"Still, this is too sudden! The gifts will be delayed!" Eric interrupted with a playful groan.
Rock chuckled and gently wiped Ava’s tears. Vernice was already by his side, dabbing at the tears on his cheeks with a tissue.
"Well, maybe you all should’ve seen it coming," Vernice teased, glancing around. "Rock’s never been the ’grand announcent’ type," she added, her gaze softening as she looked at him.
Rock grinned, winked at his now official wife, and slipped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close with affection.
Darwin snorted. "Neither of you are. But honestly, it suits you two. No fuss, no frills. Just love."
"Yeah, yeah," Jas waved him off, grinning. "We’re still going to throw a real party. You owe us that much."
Vernice raised her hands in surrender. "Fine. I’ll help plan it myself-"
"And I’ll stay far, far away from the planning," Rock muttered dryly, making everyone laugh.
"Oh, stop it! Weren’t you the one already planning a grand wedding ceremony?" Darwin chortled.
Rock mumbled with a playful pout, "And we’ll still do that later!" He narrowed his eyes at Vernice and added teasingly, "But my wife here simply couldn’t wait to tie down!"
Laughter echoed through the room. Vernice’s cheeks flushed as she gave Rock a light pinch, shooting him a loving but annoyed glare.
As the chatter continued, the newlywed couple moved easily between groups. They made sure everyone was comfortable and entertained.
The house, now full of voices and laughter, didn’t feel chaotic, it felt full of life. And as Rock sat with his close friends, watching Vernice laugh with their families, a rare softness crossed his features.
But despite the joy and laughter around them, Rock couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness knowing that Arlan and Sumr weren’t there to celebrate with them.
"Hmm, I bet you’re thinking about Arlan and Sumr too, huh?" Jas said knowingly as he handed Rock a glass of fresh juice. "Today should’ve been a perfect reunion for all of us, especially since the yearly hunting trip got postponed."
"Seriously?" Rock muttered with a shrug, accepting the glass.
Darwin, sitting on Rock’s other side and sipping wine, chuckled. "Yeah, and don’t even think about switching drinks. Vernice gave us strict orders: no alcohol for you, man. We want you to live a long, healthy life with her, so don’t even try cheating."
Jas let out a deep sigh and added, "This celebration is honestly a breather. I’m glad Vernice pushed you into this sudden wedding. It’s exactly what we needed. I know Arlan will be happy when he hears about it."
He paused a beat before adding, "So much is happening in the family these days, and so of it still feels unreal. But no matter what, Rock, you’ve got us, and we’re all behind you and Arlan."
Darwin nodded in agreent. "You know, my son Sebastian is already using his network to help track down Tim. He’s working directly with William on it."
"And my son Eric is fully committed to winning all those court cases against those bastards," Jas added. "Honestly, the whole situation with Carla felt like sothing out of a drama series. Baby swapping? I’m just relieved the truth ca out sooner rather than later."
"Well, that’s heaven’s will," Rock said with a chuckle. "It just proves that God is always in control. Look how destiny played its hand... my son and Rain, Arlan’s real daughter, ended up getting married and falling in love. Now, I’m going to be a grandfather soon!" He raised his glass with a proud grin. "I beat you two to it!"
"Indeed, you’re the real winner this ti, buddy!" the two n said in unison before clinking their glasses with his.
***
After a hearty lunch filled with laughter, teasing, and storytelling, the guests began to trickle out. One by one, they bid farewell, offering final congratulations and promising to visit again soon. The house slowly quieted down, the echo of earlier chatter replaced by a peaceful stillness.
Rock’s sons and his daughters-in-law, together with Ben and lanie, were the ones who escorted the guests outside after bidding them farewell.
Vernice exhaled deeply as she leaned against the back of the couch, smiling softly. "Finally... just us."
Rock walked over and offered his hand. "Co with . I want to show you sothing."
Vernice raised a brow. "Hmm? What is it?"
"A surprise," he said, his tone calm but laced with excitent. "It was supposed to be for after the wedding, but they finished it ahead of schedule. I was planning to show you tonight, but now’s just as good."
Intrigued, Vernice took his hand, letting him guide her down a quiet hallway and up a private staircase she hadn’t noticed before. It led to a different wing of the house, one she had never really explored. The halls here slled faintly of fresh paint and new wood, and soft lighting ward the space with a cozy glow.
When they stopped in front of a double door, Rock turned to her and cleared his throat. "I didn’t want us to use the old master bedroom... the one I shared with Alexa."
Vernice’s expression softened.
"She’ll always be part of my past," Rock continued gently. "But you’re my present... and my future. I wanted to give us a space that’s just ours. Fresh. Untouched. And only for you and ."
He pushed the doors open. Vernice stepped inside and gasped.
The room was beautiful. Spacious, warm, and elegant without being overdone. The large windows frad a view of the garden below. Creams and soft earth tones made the room feel calming.
A plush bed sat in the center with pillows already arranged, while modern but cozy furniture lined the walls. Her favorite books were stacked neatly by a window seat. The curtains swayed lightly as the afternoon sun lit the room with a golden hue.
Her eyes shimred. "Rock..."
"There’s a walk-in closet through that door," he pointed. "And a bath over there. You’ve got a vanity too... I rembered what you said about not liking small mirrors."
Vernice turned around, her chest rising and falling slowly as she took it all in. Rock looked at her nervously. "Do you like it?"
She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she walked back to him, cupped his face, and kissed him softly.
"I love it," she whispered. "And I love you."
A rare smile curved Rock’s lips as he wrapped his arms around her. "Good. Because this is where our new Chapter begins."
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