SWNOVELS Chapter 256
Jocelyn and Melvin arrived at the marriage registration center, not particularly concerned with being the first couple of the day to tie the knot. They took a number and waited their turn. "Hey, look who's here!"
Jocelyn was momentarily taken aback when a clerk greeted her, but she soon recognized the face.
It was the same clerk from two years ago, who had assumed she was there for a divorce because she had been waiting alone for so long, looking distressed.
He once said that if her husband didn't show up, it meant he didn't want to split.
"Actually, last time I was here to get married too," Jocelyn said, clutching Melvin's hand tightly and smiling. "Back then, he got cold feet and ran away."
The clerk sized up Melvin, who hung his head in guilt.
"You didn't make it two years ago, but here you are now. That just means back then wasn't the best time for you two to be husband and wife. Now is perfect," the clerk said with a smile. "Everything has its right moment. And today, everything is aligning for you. May your everyday follows be as blissful as today."
"Thanks," Jocelyn replied with a smile.
"Congratulations!" The clerk ushered them toward the main hall. "Go ahead and register."
With a nod and a smile, Jocelyn led Melvin into the hall.
Leaning on his shoulder, Jocelyn watched another couple at the counter completing their paperwork and moving aside to take their vows.
"Are you nervous?" she asked, still concerned about Melvin's feelings.
He shook his head.
Jocelyn's eyes drifted to the ring on his finger. She had taken it out that morning and slid it on. There had been no grand proposal, but he had placed the ring on her finger with such gravity. She had done the same for him.
Simple and unpretentious - the ultimate human aspiration.
How many people just wish for simplicity?
Jocelyn and Melvin approached the counter. The clerk reviewed their documents, handed them forms to fill out, and then presented them with the marriage certificate
On the podium, Jocelyn and Melvin exchanged glances and recited their vows. When the officiant's name was signed, they were handed their certificate.
The photographer asked to take a few more intimate shots. Melvin looked lovingly at Jocelyn, his emotions genuine rather than just for the camera.
Tears of joy brimmed in Jocelyn's eyes as she returned his gaze, her smile hardly hidden.
Before the photographer could prompt for a kiss, Melvin's lips met Jocelyn's in a tender embrace that lasted until the camera's continuous clicks ceased. Leaving the registration center, Jocelyn admired their photos in the car, her cheeks flushing with every glance.
The photographer had captured their essence perfectly - like a sweet scene from a hit series.
Holding the marriage certificate, she felt a rush of excitement.
"Melvin, we're really married," she marveled.
Sitting beside her, Melvin simply held her close. "I'm sorry for runny away last time," he whispered.
Jocelyn sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. "The clerk was right, everything has its perfect timing. This must be the best arrangement for us." Melvin hugged her tighter. "Thank you."
Curious, she looked up. "For what?"
"For still having faith in me, despite everything," Melvin's voice was thick with emotion.
He knew how much she loved him, just as he knew how much of a fool he had been.
Jocelyn laughed softly. "I chose my tree in the forest. Whatever the outcome, I was ready for it."
His hug tightened.
Jocelyn had waited for him for so many years.
"Let's head back. My parents are waiting for us to celebrate," Jocelyn said, gently patting his side, urging him to start the car.
Melvin kissed her forehead and released her.
Throughout the drive, Jocelyn couldn't help reading the marriage certificate again and again.
At a red light, she intertwined her fingers with Melvin's, snapping a photo of their entwined hands and the certificate's heading. Then she shared it on Twitter with the caption, "I'm grateful it's always been you." As likes quickly poured in, Ursula was the first to text her directly: [You tied the knot?]
[Yeah.] Jocelyn replied, the smile playing on her lips as she typed. She glanced at the man beside her, who was focusing intently on the road as he drove.
[When's the wedding?]
[No plans for that just yet.]
[What? No wedding? Why not?]
[It's all a bit sudden; we're not prepared, there's just not enough time.]
[But you've already got the certificate. Are you ever going to have one?]
[When we hit 60, we've made a pact.]
[Got it. Well, if you're not throwing a wedding bash, that's one less expense for us.]
Jocelyn caught her drift and laughed.
[How long is your honeymoon going to last? I am looking forward to a present from you.]
[We'll be back in a couple of days. Got to get ready for the new school semester, you know. And don't worry, your gift's already packed. After all the years you two have been circling each other, you've finally made it official. I'm so happy for you!]
Jocelyn's grin never faded. [From the moment I first saw him, I knew he would become my husband one day.]