For a while, Aiden and Nayomi simply looked at each other.
The awkwardness hadn't disappeared completely. Nayomi was still adjusting to the extraordinary fact that she had just agreed to marry the man who had saved her and her son.
Yet she no longer felt the need to hide every emotion behind lowered eyes or nervous excuses.
Aiden had made it clear that he wanted her to choose him freely.
And she had.
Then Aiden leaned a little closer.
Nayomi's breath caught.
He paused, looking into her eyes.
"May I kiss you?"
Her face flushed.
She nodded.
"...Yes."
Aiden moved slowly, allowing her to meet him halfway.
Their lips touched.
"Nayomi."
Her ears immediately stood upright.
"Y-Yes, Aiden?"
"You're awfully quiet."
"W-Well, that's because…"
"Because?"
She fiddled with the edge of her red-and-cream garment.
"...Because you're looking at me."
Aiden chuckled.
"Am I not allowed to look at my future wife?"
Her cheeks turned crimson.
