Only If

Chapter 30 ( best birthday gift)

ARIS's POV

I brought Ellie to a fancy restaurant where we used to dine whenever we were in Baguio for dinner.  

"Why here?" Ellie

"You don't like here?"

"I like it here. We were used to being here before,"

"Yeah... are you not comfortable, just tell me and we can change place,"

"No, it's lovely here. The ambiance is so serene and romantic,"

"Thanks that you liked it," I said.

"We have so many memories here... happy memories,"

"I want to start building happy memories with you, Arra, and Ella forever,"

"Thanks... Soon, we will,"

"I am happy, sweetheart... I feel complete having you back and having Arra and Ella with us... I know I don't deserve this grace, " I said

"So you're 40 tomorrow?"

"Fortunately, yes... I am happy getting old as long as you, Arra, and Ella are with me... I don't fear my sunsets,"

"Hmmm... flowery words," 

"No, no... I am sincere,"

"Okay... Where did Ivan bring the two kids?"

"Don't worry about them.  I am sure Ivan can take care of them..." I said

"That cunning man!" Ellie

"Hahaha... don't get pissed with Ivan, I know you are special to him,"

"In your thoughts," Ellie said circling her eyeballs and pouting

I smiled, Ellie started her old ways- stubborn.

Ellie is surprised by a violin rendition of 'From this Moment On'  played behind her back.

"Aris---"

"Yes, sweetheart, I promise you from this moment on," I said 

After the playing of 'From this moment on'... 'How Could I Live Without You' followed.

Then a man came and gave me a bouquet,  and I handed it to Ellie while singing 'Could I Have This Dance"...

I'll always remember, the song they were playing
The first time we danced, and I knew
As we swayed to the music and held onto each other
I fell in love with youCould I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Could you be my partner every night?
When we're together, it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? I'll always remember, that magic moment
When I held you close to me
As we moved together, I knew forever
You're all I'll ever need could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Could you be my partner every night?
When we're together, it feels so right
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?

"Aris---"

"Yes, sweetheart, let me dance with you for the rest of my life," I said

Ellie didn't answer me. She hugged me tight, and I felt the beating of her heart.

I hugged her tight too and gave her a peck.

We went back to our villa speechless... but deep within my heart, I feel so happy with the hugs of Ellie. No words were spoken,  but that hug meant a lot to me.