Chapter 122
“Aiden? What are you doing?” I whispered, my eyes wide as I stared at him.
I wasn’t sure if what I was seeing was real. Aiden was standing before me which I expected. I expected to see him squinting those blue green eyes against the sun. I expected his golden skin to glow thanks to his quickly developing tan. I expected the wind to be messing up his wheat coloured hair. I was seeing everything I had expected to see when I turned around at that moment.
What I didn’t expect was the small red velvet box he was holding out, the lid opened to expose the ring nestled in the satin cushioning. The cluster of diamonds sparkled in the sunlight. I had never seen a real diamond before but these were beautiful and Aiden was holding them out to me right
now…
“Eleanor Maria Ramirez,” Aiden spoke up after a moment, a soft smile on his face. “I knew from the moment we met two years ago that I was in love with you. I can’t imagine spending the rest of my days with anyone else. I know things have been crazy and they are only just now starting to settle but I am honoured that you let me be there with you every step of the way. I didn’t think I’d ever meet someone who would make me fall head over heels in love. I’m crazy about you, Ellie. I want to spend the rest of my days treating you like a queen and worshipping you like a goddess. So, will you please do me the honour of marrying me and being my wife?”
1
I couldn’t speak, the shock rendering me speechless. I had always wondered if we would get this far. I had dreamed of it in fact. I couldn’t imagine being with anyone else even after everything that happened. It had always been Aiden that I yearned for and it would always be him. But things had been difficult and I had not gone into this relationship without my doubts and insecurities. What happened would never leave us. Despite time passing, there were still reminders of what had occurred such as the scar on my temple from where I hit the door handle or the nightmares. Even before all that I had been a shy insecure girl who felt isolated and alone. But Aiden changed that and I would forever be grateful for the day he walked out of that bathroom and into my life.
“Yes.” I stuttered out, taking a deep breath as my eyes, welled with tears. I nodded and laughed, feeling my excitement explode. “Yes!”
I gasped as Aiden pulled me to him, our lips crashing together. I could feel his relief, his love, his happiness in that one powerful gesture. I clung to him, savouring the moment and the feel of his mouth on mine. The world around us didn’t matter to me at that moment. It was just Aiden and 1,
our love blooming like a flower.
“Here,” Aiden murmured when he pulled away, taking my hand in his and slipping the ring on carefully. “Almost as beautiful is you.”
I realised then that his hands were trembling. It was the first time I had ever seen him nervous. Aiden, much like my brother, seemed almost unflappable in the face of any challenge and yet here he was, trembling with as much emotion as I was. My heart was still racing while disbelief and
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happiness were still coursing through me like an electrical current.
“I love you.” I whispered, looking up into those ocean blue eyes, feeling myself falling for Aiden all over again.
“I love you too.” He murmured back, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips.
Thirteen months later
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
A cheer erupted around us as Aiden pulled me to him and kissed me, the scent of cologne and cigarettes wrapping around me and his fringe tickling my forehead. I smiled when the kiss ended, looking up at my husband who was looking at me with the same love and happiness I hoped was showing in my own eyes.
The past thirteen months had been a whirlwind of all kinds of events that I hardly felt like I had the chance to breathe.
When we had gotten home from our trip, the gang were already waiting to surprise us with an engagement party. Aiden swore down that he hadn’t organised the whole thing but I felt could see through him. That night we danced and celebrated. We were surrounded by friends, people we loved and it began to feel like we were moving past the last two years of our lives where things had been anything but plain sailing.
After that, things were hectic. There was college for me, the businesses for Aiden and Liam, finishing the houses off, running the bar and planning a wedding. I had kept telling Aiden we could hold off on the wedding until things settled down a,bit but Aiden insisted that getting married was the most important thing on our crazy list of things to do. D
It certainly wasn’t plain sailing. I still had my moments when the PTSD kicked in but therapy was helping and I had thrown myself into helping with the businesses in any way I could. Baking had also helped provide some escapism when times felt rough. Aiden has been there through all of it though, never once pressuring me,
“Congratulations you two!” Tammy grinned as she joined us outside as everyone started making their way to the party. “Ellie, I know I say this everytime I see you in this dress but you look stunning.”
“Like a goddess.” Aiden smirked and kissed my temple making me blush furiously.
We hadn’t wanted an over the top affair so had stuck to something in summer with the reception being held on our land. Kyle and Tammy had taken charge of preparing everything and what was a party without a bar especially when your husband happened to own one? I had opted for a cream maxi dress with spaghetti straps and plunging neckline allowing me to enjoy the sun on my skin. I
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was surprised when Aiden opted for a suit and button down shirt. He looked smart but handsome, which wasn’t actually hard for him.
“Oh wow!”
I gasped when I saw the large garden now filled with fairy lights, a stage, lanterns and tables and chairs for everyone. Centrepieces of peonies and roses sat on the tables matching the bouquet I had while blankets hung on the back of seats in case people were cold later in the evening.
The orangey glow of the setting sun was already illuminating everything in a summery glow as long shadows stretched out across the grass.
“Impressive.” Aiden smiled beside me. “So how about we leave everyone here and we sneak off to start the honeymoon early?”
“Nice try.” I laughed, rolling my eyes.
“I know but you love me.” Aiden replied with a chuckle, pulling me into his arms and leaning down to kiss me.
“I do,” I smiled. “And you love me too.” 1
The End
A/N: Thank you for everyone who took the time to read this story. I know there were some mixed
emotions about events that took place throughout the book. I am immensley honoured that you all took the time to read this. I will be taking a few days to recharge my batteries before I launch back into Legion. Also feel free to follow me on Insta for updates, sneak peeks and all that jazz @ZaydaWattswrites
Chapter Comments
Christine Cary
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that is one of the best stories I have read on this site. I was up all night reading. I cried, I laughed and the was angry. I kind of have been where she was in a way. you wrote it…
Nena Rodriguez
I’m glad Tammy wasn’t a negative female character. that was refreshing
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