Chapter 59: Tying the Knot

The gentle hum of the restaurant's ambiance wrapped around Kimberly as she sat across from Aaron. The flicker of candlelight reflected in his deep brown eyes, the softness of his smile making her heart skip.

“Are you sure you don’t want to talk business tonight?” she teased, sipping her wine.

Aaron chuckled, reaching for her hand. “No business, just us. I thought it was time we stopped skirting around the big question.”

Kimberly arched a brow. “Big question?”

“The wedding,” he said, his tone serious yet warm. “We’ve been so caught up in everything—family, work, life—but I want to marry you, Kimberly. Soon. So let’s set a date.”

Her chest swelled with emotion. “You’re serious?”

“As serious as I was when I asked you to be my wife.” He leaned in, brushing his thumb over her hand. “So what do you think? Spring? Summer?”

Kimberly smiled, excitement bubbling in her chest. “Spring sounds perfect. Late April or early May, when everything’s blooming.”

Aaron nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I know a vineyard near the coast. It’s private, elegant, and has this amazing view at sunset. What do you think?”

She tilted her head, imagining it. “That sounds beautiful. But... would it be okay if we toured a few places? I’d like to find somewhere that feels right for both of us.”

Aaron squeezed her hand. “Anything you want. We’ll find the perfect spot together.”

---

Two days later, Kimberly sat in her apartment with Kehlani and Alisha, surrounded by wedding magazines, fabric swatches, and endless Pinterest boards.

“I’m just saying,” Kehlani began, flipping through a bridal magazine, “you could totally pull off a ballgown. Like, full-on princess vibes.”

Kimberly laughed. “I was thinking something more fitted. Simple, elegant, nothing too over-the-top.”

Alisha smirked, holding up a swatch of deep emerald fabric. “And what about bridesmaids’ dresses? I love this color.”

Kehlani wrinkled her nose. “Emerald? For spring? Nah, let’s go softer—sage green or blush pink.”

“Ladies,” Kimberly interrupted, grinning. “I love you both, but one decision at a time. Let’s start with the venue.”

---

Later that evening, Aaron’s family gathered at their home to discuss the upcoming plans. Jacqueline’s eyes lit up as she suggested, “A grand ballroom would be stunning. Think chandeliers, marble floors, a five-tier cake…”

Kimberly’s polite smile faltered. “That’s beautiful, Mrs. Pierre, but Aaron and I were thinking of something smaller. More intimate.”

Jacqueline frowned, her voice tinged with disappointment. “But this is a Pierre wedding, Kimberly. It should be an event to remember.”

Before Kimberly could respond, Aaron stepped in, his tone calm but firm. “Mom, this is Kimberly’s day as much as mine. We want something that feels like us, not just a spectacle.”

Jacqueline pursed her lips but nodded. “Of course, dear. I just want it to be special for both of you.”

---

The following weekend, Aaron and Kimberly hosted a brunch to share the news with both families. The announcement of a late-April wedding was met with cheers and hugs, though Calvin couldn’t resist ribbing his brother.

“Man, I never thought I’d see the day,” he joked. “Aaron Pierre, officially off the market.”

Aaron rolled his eyes but grinned. “Don’t get used to it, Calvin.”

The warmth of the gathering reassured Kimberly that blending their families would be a journey worth taking.

---

As the celebration wound down, Aaron’s phone buzzed. Seeing Marcus’s name, he excused himself to answer.

“What’s up?” Aaron asked.

“We’ve got a problem,” Marcus said, his voice tense. “The network wants to push the documentary release to April. Right when the wedding is scheduled.”

Aaron’s jaw clenched. “Are you serious?”

“They’re saying it’s prime time. But don’t worry, we’ll figure it out,” Marcus assured him.

Aaron ended the call, his mind racing. Kimberly deserved his full attention, but now he had to balance the demands of his career with the promise he’d made to her.