Puzzles and Pieces ✔

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

"I'm so glad you could make it."

Amira was dressed head to toe in white fabric and jewels. Her hair has been styled into soft waves which framed her face perfectly. She was dressed so beautifully but the only thing I couldn't take my eyes away from was her smile that stretched from ear to ear.

The venue really was extravagant as there were chandeliers and gem-covered vases placed on every table. Even the dessert was made to look like they were little piles of edible jewels. She must've really saved up a lot of money to have her dream wedding. I genuinely was happy for her.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." I leaned in to hug her and she quickly put down her wine glass to reciprocate.

"Did you come alone?" She asked as she pulled away from the embrace.

I shook my head. "No, Kyle is here with his boyfriend today. They seem to be really enjoying themselves."

"That's not what I meant, hun." Amira smiled softly before picking up her glass and taking a sip.

"I couldn't bring my father-in-law. He has to be at work today."

"I don't mean that either."

She looked at me with an expectant look waiting for me to realize what she meant. I stared back at her, not knowing what exactly she was trying to say.

"A date, Josh. I'm asking if you brought a date."

"Oh." I became flustered and could feel the heat rise to my cheeks.

I cleared my throat in an attempt to rid of my embarrassment but Amira seemed amused.

"The kid is all grown up now, isn't he? You don't have to constantly worry about him anymore." Her eyes wandered over the event hall before she was able to spot Kyle.

Kyle was with his boyfriend on the dance floor. He was slightly hunched over laughing while his boyfriend continued to flap his arms as a form of goofy dance. I felt a tinge of sadness but it was quickly overcome with relief as he seemed to be enjoying himself.

"I know, it's just... a parent's job is never done honestly." My shoulders raised slightly in an attempt to shrug but they refused to go back down to their original position.

Amira shook her head slightly "How is he lately? Still giving you trouble?"

"I've saved up some money to get him to therapy for some time. He wanted to help out with costs though so he got a part-time job."

"Aw. He's a cute kid." A small frown slowly formed on Amira's face. "He really does look like Caleb, doesn't he? He's nearly identical."

"Hm, well..."

Should I say something? He's old enough now. But, would anyone really believe me?

"He is genetically related to Caleb after all." That was all I could manage to say.

"You guys got a surrogate?" Amira's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"You could say that." The less I say the better. "By the way, how were you able to make the venue look so amazing? Did you have to spend a lot on it?"

Her eyes lit up with happiness. I could tell she's really happy with how the wedding turned out.

"You see, there's this thing called a wedding tax so I have some friends in the wedding industry that were able to whittle down the price for me to something more affordable."

"Wedding tax?"

"Yeah, most places increase the price greatly for weddings just because of how the wedding industry works." She pointed to the bedazzled vase of flowers next to us with her glass. "You see those flowers?"

"Yeah."

"I was able to get them for three times less their original price."

"What? No way." I wonder if I'll be able to find workarounds if I ever get married.

"Right?" She took another sip from her glass. "I just can't believe I'm having my dream wedding. I always imagined this day ever since I was a little boy. Never thought I would be able to wear the dress myself but here I am."

"I'm so glad your dreams came true. I hope all of your dreams can come true."

"You're too sweet, hun. I'll have to give you another hug because of that, come here."

She leaned in to hug me a second time and it lasted longer than the last one.

"I hope you'll have a lifetime of happiness," Amira whispered and I could tell from the hoarseness in her voice that she was tearing up.

"I should be the one saying that to you." I pulled her away from me with my hands on her shoulders. "Don't cry, it's your big day. There's still a lot of celebrating you need to be doing with your husband. Your mascara might run too."

A bittersweet laugh came out of her mouth and she lightly wiped away a tear with her index finger.

"Now, go enjoy your night. I can't hold you hostage the whole time. You have way more family than just me." I shooed her away and she flashed me a smile.

"Don't forget to enjoy yourself too. Maybe you might even meet someone new here." She gave me a wink and I couldn't help but roll my eyes playfully at the comment.

"Mm, sure."

"Dad?"

Kyle's sudden appearance nearly made me jump. I turned around to see that he was standing there by himself. His boyfriend wasn't there with him and my eyebrows slowly scrunched together in confusion.

"How come you're here alone?"

"Washroom." He tilted his head to the right side to show me the general direction of where his boyfriend left to. I could see the doors to the washroom and I nodded in understanding.

"Ah, no wonder."

"Dad? Can we talk for a moment?"

He looked visibly troubled as he kept looking down and biting his lower lip. He was even doing that thing where he was moving a foot uneasily.

"Sure, what's up bud?"

"Have you thought about... maybe dating anyone?"

"Huh? Why?"

"I just noticed lately you keep looking at couples and have a sad look on your face today. I was wondering if you wanted to date anyone again."

I was? I guess I hadn't noticed.

"I'm too old to date, you don't have to worry about that. Anyways, I can't neglect you for a love life." I tried to lightly brush off the topic but Kyle only frowned more.

"Dad, it's fine. You can date someone."

"Are you sure? I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

"Dad. It's fine. I'm technically an adult now." I had forgotten he had turned eighteen just a month ago. It still felt like yesterday that he was a lost teenager.

My lips formed into a tight line. "Hmmm, still. I don't want you to feel alienated."

"Dad, honestly it's fine if you want to date. I don't want you feeling lonely either."

His eyes stared at me with concern and certainty. I'm not old enough to be taken care of by my children yet.

I cleared my throat. "Well, even if I decided to date, I can't exactly just find someone so quickly."

"Dad, just at least think about it?"

"Hm, alright." My shoulder slumped forward a little. I couldn't believe Kyle was the one to approach me first about this subject. I always imagined that if I did find someone new, I would sit him down and talk about it then.

Ugh. Why did my thought process sound like the way I introduced my first boyfriend to my parents?

"Also, Dad?" Kyle piped up again and I snapped myself out of my thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"It's a wedding, talk to more people than just auntie Amira."

With that, he left me to meet with his boyfriend again.