𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (𝘣𝘹𝘣)

eight

"We'll now have a reading by Benjamin, Olivia and Zach's son."

Benjamin smiles and stands up, holding a paper in his hands. His mom smiles at him, tears in her eyes.

"Zach and my Mom have shown me how someone can bring the other out of a dark place. My mom has shown me courage and strength, to finally feel accepted and loved in another relationship after the last. She has shown me to be open to opportunity and that it is okay to grow."

Olivia brings her hand up to her mouth, her eyebrows furrowing as she watches Benjamin give his speech, her tears probably ruining her makeup.

Benjamin turns his head to look at Zach, who had the biggest smile on his face.

"Zach has taught me to believe in strength and to be able to build up trust again. He takes great care of my mom every single day. He treats her the way she deserves. Zach has stepped in and taken care of me like his own. He showed me what a real father is."

Benjamin wipes his tears and shakes his head. "I'm excited to see what the future holds for them. To see them succeed and prosper as a couple, as spouses, and as my parents. I love you both so much."

**
Noah clears his throat and stands up. After the wedding, it was hectic. Benjamin was helping his parents get into the limo to head over to the building where the reception was being held.

Gabi was micromanaging everyone and trying to keep things in an orderly fashion.

Noah lets out a deep breath, looking around to find Benjamin.

He walks back in, a smile on his face. He walks over to the group, greeting everyone he didn't get to say hi to before the wedding.

"You look amazing! And that speech was beautiful!" Jazmyne smiles as she pulls away from the hug.

"Thank you." Benjamin smiles at Elly, holding his arms out. "Elly."

Elly smiles at him and leans in for a hug. "Missed you, kid. Stop ghosting everyone like that."

Benjamin pulls away, sighing. "Lord knows I'm trying. Uhm, everyone knows where the reception is right?"

"Mhm. And Gabi said we're all gonna meet up at ya place afterward and catch up, right?"

"Yeah, that works."

**
After the reception party, everyone had gone their separate ways. Benjamin hugged Zach and Olivia as they were going away for a week to celebrate.

Gabi lets the group into the condo, though Noah and Benjamin had yet to arrive.

Tatiyana and Lucas had dropped Kehlani off at Lucas's mom's house.

Lucas takes a seat. "Wow. This is nice Gabi."

Gabi smiles from the kitchen, grabbing a few wine glasses. "Thank you. I didn't like my old place so Benny and I moved in together."

Elly takes a seat next to Jazmyne. "Where are they?"

"Oh, he had to help his parents put some things away but they'll be here soon. Noah road with him so they'll be there soon."

Elly hums and crosses her arms. "So...Are they like...together again? They seem awfully close. What happened to Markus?"

Gabi passes out the wine glasses and shrugs. "I don't really know. Benny is kind of secretive with things now and Noah...Well."

Jazmyne shakes her head. "God, I never expected to see those two the way they are. Super disconnected. I mean, when we all left it was just...Normal and now..."