their house. Sarah was present there as well. It turned out they wanted to hold a marriage ceremony as it’s been months since the news came out and Mom and Dad settled in.
Dave agreed to it right away cause it was getting tough for him to live apart from each other.
And I was feeling the same. So, two weeks later, the wedding ceremony was to be hosted. Mom and Dad were excited for my future ahead. I was feeling a bit weak-minded, considering I’m studying and all, but when I looked at Dave, all my fears vanished.
And that’s why, here I am getting ready since two hours ago, and my hair isn’t done yet.
“I can’t believe my best friend is getting married,” Rosalia sobbed, wiping her tears while helping me put on my earrings.
“It’s really not something emotional for you to cry about,” I replied, turning to the make-up artist, “Excuse me, are you done?”
“Uh, yes, in a minute.”
The door behind us opened, and Mom walked inside. “The Moon will be out in a minute. How long will you take to get ready?”
“I’m not the one taking time here,” I murmured.
“It’s getting late for the ceremony,” Mom added, hugging me from behind. “I can’t believe my little girl is going to become a luna soon. You look so pretty today.”
“Thanks, Mom. You too.”
She chuckled, pulling away. “What are you saying? How can I look prettier than the bride? Today’s star is only you. The spotlight belongs to you only.”
“I told you this tie doesn’t look good on you. Why didn’t you listen to me?”
“Does it really look so bad?”
“It does.” Becky and Marshall walked in while arguing. “Aileen, are you done getting dressed?”
“Yeah, kind of.”
Both of them walked over to my side and looked at me as I got up from the seat.
Marshall watched me in awe. Becky hugged me and told me how pretty I looked.
“I wonder how ‘he’ reacts after seeing you,” Rosalia remarks with a smirk. “I bet he’s going to cry.”
“You look amazing, Aileen. Maybe this is the bride effect. Alpha won’t be able to take his eyes off you.” Marshall said with a smile.
Aileen smiled, “I’m flattered. But, the dress is so heavy. How am I supposed to walk in this?”
“Oh, you can manage. Don’t worry.” He praised, patting her shoulder.
—————————————————————————–
Dave’s P. O. V
I took a deep breath while I stared at my Mom’s picture in my hand. Today’s an important day for me, Mom. Do you know that?
It would’ve been so great if you were present to see this as well. But, I know, no matter where you are, you are watching over us and are happy to see us growing.
You know Aileen? She’s the woman of my dreams. I still can’t believe I’m getting married to the person I’ve been in love with for so long.
It almost feels like an uncanny dream.
A knock on the door followed, drawing his attention.
“Come in,” he responded, tucking aside his mom’s picture.
“Are you done getting dressed?” Dad walked in, closing the door behind him.
“Hm…yeah. Just the tie, and I’ll be done.”
“I see, Then take this.” He held out a small box in front of me.
“What’s this?”
“Open it. It was from your mom to me. And I’m giving it to you now. My duty of guarding it is over.”
From Mom?
I immediately took it and opened it to see a brooch, with the Moon and stars decorated with shining diamonds.
“Apparently, it belonged to your grandpa. You should be glad you got to receive it. That old man was cunning and arrogant as hell.”
“Like you?” I joked, and he glared at me in response.
“Yeah, make fun of me. He used to do the same. That’s why I can’t stand neither of you.”
“Oh, really? Mind helping me put this on?”
He sighed, taking the broch from my hands. “Why are you making an old man work?”
After putting on the broch, he looked at me from head to toe.
Then, suddenly, hugged me.
“I didn’t think I’d become emotional cause I have no emotions in the first place. Maybe seeing your kids become adults and getting married really makes a difference.”
“Dad?”
“I know I hadn’t been a good father or a role model to you. And you only look up to your mom for that reason. I was always after materialistic comfort and thought I didn’t require any feelings or emotions. But I was wrong. And I realized my wrongdoing after years of neglecting you and pressuring you to take a path different than what you wanted to pursue.”
“You hated me, and I couldn’t make you like me, and the gap between our hearts had become too wide to fill in. Before we realized it, we stopped looking eye to eye.”
“And only after that girl came, you started to change. You seemed happier than before, full of life like you used to be when you were little. Feeling jealous, I also tried to take away that girl whom you loved away from you. But, thank the goddess I failed. She’s the one who made me realize what my mistake was. And that’s why I want to give you my heartfelt blessings as your father for your new life onwards. I don’t deserve to ask for forgiveness, but I hope you can forgive me. I’ll try to be a better father.”
I hugged him back, tearing up, but I didn’t want him to see that. “You better keep your words. Or else I’ll not forgive you again.”
He pulled away and looked me in the face. “If your mom was here today, she would be the most happiest one here. But I can guarantee you, she’s sending her blessings from above to you.”
“Yeah, I can imagine her smiling face.”
“Dave, are you ready?” Sarah called from outside the door. “The guests are waiting. We need to start the ceremony.”
“Coming!” I yelled, fixing my clothes, “Let’s go, Dad.”
He walked out beside me as we made our way towards the venue.
After the talk with him, I certainly started feeling better suddenly. Maybe this is the power of love and support.
Aileen walked down the aisle beside her father. Rosalia in the crowd cheered for her, along with Aileen’s mom.
When they stood face to face with Dave, her dad placed her hand on top of his hand.
“I’m giving you my treasure to keep. From now on, she’s your responsibility.” He said with a smile.
Dave took her hand and kissed on top of her palm. “Gift received. Your treasure is my treasure. I’ll treasure her forever. You can stay assured.”
Her dad backed away, and Dave lifted the veil. And watched her with adoration when she lifted her eyes to see him.
“You are so beautiful, Aileen,” he said with a flustered face.
“You look stunning as well, Dave. I feel like I’m falling for you all over again.”
“Oh, Aileen,” He leaned forward for a kiss, but the priestess interrupted, standing right before him, “You aren’t allowed to do this until the ceremony is done. Please, refrain yourself, Alpha.”
Everyone in the crowd bursts out laughing at his deed.
Aileen tried to hide her laugh but failed.
“Ahem, let’s get on with the engagement ceremony,” the priestess announced.
After exchanging rings, they started taking their vows.
Dave and Aileen looked at each other in the eyes while exchanging a conversation through their eyes alone.
“Alpha David McGarten of the Sabertooth pack, do you take Aileen as your bride and Luna?”
“I do. I promise to be by her side through thick and thin and support each other in sickness and health, in joys and sadness, and become a pillar of strength, comfort and assurance, and a faithful partner.”
“Aileen, do you take Alpha David as your husband and mate and promise to be faithful to him forever?”
She took him by the hand and stared deep into his eyes, “Till death do us apart. I promise not to love anyone in this life and even after death, I hope I get to meet you and fall in love with you again and again. I love you, Dave.”
“I love you as well-”
Everyone cheered loudly for them before he could finish his sentence.
“I now announce you as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the priestess stated before backing away.
Dave lifted Aileen off the ground and carried her princess-style. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and they kissed.
——————————The End——————————