Chapter 633 Weddings And Meetings (The End) (1/2)

Rachel felt the familiar warmth from Hiram's arms as they wrapped around her. She had lost count of how many times these same arms had held her. She touched a hand to his arm in quiet contentment. It always struck her how the years have not dulled their love. At present, Joyce, her only daughter was about to get married and live a life of her own, and they, Hiram and she, were still beside each other. Hiram spoke to her softly,”We were very blessed to be her parents and raise her for the past years. Twenty years, huh? I never could have imagined how quickly time would pass by. I can't believe it would be this difficult to let her go.” Hiram paused and turned Rachel to him. ”But we both know that it's her time now, and she has found someone to spend the rest of her life with.” He took Rachel's hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. ”Just like you and me.”

Rachel's chest tightened as a myriad of emotions passed through her.

She was happy, and yet, tears were hovering in her eyes. She cracked a small smile to Hiram and said,”I know. She'll be my little girl forever. And today, I'll give her my blessings and my best wishes with a smile.”

Hiram lifted a hand to caress Rachel's face. They were not young anymore—there were lines deepening on Rachel's eyes and forehead, and several gray strands were strewn over the crown of her head. Hiram marveled at the sight of his wife. There was a calm, wise air about her. She had aged gracefully. He caught his breath as he gazed into the brightness in her eyes and thought to himself, 'Beautiful!' ”If there's one thing that I am truly happy about today, it's that our daughter would know what I have always felt like with you. Just the very idea that she would be filled with the same kind of happiness I found with you is enough for me,” Hiram said, his eyes laying tenderly over Rachel.

They had been together for many years already, and he was looking forward to more years with her.

”Mom?” Joyce's voice reached them, and they turned to their daughter at the same time. She walked towards her mother. Rachel noticed how her eyes were red as well. She must have been crying too. She opened her arms and embraced her daughter. ”Mom, if you're not yet ready for me to get married, it's okay. I can wait. I will stay with you for a couple more years…” Joyce said, her voice cracking at some of her words.

Rachel smiled at her daughter and placed a hand on her cheek. ”Don't be silly, my love! Every girl dreams of their wedding day, and I know you are too!

That's true that it is difficult for me to let you go. You're my one and only daughter, but my wish for your happiness is above everything else. If you are able to live happily, that will be the greatest gift to me.” The mother and the daughter embraced each other once more, smiling through the tears that they were no longer able to hold back. Hiram watched them with a small smile on his face.

Right at this moment, Simon also came inside.

He first turned to Rachel and said,”Aunt Rachel, I will not make any empty promises, but please keep watching over us. You will see with your own eyes that I will devote myself to your daughter's happiness. I will do everything to be worthy of her.”

Rachel nodded to him and reached out for his hand, placing it with one of Joyce's. She looked at the two of them, so young, and yet, she recognized the look in their eyes as their gazes met. It was the same look that she and Hiram gave each other.

”I believe you, Simon. I trust that you will make my daughter happy,” she said, and then turned to Joyce. ”You two still have a long way ahead of you. Joyce, you need to be able to control your temper better. You have to learn to accept him wholly. That is what it means to love someone. Do you understand?” Rachel looked at her daughter tenderly, hoping that her words to Joyce would serve her well in the future.

Joyce nodded her head and squeezed her hand. ”I understand, Mom. I'll try my best.” She paused for a moment before continuing. ”And you know, even if I get married, you don't have to be so sad. I'll come by whenever I can, and I won't let you be lonely.” The two of them smiled at each other and embraced one more time.

After dinner, Jonny and Simon went out to take a walk. They walked silently side by side. It was Jonny who first spoke to break the strained atmosphere that had settled between them.

”I'll say this now, Simon. Joyce is my only sister and the only daughter of my parents. Her happiness is as important to me as my own, and I can see how important you are to her.” He looked at Simon straight in the eye. ”Make her happy. If you dare break her heart, I want to remind you that she has me, Chester, and our father, we will not let you off easily,” he said half-jokingly, but the two men both knew the meaning behind his words.

He let out a sigh and gave a small laugh as he patted Simon's shoulder.

Ever since the start of their lives, her twin sister had shared everything with him. Now, she was about to get married

“Let's go and register our marriage on your birthday!”

Marrying Daniel should have been her best birthday gift, but everything was ruined the moment when she caught him sleeping with another woman on the day before her birthday.