Diana's POV

"Are you legit sure we kept everything and locked everything at home?" Aaron asks me for the millionth time and I feel the need to either slap his mouth shut or just kiss him for his cuteness.

I shake my head, a smile forming on my lips, "Yes, I am sure. We checked that at least five times, the stove and every plug was off." I assure him and then look at Emily who's sitting on the top of baggage, "Right, Em?" I give her a knowing smile and she giggles.

She looks at Aaron and then lifts her right hand beside her forehead and pointing her finger towards it, circles her hand as if to imply, 'He's a gone case.'

I can't help but laugh at her gesture and when I look at Aaron, he's giving both of us a look, "Sure, laugh all you want. It's better to be safe than sorry." He remarks and I can't help but laugh more.

My hand pulls him down a little by the way our hands are attached and I whisper in his ear, "We are not having sex, let alone unprotected sex." I complain and his face flushes a little.

After regaining his composure, he leans down and places a kiss on my forehead but not before whispering, "Soon."

When the boarding for our flight is announced, we decide to not rush to it like all the frenzy people. We make it in time inside, looking for our seats in economy class. Marcel offered us otherwise, to take business class but I refused, only because it's a matter of less than two hours. Aaron makes sure Emily is comfortable as he tucks her into the car seat we brought along to make the flight easier for her and ourselves. I have this urge to squish his face and kiss him till we reach Chicago but considering the people here, I choose otherwise.

"Momma, are we going to fly?" Emily asks and I grin.

"Yes, are you excited?" I answer and her eyes light up with excitement.

"Yupppiee! Momma, we flyy!" She makes a 'zoosh' sound that makes both Aaron and I laugh. "Can I hold your hands?" She asks, looking at Aaron and then me and we both nod, offering her our hands which she firmly holds under her little ones.

When the pilot announces that we are about to take off, Aaron looks over at me and mouths, "I love you."

"I love you." I mouth back and he grins.

"We are moving." I whisper to Emily and the smile on her face reveals every ounce of happiness.

After five minutes Emily squeaks, "Flyingg!"

This is the first time Emily is in a flight, apart from when she was in my womb and I came from California to New York with Marcel. It was very new to me back then, the thought of being pregnant and since then, this is my first time flying anywhere ever since I have settled into New York. Memories from the past flood my mind but I immediately shake them off.

I am not going back to California, I am going to Chicago. But I know what lies for me there, for Aaron to find out and there's nothing I can do to untie the knots of complication. I wish it could have been easier, but it's not, therefore I am going to leave it all upon the circumstances. I may not be ready, but there isn't a way out.

"Hey, did you keep your dress, my suit and her dress?" Aaron asks and I sigh.

"We aren't talking for the rest of this flight." I roll my eyes and he gives me a sheepish smile.

After Emily, Charlotte and Shelly came back from buying the dress the other day, the bride to be announced that she's taking the dress with herself, to make sure it's not ruined. Her indirect accusation did not go unnoticed but I chose not to comment on it. But I made sure to keep my dress and Aaron's suit.

I look at the time and it's eight o'clock in the morning, we'll be landing there by nine thirty, hopefully. Emily's voice cuts me off my thoughts, "Wow!" She exclaims, looking over Aaron because he has the window seat as she stares at the cloud.

"Momma! Bee-tifol!" She looks at me.

Aaron corrects her politely, "Be-au-tiful, Em!" And then his gaze fixes to me, "And your Momma is beautiful."

A blush creeps up on my cheeks but I try to ease it by rolling my eyes. He laughs and Emily joins by giggling him but continues to stare out of the window. He gives me a cheeky grin but I ignore him by focusing on the collection of quotes and poems in my hand. Aaron brought me this book, he said it caught his eye and my heart couldn't the warmth that spread through it at his gesture.

I spend the rest of the flight glancing at Emily and Aaron, both of whom fall asleep after fifteen minutes of take off. I can't blame them, Aaron woke up at five in the morning to ensure we didn't forget anything at home, and Emily slept late yesterday than her normal routine and woke up early. I fluctuate between reading poetry and listening to songs on Aaron's i-pod.

He has a specific playlist there, named 'Dee.' It has all of my favourite songs, in addition with all the song I know he doesn't just want me to listen to, but to concentrate on the lyrics as well. I think I am turning into a cheesy person in his company because as soon as I hear, "All of me." on that list, my heart melts and a smile takes place on my face even though my eyes remain closed because I'm afraid of the tears that might brim. I am extra sensitive today for a person who's sass is her everything.

When the landing is announced, I gently put a hand at Aaron's shoulder and tap a little for him to wake up. He slowly opens his eyes and when they meet mine, a slow smile takes over his features. He moves past Emily's seat and leans to give me a kiss, and I immediately kiss him back, lingering a little. When he parts, he winks at me before stretching his limbs.

"Do you want me to wake her?" He asks and I shake my head.

"I'll just carry her over my shoulder, she needs the sleep otherwise she'll be cranky whole day." I say and he nods.

He looks at the time and frowns, "It's almost ten, we're half an hour late." He says and I smile a little.

