Chapter 52: Part 2

Erica

Joy. Songs. Giggles and Love.

A few things that I had been missing all my life and now, today on my wedding day it was all there. In the middle of the stage where me and Ethan were standing with all our friends and familes dancing and singing around us in a circle. I couldn't believe this was all reality and not my dream.

From the corner of my eyes I caught an old pair, probably in their seventies, in a far corner. As soon as they saw me watching them they shifted their gazes. I had never seen them before. But thinking them to be Ethan's relatives, I let go.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the newly weds to dance. Lets welcome them.. " Alex announced clapping her hands. Everyone cheered for us. We walked to the center of the stage and soft music began to play. Ethan's hands were on my waist and mine around his neck. We were simply staring in each other's eyes. All I could see was love and adoration in them for me. I was truly lucky to have such a wonderful husband.

All of a sudden the music changed and Ethan spun me around before crashing me in his chest. I caught his arms firmly and we continued dancing to the slow beats.

Again I saw the same old couple watching us. They had a huge smile on their face. Almost in tears. Tears of joy though.

"What are you thinking?" Ethan asked sensing my confusion.

"There's a couple, old couple out there. They have been staring at me the entire time. Do you know them?" I asked. I saw him slowly turn back to look at the couple. They smiled at Ethan and he smiled back at them.

"You know them?" I asked. Though it was obvious now.

"Come." He said and pulled me towards them.

As soon as we went there the lady hugged me and I felt her shaking... Was she crying? I awkwardly hugged her back.

"Ma'am please don't cry. I.. Ethan.." I turned to him for help but he was just eyeing us with a smile plastered on his face.

"You look so beautiful, dear." The lady said wiping her tears.

"I am sorry but I don't think we have met before." I said unsure.

"No we haven't. But I feel like I know you from a long time back." The old man said. The woman stepped back and the man placed one of his amrs around her shoulder taking her closer.

"Erica.. This is Susan " He gestured towards the lady and then towards the man,"... And this is James. Mr. and Mrs.... Williams. Your maternal grandparents." My neck snapped so fast towards him that I almost broke it.

"What? You got to be kidding me."

"Erica,baby.. "

"My grandparents? You mean they are my mother's parents?" I asked disbelievingly. I wasn't sure how to react to the news. I didn't even know they would be here to see him.

"I know this is all new to you, but they wanted to meet you. What could be better than them being here on our wedding day to bless us?" He said.

I stayed silent.

"We came to meet you child. I never knew that my Caroline had such a beautiful daughter. So beautiful, just like her. Same eyes and same smile. I never got to see her in a wedding gown but you.. Look at you.. So beautiful." The lady... My grandma said with tears in her eyes. I felt myself get teared up as well.

I was glad that Ethan was here with me to comfort me and to wipe my tears. He held me close like he knew that I needed him with me.

"Why.. Why all of a sudden? Why didn't you come when I had no one with me? Why didn't you come and take me with you when I used to stay alone waiting for Dad to come visit me? Why?" I asked them the one question bothering me.

"We had no idea about you. What Caroline did, after that we didn't want to have any relationship with her. But we were wrong. She was our only daughter and you are our only grandchild. I regret not being there for you. I am sorry Erica. I am so sorry." They cried. I couldn't see them in tears. So I hugged both of them tightly letting them know that I had forgiven them.

"Enough of crying now. No making my bride cry today." Ethan said from behind. We pulled out wiping our tears and Ethan enveloped me in his embrace. Exactly what I needed at that moment.

"I am so happy to have you in my life. I forgive you but only on one condition." They looked at each other.

"Promise me that you'll give all the love that I had missed, to our babies." I saw my grandma's mouth hung open.

"Are you...pregnant?" She asked.

"With twins." Ethan piped in. My grandparents eyes opened wide and slowly a broad smile fell on their faces.

"Oh Jesus! That's so wonderful. Congratulations my girl." They hugged me again and patted Ethan's back.

"You two, go and enjoy the reception. Afterall its your wedding day. We'll be fine by ourselves." They said. We left and found ourselves on the dance floor again where all other couples were swaying to the music. We started slow and romantic.

"How did you know them?" I asked Ethan.

"I didn't know them. They contacted me a few days back and told me how much they wanted to meet you and clear things with you. So here they are." He said.

"I am glad that they came to you."

Afterwards we cut the large and delicious three tier cake. It was beautifully decorated and I almost didn't wish to cut it. We fed each other and our families too.

