Ari

Chapter 47

Author's Note: Hey y'all! Just popping in to thank you again for reading. This story was the one that got me writing regularly again after a long time. It was fun to write and fun to read again. Hope you're enjoying it. Let me know if you are! Or what you really think of the story. All thoughts are welcome. Drop a vote if it compels you! Much love 💜

*Ari's POV*

Walking into the reception hall I thought I was walking into a botanical garden. Flowers of purple, orange, and white mixed with greenery were elegantly arranged on the large tables with gorgeous candle orbs in the center pieces. The same orbs in tiny were strung high over the tables around the room creating an outdoor glow. Twinkling as if we were encased in an oasis at night.

Looking at Jun he was just as floored with the decorations as me. We took our place at a huge table next to the dance floor away from the rest of the tables. He grabbed my hand under the table stroking my knuckles while leaning over to kiss my cheek, inciting cheers from the room.

"Patience Mrs. Choi," he whispered in my ear before leaning away, sending chills down my spine.

Seeing him sitting next to me in his beautifully tailored suit and bow tie, it was as if he jumped out of a magazine. I couldn't wait until we were alone to tear it off him. Run my hands through his perfectly styled hair, messing it up deliciously.

Dae and Jayla were up first and gave their toasts. I thought I would need the box of tissues for them, but they both actually came comical.

He told a story about he and Jun on a weekend trip in college to the coast. I wasn't sure if it was a story I wanted to hear but it turned out to be a a fishing story.

They were out on that pier for hours not catching anything and it started to rain. Usually, with Dae keeping it calm this time he was a ball of frustration while Jun was completely at ease in the rain. A calm persistence not wanting to go until he caught one fish. Dae knew then, when things got hard Jun could weather it. His gentle persistence would get him far. And sure enough it did.

Jayla's toast was a list of advice to keep the spice in our marriage to my horrified surprise. Burying my face in my hands as she went on as Jun laughed. Leaning over he kissed my head trying to put me at ease from my embarrassment. But Jayla finished sentimental. Telling us to the best way to keep our relationship exciting is to just keep talking to each other. Communication was the real spice.

I looked over to Jayla and she winked at me as she raised her glass along with everyone else. Giving her a grateful smile and mouthing "Thank you."

The music began and it was now time for Jun and I's first dance to open up the dance floor. A romantic Sam Kim ballad blasted over the speakers. Jun stuck out his hand to me when he stood, gliding me onto his arms on the shiny wooden floor.

The way he smelled, his perfect hair, his arms around my back I naturally eased into him as he led me into a two step, swaying back and forth.

Gazing up in his eyes, I saw my past, present, and future. He grinned and his dimple deepened, looking down at me longingly as the song moved us. I leaned against his chest, feeling his heartbeat. Jun leaned his face to my forehead and exhaled. We fit like puzzle pieces.

"Does all this live up to your romantic standard?" I chuckled.

I could feel his smile. "It's so much more. And the night isn't over," he said cooly. If he wasn't holding me my knees might have buckled.

"You won't be tired after this reception?" I teased.

He hummed softly for a moment, the vibration shooting down between my legs. "Not a chance. I'm too excited to tear into your dress to even think about falling asleep."