[Harvest Moon: A New Beginning] Rio to the Rescue

The Reception

Neil was in awe of the woman standing next to him—his wife. He couldn't hold back the grin that took over his face when he saw her walking down the aisle. He meant every word he said in his vows; she had saved him and today she looked exactly like the angel he viewed her as.

As they walked together toward the farmhouse to get changed into their reception clothes, Neil turned to her. "Can you believe we're finally married?" He certainly couldn't. How did an antisocial guy like him get to spend the rest of his life with someone so happy and carefree and loving? She was everything he wasn't and for some reason, they still fit together nicely.

Rio was blissfully happy and it showed on her face as she turned to her husband and answered, "No! It's weird... it seems like we just met but also like I've known you forever. Is that how it is for you?" He nodded. "I guess it will always feel like that. We'll continue to get to know each other better than anyone else, yet it will never feel like enough time spent together."

When they reached the house, the first thing Rio did was chuck of the heels Allen insisted she wear. "God walking in those things is torture. Time to put on real shoes!"

Neil laughed, amused that Rio could go from deep and romantic to goofy in just a matter of seconds. She really was something else, but he wouldn't have her any other way. "Hey, Ri, what should I wear? I don't really want to stay in this monkey suit the whole night."

She returned to the living room wearing a shorter, white lace dress and a pair of white, glittery tennis shoes. "Keep the shirt and tie, lose the bottoms for some dark jeans and keep the shoes. You can take the tie off after the first dance and cutting the cake, after that it's pretty much a free-for-all."

"Roger that."

After dressing and spending a few moments together enjoying the quiet, Neil pulled his beautiful bride up from the couch and ushered her out the door. "Let's get going, Ri, I don't want Allen to storm over here to yell at us for being late to our own party."

They held the other's hand tightly as they walked over to the Diner where the reception was held. Neither really enjoyed the spotlight, especially Neil, but that's what the reception was all about.

When they walked inside, Rio gasped at the transformation that had taken place within. Fairy lights and white tulle hung from the ceiling, giving the entire room a warm, glowy atmosphere. Candles and flowers from her very own garden decorated each table. There were nametags at each seat for the guests, as well as a bunch of blank notecards for everyone to write the newlywed couple congratulations.

The most impressive part, however, was the dance floor. More than half of the Diner was cleared of tables and various colored lights shone down on the floor. A sound system sat somewhere in the back corner.

When Allen noticed the couple arrive he tapped his fork on his wine glass, gaining the attention of everyone inside. "Now that the couple of the hour has finally arrived, I would like to say a few words."

Neil looked at Rio and rolled his eyes in preparation for what was sure to be a sappy toast. Allen loved romance so he was in his element.

"I met Rio about two years ago after finding out she was the one in charge of modeling and designing my house. I immediately felt a bond with her that I have only felt with my late sister, so I knew I had to be her friend. Everything about her is joyful—her eyes, her smile, her laugh, you name it!"

The crowd "Awwed" and he continued. "She's always been capable of putting a smile on anyone's face, no matter how tired, sad, or rude they may be." He looked knowingly at Neil. "I knew she'd be able to break down the walls of the most unapproachable man in town—Neil."