Eternal Flame

Chapter 1

Aria's POV

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Ezra says and wraps an arm around my waist, "Would you mind if I took Aria for a while?"

"Of course not." Emily replies and the girls nod in agreement, "Go have fun. We'll see you later."

Soon we leave the girls alone and Ezra takes me to the center of the dance floor. The light fades away and when Ezra nods to the DJ, a song that I know very well starts playing, and a huge smile spreads across my face. He puts his hands on my waist and I put my arms around his neck, and we start swaying slowly, our eyes never leaving each other.

"I know we'd agreed on that other song but I realized this one was perfect for the occasion. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all." I reply, "Happiness is our song. Everything started with it and considering that today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, it makes sense."

"I can't believe it's been 7 years. We've been through so much since then. "

"It definitely wasn't easy but we made it through and look where life brought us." I say, "Everything that happened to us is part of our story and makes being here today even more worth it."

"It really does," Ezra agrees and kisses my lips. We keep swaying back and forth until the song ends and then decide to stay for a couple more songs.

"I hope you saved a dance for your old man." My dad says, breaking the silence, and I smile.

"Of course, dad," I reply.

"I'll be around. Take your time." Ezra says and leaves my dad and I alone, after giving me a quick kiss on the lips.

"Ever since I saw you for the first time, all I've wanted was for you to be happy." My dad says after a while dancing, "I know we had our ups and downs throughout the years and I will never forgive myself for what I put you through and for not being there for you the way you needed me to. I may not always have been the best father to you and no matter how many times I apologize for that, it will never be enough. But I want you to know that I am incredibly proud of the woman you became and that I love you and your brother more than anything and anyone in the world."

"I know, dad," I reply and he wipes the tear that managed to escape from my eye.

"I haven't always approved your relationship but I want you to know that I couldn't be happier that you found Ezra when you did. I did a lot of things that I shouldn't and that I'm not proud of but that's only because, back then, I didn't know he actually loved you. You were only 16 and I thought he was taking advantage of you and I had to do something about it. I couldn't let anyone hurt my little girl." My dad tells me, "Time made me realize that what you 2 had was real and even though I hated it back then, I have to admit that I'm glad you had him. You went through so much at such a young age and he was there for you in a way your mom and I weren't and I'm forever grateful to him for that. You love him and I know he loves you and despite everything that happened in the past, I'm really glad you two ended up together. You deserve to be happy, and I know you are. That's all I could ask for."

"Thank you, dad." I say and give him a tight hug, "That means a lot to me."

"I hope you're really happy together but if he ever hurts you, I'm going to kill him." He says, and in spite of knowing part of him is serious, I can't help but laugh.

A few minutes later, his phone rings and he quickly gets it from his pocket. Even though I wasn't trying to see who it was, I couldn't help but read Ezra's name on the screen, "Why is Ezra texting you?" I ask as I look around, trying  to find him.