"Weather complications, it's December." I remind him and he shakes his head.

When we land, I wait for everyone to disperse before holding Emily in my arms and carrying a backpack. Aaron holds another handbag we carried along with the car seat and we make it to the belt for our luggage that we checked in.

"Why won't you just let me hold that backpack?" He argues as we wait and I roll my eyes.

"Because we have two suitcases that need to be carried, Aaron! You may have muscles, but you're still human." I say and he smiles, making me narrow my eyes, "When I said you have muscles, it was not a compliment."

He chuckles, "Sure." But after a second adds, "Let me hold her, at least."

I want to smack him, I really do but I know he's doing this out of concern so I just stand on my toes, Emily still in my arms and place a peck on his cheeks.

"Thanks for the offer babe, but I am managing just fine." I assure him and he nods.

After we collect our bags, we move to the exit and Emily stirs a little in my arms, all the noise disturbing her beauty sleep. As soon as we step out, the taxis are lining up and Aaron moves there. Marcel also offered to send someone to receive us but I told him I could find my way to the hotel. I can be very stubborn when I want to be.

The driver helps Aaron with the luggage in the trunk. When they are done, Aaron opens the door for me and I smile at him before entering, Emily sleeping peacefully as I lay her in my lap. Aaron enters by my side and tells driver the exact place we need to be.

"Hey, you alright?" Aaron asks me and I nod even though I feel more antsy than usual.

"Are you?" I ask him, referring to exactly what he knows.

He doesn't respond, he just holds my hand for the rest of the drive and I keep my head on his shoulder. After what seems like almost half an hour, we reach the hotel. Marcel is already waiting for us outside and as soon as the car stops, Aaron and I get out to meet him. I give him a polite smile and a side hug as he observes Emily still sleeping my arms and politely shakes Aaron's hand. I look at the hotel entrance and almost want to scoff at Charlotte for getting married in The Langham, one of the best and five star hotel in Chicago. She couldn't have been less predictable.

"I hope the flight was comfortable." Marcel says as he leads us inside and I nod.

"It was, Sir." Aaron replies and he gives us a smile.

The lobby is well lit from the morning light outside and otherwise, screaming expensive. When we reach the reception desk, Marcel doesn't even let us talk as he starts speaks, "One bedroom club river view suite must be booked under the name of Diana Rose." He says and then looks at the two of us, "I presume you'll be sharing the room?" He asks, making Aaron flush.

"Yes, we will be," I say before interrupting, "And a deluxe room will be fine." I tell the man at the reception and he gives me a smile, nodding.

"Absolutely not. I already have your the suite booked, there's no room for argument." He glares at me and then gives a stern look to the guy who just shuffles to provide us a key card. "A crib for a three year old was requested as well." He informs the man who nods.

"We'll provide with it just now. Have a nice stay, Ma'am.. Sir." He says, looking between Aaron and me.

I sigh as the another worker takes our luggage to the elevator and holds it open for us. Emily stirs in my arm and slowly opens her eyes.

"Shh.. keep sleeping, sweet. We're just going to the room." I whisper and she lets out a little groan before closing her eyes again.

It isn't until I hold her in my arms for such long times that I realise that she's growing up. Aaron just stares at the two of us and when we reach the twelfth floor, Marcel hands us the keycard and steps out of the elevator.

Aaron opens the room and as soon as I step in, I can't help but let out a little gasp at what a luxurious suite waits for me. Don't get me wrong, I have seen the best at Marcel's penthouse but it's the view that has me in awe. Marcel has a satisfied smile on his face when our eyes meet.

"All the other guests are staying on the floors below, I assumed you wouldn't appreciate running into anyone, so I requested this room." He explains and I nod, grateful for him being so thoughtful.

"Thanks, Uncle Marcel."

He nods before waving and leaving us. I quietly put Emily to bed and look at Aaron. He has a smile on his face and I gesture for him to sit next to me on the bed, "Come here?"

He doesn't argue, just comes and sits next to me. I pull him a little closer to myself and place a soft peck on his lips. It takes every ounce of strength to hold back a sigh as I bury my head in his chest.

"What's wrong, baby?" He asks and I shake my head.

When I don't say anything further, his fingers tuck beneath my chin as he makes me look at him. When his eyes meet mine, I feel vulnerable, more than ever.

"Why do I have a feeling that you're hiding something from me?" He questions and a knot twists in my stomach.

"I am not." I assure him, even though it just makes him frown more.

"Diana." He pushes and I sigh when I can't hold back.

"Please, just let it go." I beg him.

"Is it about Charlotte?" He asks and I shake my head but then nod again.

"A little. I just can't believe the girl who has bullied me for the most of my life is getting married and that my daughter is a part of her wedding." I say and he nods.

I know he tries to understand the feud between Charlotte and I, but I don't think he'll understand the depth of it until he knows the truth. So, without discussing it further, I let it go.

"Did you keep Lily's file?" I ask, distracting him and he nods, running a hand through his hair.

"I am shitting my pants at the thought of that."

