Imperfect Desires

"Do I have to cover my eyes for this surprise?" joked Xiu when she led out of the house by both her fathers. 

They didn't take her far, in fact, she was brought back to the house she had been living in for the last few months now. However, when Xiu had just stepped inside the garden, she was stunned to her place.

It was supposed to be a place she was really familiar with. She often took walks in this very garden with Darren. But today, the same garden looked so unfamiliar to her. She looked at the board that was placed by her side which read, 'Welcome to the wedding of Regan and Xiu. It's never too late to live happily ever after.' There were even small hearts doodled at the corner.

Right before her eyes were the aisle decorated with floral petals. Shepherd hooks suspended flower arrangement was done on both sides of the walkway. White and peach-colored flowers and green leaves dominated the whole setting. It looked like a dreamy garden wedding but it had a very intimate feel to it.

Xiu blinked the tears that welled up in her eyes as she looked at Darren in a suit standing right there waiting for her. She wanted to glare at her fathers for hiding this from her but when she looked at their smiles, she lost her momentum. 

Xiao Li ran over and put a flower crown on Xiu's head. He tapped her nose saying, "You're the most beautiful bride ever."

Xiu scoffed at his words, "Liar!"

Ah-Si also came over and gave her a loose bridal bouquet. The bouquet was made of light-colored blossoms, wildflowers, and ample foliage. "Sister Xiu, do you like the surprise?"

"Shut up! Don't talk to me right now!" said Xiu as she held the bouquet and glared at him.

Ah-Si instantly shut his mouth. It wasn't that she didn't like this surprise. She was just taken aback a little. Adding on the fact that hormones were raging during this period, she was overwhelmed with emotions right now.

She really wanted to cry out but she also wanted to smile at how touched she was because of the surprise. But in the end, she was so conflicted by her own emotions that she was left in a daze. 

She didn't notice when Dylan and Nora walked down the aisle together as taking the responsibility of the best man and maid of honor respectfully. But when she did, she couldn't help rolling her eyes at Nora's cheeky smile.

Soon after, the ring bearer carried the rings down the aisle to the altar. Xiu looked at Jackie and chuckled at how he looked like he didn't want to be the one doing this job but he had no other way out. Besides, it was his Sister Xiu's wedding, he had to take this big responsibility on his small shoulders.

Right behind him, Ava and Asteria played the role of flower girls. For some reason, Jackie slowed his pace when the flower girls joined him on the aisle. Xiu couldn't help laughing heartily at this scene.

She only came back from the high of this surprise when her fathers brought her to Darren who had been waiting for her at the altar. While giving her hand to Darren, both Xin Zimen and Xin Zemin stared down Darren.

"You, take care of her."

"Don't let her get hurt."

"She is a little crazy but you must not complain."

"She isn't difficult though. Anything can make her happy."

"So, you keep her happy."

"Always!"

Darren looked at both of them and nodded his head, "I'll keep doing my best." Then he faced and whispered, "Oh, who is this? Isn't this the most beautiful bride in the world?"

Xiu's lips twitched at Darren's cheeky compliment.

*Cough!*

Both of them turned their head and Xiu smiled sheepishly at Jing Ge when he said, "Dear groom, don't forget I'm standing here. Don't flirt with my daughter right before my eyes."

"But I'm flirting with my wife," responded Darren.

"I don't care," said Jing Ge and faced everyone with a serious look. He was playing the role of the officiator of this wedding. And he seemed to be taking it quite seriously. As everyone took their seats, he addressed everyone, "Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to witness the union of these two love-birds. As friends and family of the bride and groom, it must be no secret to you all how much these two love to spread dog food around."

Okay, maybe Xiu was overthinking about it. He really wasn't as serious as he looked.

"Uncle Jing!" she called out. "What are you doing?"

"You can make me sick of sweets and I can't even talk about it?" retorted Jing Ge.

Nora laughed out and gave her father a thumbs up, "Dad, I'm proud of you."

Xiu made a face Jing Ge and complained, "I thought you want to make it a good day for me."

Jing Ge touched her head and chuckled, "Aiyah! I can't win when it comes to you." He took a pause and looked at Darren and Xiu, "I won't waste anyone's time here since I don't think both of you need to know what significance marriage and love have. So, let's exchange the vows."

Darren pressed down on Xiu's hand and looked into her eyes, "You know I've been trying to write the vows for the past three days, and even at this point, I haven't been able to write more than three words. I love you!" Xiu bit her lip as he continued, "That's all I have to say. I love you. I don't think it sums up what I feel for you, but that's all I can say." She looked at her sheepishly, "I have never been so bad with words, right? You always said I'm a sweet-talker but look at me now when I'm supposed to say something, I don't even know what to say to you. But just know, I'm always here. Always with you."

Xiu shook her head at him and smiled while holding back her tears. In fact, she didn't need to hear anything from him. She had no doubt regarding how much he loved her. And he was telling the truth, except for that 'I love you' he couldn't tell her anything. But those three words were the only promise she needed. 

Yes, life will never be the same. Yes, they'll fight, after all, she is crazy. There is no way they'd be able to live without arguing. Life can't always be smooth sailing. But throughout it all, he'll be there. And that was all that mattered.