August 6 2020
THE RECEPTION TENT, GOLDEN HOUR
The reception was set beneath a glowing white tent, strung with lights and filled with soft music, laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses. Tables were adorned with eucalyptus, orchids, and silver-rimmed candles. Mateo wore a tiny bow tie, passed from arm to arm — everyone wanted a turn holding the baby who had seen them through so much.
AJ changed into her reception dress — a silky, off-the-shoulder white gown with pearl buttons running down the back. She looked relaxed for the first time in months.
Dave hadn't taken his hand off her since the kiss.
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FIRST DANCE
Their first dance was to an old Spanish ballad her mother used to hum in the kitchen. AJ had chosen it secretly. Dave held her close as they swayed, slowly, both of them whispering things only the other could hear.
Maria, Carla, and Tony watched with wet eyes.
Then came the toasts — Jasmine's was chaotic and sweet, Martin's was sarcastic but loving. Parker tried to read something serious and nearly choked on champagne. The room roared with laughter.
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MATEO'S MOMENT
As the music slowed again, AJ took Mateo into her arms and stepped onto the dance floor.
AJ - His first dance,
she said with a smile, looking down at her son.
Dave joined them. The three of them spun slowly beneath the canopy of lights as everyone stood to applaud.
Even Luke, from the edge, smiled quietly — his protective eyes soft for once.
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MARIA'S SURPRISE
After the dance, Maria stepped onto the small stage, Daniel beside her. She clutched a small remote and a tissue.
Maria - Before AJ's parents passed
Maria began,they recorded something. We never knew when the right time would come to show it. But today... she becomes a wife, and already is a mother. Today felt right."
The screen flickered on.
A slightly grainy video filled the canvas: her mother and father — smiling, young, seated on the couch in their small old home. Her father had his arm around her mother, who was already teary.
> "Mija," her mother said softly. "If you're seeing this, it means you found love. The kind that heals you. The kind we always wanted for you."
Her father grinned, his voice rough and warm.
> "And if he's standing next to you, we hope he knows he married a woman who could rebuild the world if it burned down."
> "We're so proud of you," her mother added. "So proud. Don't let life make you hard. Love is worth it. You are worth it."
AJ's knees nearly gave out. Dave caught her, holding her tight as she buried her face in his shoulder.
There wasn't a dry eye in the tent.
---
LATER THAT NIGHT
As the guests danced under the stars and Mateo dozed on Carla's chest, AJ stood at the edge of the dance floor watching the lights sway.
Luke approached quietly.
Luke -You okay, Doc?
She nodded, voice quiet.
Cheyenne -I think I finally am.
