Aaron's POV : Aaron arrived at Tremark's Steakhouse at 6:50 pm . The manager had truly outdone himself . There were two large tables each with 22 chairs . The tables displayed beautiful centerpieces , plate sets , glasses , and utensils . The row of crystal chandeliers aligned perfectly with the settings . The menu for the evening was braised beef short ribs , with parmesan asparagus tips , and creamed mashed potatoes with a red wine sauce . The appetizers consisted of chilled shrimp , Brazilian steak and pork samples , and sweet puffs . Aaron handpicked the menu himself choosing foods everyone would enjoy . The guest all began to arrive ten minutes later , Aaron had just received a phone call from his mother letting him know they were all on the way , he'd anticipated what Rabena would be wearing . The first to arrive was his father Alvin along with Uncle Pete , Sean , Damon and Vincent . Alvin and Pete were reminiscing about their own weddings when they walked over to Aaron who was now at the door greeting everyone . " There he is ! " Alvin walked over and hugged his son tightly . " I'm so proud of you son . " Alvin looked at his son with fatherly pride , he was one of the few people that knew how devastated Aaron was when he learned Rabena was taken by her biological family . Shortly after , Uncle Pete walked over and gave a stern handshake followed by a hug . " We've been waiting a long time for this day ! I only wish Paul was here to see this . " Aaron gave an emotional smile ; he could still remember the day he'd told Paul he would marry Rabena when he came back from studying abroad . He could still remember Paul laughing . Ha - ha - ha !! " Well , I'm gonna hold you to that Aaron ! As long as you treat my princess right , you'll have my blessings . " Thinking back , Aaron knew he would do everything he could to hold up that promise . Embracing Pete back , Aaron became emotional . " If it means anything Uncle Pete , I'm glad she still has you . In honor of Paul , I'm going to make sure I uphold that promise . " Pete could feel his eyes starting to water , he patted Aaron on the shoulder and made his way over to the table . Next , Sean and Damon walked over . " You know you've always been like family Aaron , I'm glad my little cousin has made it official . Be good to her . " 1/3 12.45 Chapter 37 Aaron gave Sean a heartfelt nod , he'd make sure not let his longtime friend down . Damon walked over , there was a slight sadness in his eyes , he'd told himself he would spend the rest of his life protecting his little sister , now , passing that job over to someone else , Damon found himself feeling like a father giving away his daughter . Embracing Aaron for the first time , Damon became emotional . " Please , take care of my baby sister . Protect her better than my father could ; better than I could . And thank you , for embracing me and allowing me to step up on behalf of her biological family . " Aaron looked at Damon for a moment , he could only imagine how much he must've cursed himself for being powerless to stop his own family . He admired him for being to family Rabena needed in order to survive that house . Smiling slightly , he gave Damon a nob and respect a groom would give to a father . The uncles and aunts from both sides of the families made their way in all giving their heartfelt congrats and hugs . The Michaels ' grandmother followed by Rabena's grandparents were the next to arrive all giving their congrats and well wishes . The time was now 7:10 pm , the stretched limo finally arrived . Lina and Gloria were the first to step out followed by Catherine , Lisa , Gracie , and the friends . The last was Rabena . As Aaron was saying thank you to Pera and Brea , his heart almost skipped a beat . Rabena was absolutely stunning . She was wearing a short off - shoulder black cocktail dress with a long sheer train that draped to her left side . There was a cris - cross design that complimented her curves , and she wore black 4in heels with a diamond flower on the back . Her hair was spiral curled and pinned to the left side mirroring her train with diamond clips . For accessories , she wore classic diamond looped earrings with a diamond necklace and matching bracelet . Her makeup was light but flawless , with light blush , rose colored lip gloss , and light eye shadow . Aaron could hardly believe his eyes , as she made her way to him , his thoughts were running marathons . Pulling her gently towards him , he whispered in her ear . " Only I am allowed to take this off . " Rabena's face instantly went red as Aaron chuckled and kissed her gently on the cheek . Taking her hand into his , finally it was time for the family meeting . The night went off beautifully , relatives that Rabena had not seen for over five years made their way to her hugging and crying happy to see her . " I just can't get over how beautiful you look . " Cora , Grace's older sister cried . Just then , her aunts Della and Sophie made their way to the main table to hug and congratulate the couple . " Little Aaron , we've known you for a long time , you better take care of our baby . " Della cried as she hugged Aaron tightly . One by one all the family members from both sides gushed over how beautiful the couple was . " I'm telling you ! This was a long time in the making ! Alvin said Aaron would marry no one else but Ruby ! " Aaron's uncle Adam laughed as he chatted with Sean and Damon . Alvin and Pete both gave heartfelt speeches to the couple causing wet eyes throughout the restaurant , even the waiters and waitresses were 2/3 Chapter 37 crying . The evening went off without a hitch , Aaron was the last to speak thanking everyone for showing their love and support while welcoming Rabena back home . After dinner , multiple stretched limos made their way to the restaurant to pickup all the guests , the last car to arrive was a town car for Rabena and Aaron . One the way back to the hotel , Rabena snugged under Aaron . In a low voice just above a whisper , she began to speak . " Aaron , if I told you I love you , would you believe me ? " The question caught Aaron completely off guard , his goal was to always make Rabena fall in love , though he hadn't expected it to happen this fast . Without saying a word , He gently pulled Rabena's face to his and gently kissed her lips . After their passionate kiss , Aaron answered her question . " Rabena , I would believe the sky was falling if the words came from your lips . " Blushing , Rabena leaned in for another kiss . That night , Aaron stayed true to his word , he was the one to take the dress off Rabena . As their bodies intertwining for the second time , Aaron wanted Rabena to feel all the love he'd held for her for over five years . There was never another person he had or would ever love the way he loved her . Chapter Comments 凸 2