I never knew that I would get so tired at my own wedding. We were just swaying to the music when...

"Excuse me, can I have a dance with my daughter in-law?" We both turned to face Mr. Monroe who was standing at our side.

"Dad please, its our wedding day. I don't want you to ruin our mood." Ethan said with a hard face. I didn't like the way he had to speak to his own Dad because of me. I didn't want to ruin their relationship.

"Ethan. I won't ruin it for you. Is that what you think of me? That I ruin your happiness?" Mr. Monroe looked genuinely hurt by what Ethan said.

"What you did, after that I don't know what to say." Ethan replied.

"Ethan, it's okay. It's just a dance. I'll be fine." I said to him and rubbed his shoulder to calm him down.

"No, I won't let.. "

"Please." He sighed and turned away from us leaving me staring at his back.

"Shall we?" Mr. Monroe said. I hesitantly took his hand and we began dancing. It was the most awkward moment of my life.

"Ethan looks genuinely happy with you." Mr. Monroe said.

"I love him Mr. Monroe. I'll do anything to make him happy." I replied.

"Look Erica. I never really liked you. Not just because you were Ethan's girlfriend but because you were Caroline's daughter. But then I came to realize that it wasn't your fault. I had no right to blame you when you couldn't have done anything.

When I learnt that you and my boy were having kids, I was shocked to the core. I didn't know if I should be happy that I was becoming a grandpa or sad that you were the mother of the child. But when I saw the way Ethan defend you, going against me, his own Dad I realized that how important you must be for him that he was ready to fight with his Dad. You know he never ever argued with me. Always did what I wanted. I was his father after all. I wanted what's best for him. But that day I came to realize that you were best for him. He would never find a woman that would love him like you do." He finished. I didn't know what to say after this. I had hoped that Mr. Monroe would understand but now when he was telling me all this right on the day of my wedding, it was all too much.

"I don't know what to say Mr. Monroe." I confessed.

"Its okay. I just want to ask you one thing. I want to ask for forgiveness. I can't reverse back what I did but I wish you all the very best for your new life."

"I was never anticipating your apology Mr. Monroe. I wasn't angry at you. But if that makes you feel better then I forgive you..."

My words were cut off by my husband who seemed desperate to get his father off me.

"Enough of talking now, can I have my wife back now?"

"Ethan, I am sorry my son. I wish two all the best best for the future. I am so happy to become a grandpa." Mr. Monroe said stepping away. Ethan was expressionless for a second. Mr. Monroe left and he turned to me for explanation.

"Your dad apologized. I forgave him. It's all better now." I said resting my head on his chest.

"He did?" Ethan asked surprised.

"Yeah. Let's not talk about it now. Ethan, can we sit for a while? My legs are killing me." I said genuinely.

"Sure." Ethan made me sit on a cushioned seat and offerered me some juice.

I saw Ethan's friends by the drinks counter. They saw us looking at them and sent us a wink. Ethan waved at them and they continued drinking.

*****

Almost everyone had left. Only the closest family and friends were left. We both were tired to from the continuous dancing and walking around. I could definitely make use of a soft bed red now.

"Do you want to leave?" Ethan asked.

Yes, I wanted to say, but..

"We can't leave so early Ethan. They are here for us. Unless everyone leaves we have to stay here." I said.

"They'll understand. You look so tired baby and at home you can relax. I'll give your back a nice massage." Ethan's eyes had a teasing glint in them.

"I think I'll manage. I don't need a massage. I know what's going in that head of yours. I'm not falling for it." I replied.

"Really? Then why are you blushing?" He said.

"I am not blushing." I lied and looked away.

"Of course, you aren't." He said and began peppering kisses over my cheek and corner of my lips. It was impossible not to love what he was doing. So I turned to the side in order to let him kiss me properly. We were so lost in each other that we didn't realize someone come near us. It was when that someone cleared their throat that we pulled away.

"Ella." I said blushing.

"Aww. I am so sorry to disturb you guys but mom told me to inform you that you guys can leave now. They'll take care of the rest." She said.

"Yeah, I was just telling her the same thing." Ethan said to his sister.

"Come on." We bid goodbye to everyone and after hugging each and everyone present there we left for home. Our home. The ride in the car was silent. I was leaning my head on Ethan's shoulder for support. Maybe it was just an excuse to get closer to him. Don't ask me why.

This was perfect. Me and him. Husband and wife.

---*-*-*---

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