"I love you Ethan"

I finally admitted to him. He looked surprised at first but then, he smiled at me and hugged me.

"I love you too Emily. I realised this a long time ago but I was too much of an egoistic jerk to admit it in the beginning. I'm sorry about everything. I'm very happy you've finally admitted your feelings. And I'm also sorry for ignoring you. I was selfish at that moment. I was just desperately wanting you to reciprocate my feelings without giving you any space"

My heart warmed out to him. I put my lips on his gently as he tightens his grip on my waist. I could feel his smile against my lips.

*****

"Dad!"

"Mom!"

I ran to hug them when they arrived for dinner.

"I missed you guys"
I smiled to them and pulled my Dad's cheek. I was a daddy's girl and I considered him as my friend.

He pulled me into a hug and ruffled my hair. I hugged my mom as well and gave her a peck.

I sat down at the table while my parents interacted with Ethan's parents.

Ethan slipped into the seat beside me while Bennett sat next to Elsie. Our parents finally sat down and dinner began soon.

There were little chats over dinner. Ethan interrupted with an announcement and the pacing of my heart set into motion.

"Dad, Mom, Uncle Caspian and Aunt Katyln"

All eyes snapped to his direction as he called out.

"I and Bennett have an announcement"

I sipped my juice nervously. I was about to see their reaction when Ethan breaks the news to them.

"I'll start first. I'm with Emily now and we're in love"

He squeezed my hands and smiled at me, realizing I was tensed up.

"Do I hear double bells?" His mom asked.

"Yes aunt. I'm with Elsie now"
Bennett responded.

"And we're in love"
He mimicked Ethan and we all burst out laughing.

"Aww"
The four parents said in unison.

"That's wonderful"
My dad said, my dad said shooting us a grin.

"Yes it is"
Ethan's dad emphasized.

"I guess this is a night full of good news because I have some good news for Ethan and Bennett. Joel is returning tonight"

Aunt Sylvia said while smiling at her husband mischievously.

"That's great!"
Ethan and Bennett both said in unison.

"But why didn't you tell us

Who was Joel? I'm guessing maybe he's Ethan's other sibling or something.

"Let's make a toast"

Uncle Caspian held up his glass of champagne. We held ours up,  made a toast and then clicked our glasses against each other while saying "cheers".

" And our birthdays are coming up shortly, in two days"
Elsie said.

I totally forgot to tell you that I and Elsie have the same birthday, another reason why we're so inseparable. We are like sisters.

"That's great. Let's celebrate it here then. After that, Emily can return home but she and Elsie have become like daughters to me and they're welcomed here anytime"
Aunt Sylvia said. She was such a sweet soul.

They all agreed. Dinner was over and my parents left for home. I, Elsie, Bennett and Ethan were having a movie night.

I settled in by Ethan and a smile lit his face. I was at peace.