"By the power invested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife" the pastor announced to the wild cheer of the congregation. Nobody present was more gleeful than Ellen, as her parents had finally tied the knot. School had reopened but she stayed to attend the wedding ceremony. Abby and Kelly wanted to be there with her, but had to go to school instead, with Ellen promising to give details when she comes to school. She had a big smile on her face as her mind drifted to that night at the restaurant, when her dad took the mic on stage.
***
"Um good evening, ladies, and gentlemen. I'm sure some of you know me, and I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner, but I kind of need your help with something." They heard him say from the stage of the restaurant. All heads whipped like robots under command, intrigued to hear what he needs help with. Aaron took a deep breath and proceeded to speak. "There is someone here that I love more than life itself, but she is also the one I've hurt more than anyone in my life. I guess it's true when they say the one who loves you most, hurts you most. I found her and our beautiful daughter recently, but I still feel incomplete, and this is why. I've done some things to you both that I'm not proud of, but now that I have you two again, I wish for us to be a family once again. I know I'm not entirely in the clear yet, but I need for you to trust me just this one time and take a risk with me. Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't help me, I might lose my mind. (Goes down on one knee and presents a ring, making everyone gasp at its reflection as the light shone on it) Please help me ask the lovely Elena to give me another chance, and be my wife again. Let me give you the wedding that you deserve and the life that is suitable for you, and our daughter. (Gets up and walk over to their side. Ellen makes way for him with teary eyes, while her mother's own tears are flowing in streamline manner. Aaron kneels once again, and pops the question) Elena, will you marry me, again?" He asks with anticipation, and hope in his voice and eyes. Elena just stared at him, dumbfounded by what's going on as she cried. She couldn't believe Aaron just proposed to her in front of everyone, and the wondrous thing was that his parents weren't objecting. Her mind reeled in torment as it warred with her heart, reminding her of the last time she said yes. Ellen, upon realizing her mother was in a dilemma, decided to help her out. She couldn't believe it either that this was really happening. She felt an inexplicable joy in her about the prospects of living together as a family after all these years. She touched her heart, trying to signal her mother to follow her heart, but Elena was too deep in thought to notice. So, she did the only thing that would attract her attention. "Say yes! Say yes..." Elena heard chants in her ear, as everyone was urging her to say yes to the eager man at her feet. Aaron had already broken into sweat, as Elena was keeping too long to answer him. He knew he could be rejected, when he planned on proposing, after taking the ring box out the jewelry he gave Isabella two weeks ago, but he hoped Elena still loved him like before, so she would accept him this time too. 'Wait a minute' Elena thought as she finally got a visual on the ring Aaron was holding. "Is that my ring?" She asked in amazement. She remembered giving it to George to return it, when she signed the divorce papers. She didn't think it was still there, and it looked brand new. "Yes, it is. I had it refined, and polished again some time ago, so I could give it back to you, the rightful owner. It was never mine to keep, but it got me going all these years, with the hope of putting it back on your finger one day." Aaron responded with newfound joy; all hope wasn't lost after all. "Awn, that's so sweet and romantic" Ellen said, and everyone agreed with a cheer. "Come on mom, you can't keep him on his knee forever. Say something, preferably something positive." Ellen urged with a smile. "I'm really sorry Aaron…" Elena began, and Aaron felt like he was being poured on with a bucket of ice water. He bowed his head, and just when Ellen was about to say something; "But you are right, that ring belongs to me. And I'm going to fight against my better judgement to say; YES! I will give you the benefit of the doubt and marry you." Elena continued instead, choosing peace instead of prolonged suffering and deliberation, making everyone erupt in loud cheers, and applause as Aaron placed the ring on her finger, and hugged her with ecstasy. Ellen joined in the hug when they extended their hand for her to join. "Thank you, Lord, for making us complete now." She breathed a silent prayer and hugged them. "Welcome to the family officially, Elena." Jessica said and hugged her, with Ben doing same. That night was a memorable one with the Wilsons taking everyone's bill on them. School reopened while they were preparing for the wedding, but Ellen didn't want to miss it for the world, let alone school. So, for the first time ever, she missed reopening date and prioritized fun before studies. Her friends were very excited for her, but they couldn't stay like they wished they could. Elena took Aaron to meet her pastor and after hours of conversation and deliberation, he agreed to wed them and bless their union that Saturday. Everyone looked elegant in their attire, but none matched the bride of the season. Aaron had wanted to throw a weeklong celebration for her, but Elena didn't want to make a fuss. "She's still the same woman I fell in love with." He said to his mom, who smiled. Besides Ellen had to go back to school and they couldn't delay her any longer. So, with that in mind, the anticipated remarriage of Aaron and Elena came off in a simple but elegant style. There were gospel artistes invited to grace the reception and some important personnel like Ministers and Members of Parliament, due to the Wilson's influence in society. Elena shed some tears of joy, as she looked at the amazing décor and designs. It was an outdoor reception in the Aburi gardens, butterflies were everywhere in their many colors. Tables were arranged according to reservations, with a white feather setting. Every table was set with glassware from wine glass to glass cutlery. It was an all-you-can-eat buffet with bubbles floating in the air around them and a mountain-sized pink cake at the center right. The balloons made the place beautiful with its ark-like arrangement at the entrance. There was a big screen displaying their pictures from their previous relationship to the photoshoot Aaron had a hard time convincing Elena to do, pre-wedding. Everyone cheered when the happy couple arrived, and the program started. The main wedding happened at the church Elena attended in Nima as per her wish, so she had to agree to Aaron's grand arrangement for the reception.