I smile at him, "It's going to be okay, okay? Do you want to go today?" I ask and he shakes his head.

"Nope, I don't want to have a bad mood at the first wedding we are attending together. We'll go on sunday." He says and I agree.

"You should sleep for an hour or two so that we can go out in the evening. I think I can use a few hours to doze off myself." I say and he nods.

"I'll just change into sweatpants and t-shirt." He yawns as he gets up from the bed and I move behind him to bring our bags in the bedroom and hang the clothes in closet.

It takes only a little while to do so and I hang my dress and Aaron's suit carefully. Aaron already has changed and I slip out of my jeans too as I pull on purple sweatpants and a black t-shirt. Meanwhile, two people are escorted in the bedroom by Aaron who instructs them on where to put the crib. When I walk out, the crib is setting on the right side of the bed already and Aaron is exiting the room.

"Where are you going?" I ask, and he turns around to look at me.

A smile immediately erupts on his face as he looks at me, "You look adorable." He comes back to kiss me on the cheek but when he realises I'm still frowning, he speaks up, "And I'm going outside to sleep."

"Duh, the bed is here." I gesture toward it where Emily is curled up in the middle beneath the duvet.

"Babe, Emily and you are sleeping in here." He points out and I roll my eyes.

"Aaron, you have hardly stayed at your apartment from last two weeks. Kids do sleep with their parents, and as much as I hate to admit it, you're growing on her too fast. And, by the way, the crib was requested for a reason. Just stay." I let out a breath and he stares at me.

I am pretty sure if it were two months back, I would have pushed him out of the room myself. But now? I am in love with this man and I am prepared to keep him in my life for as long as I am going to live. He is my family, I have accepted it and I know Emily is on the path of it.

"Are you sure?" He asks and I nod.

"Absolutely. Now I'll just shift her to the crib. And the bed is pretty big, in case you haven't noticed."

He nods and I quietly move Emily. I stand next to the crib, staring at my daughter and smile before I look at the bed and stare at Aaron who's staring right at me.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?" He asks and I grin.

"Not that I recall, but you have a lifetime to tell me. Now shush, and sleep." I say as I get in the bed and he kisses me before his head meets the pillow and he falls asleep, his arms wrapped tightly around me.

I try, I try so hard to fall asleep but when it doesn't come, I just stare at the ceiling. What seems like after six hours to me, Aaron stirs, his hold going a little tight around my waist. Before I can close my eyes and pretend to be sleeping, he opens his eyes and there's immediate concern behind them as he looks at me.

"Hey." He says, his voice hoarse and I turn completely to face him.

My fingers caress his cheek, "Hi."

"I thought we were taking a nap."

I smile a little, trying to ease the lump forming in my throat, "We were. I woke up just ten minutes ago." I lie.

He stares at me but then nods, pulling me closer and our legs tangle together under the comforters. His hand moves to luck a strand of my blonde hair behind ear and my hand rests against his cheek.

"What's on your mind?" He asks.

Aaron has always been patient when it comes to such situations where I am closed off. He doesn't pushes me to talk, he doesn't argue with me to tell him what I am hiding – he just turns into this concerned person who would ask me often about what I am thinking or feeling. He knows if any of those times I want to talk, I will.

"Nothing much, just that I would want to skip the rehearsal dinner tonight." I inform and he frowns.

"Your daughter is the flower girl, may I remind you?" He teases and I smile.

"I know. But I would rather go out with her and you, look at Chicago a little. I hear it's beautiful around Christmas."

It could only be Charlotte's genius idea to get married five days before Christmas. I didn't peg her for someone who would want festive season to steal away her wedding's thunder. Or, maybe she's trying to steal away festive season's thunder by being the centre of attention. That sounds more like her.

"If Mr. Wilson wouldn't be pissed at you, then fine." He shrugs.

I lean in and place my lips on his. When I don't make an attempt to move, he scoots closer, his arm coming to rest around my waist again as he kisses me and I tug at his bottom lip. There's a moan at the tip of his tongue which I know he holds back because Emily is sleeping. Keeping that in mind, I kiss him once more before sliding out of bed.

"She has slept a lot today." Aaron points out when I stand by her crib.

My hands rest by the side before I lean down and stroke her cheek as I call out her name in an attempt to wake her up, "Em.."

She immediately stirs and her beautiful lashes flutter a little before her grey orbs, which look more emerald than usual meet my eyes. There's a pout forming on her lips and I pick her up in my arms, carrying her to bed. I place her in the middle and I half-lie down on the other side from Aaron.

"Good morning angel." I say, and she smiles, a pure smile that almost makes my heart ache.

"Well, I think she had the perfect sleep." Aaron comments, looking at her.

She looks at him and arches her back a little to poke his nose. He pulls a face at her, making her giggle and I smile at them.

"Now, if the two of you are done. We have to get ready and go have fun."

"Momma! Food." Emily says, frowning and Aaron follows her lead.

"Yup, I am starving."

I roll my eyes, "I'll ask room service for milk and a cup of tea. We'll eat out."

Both of them pout at me and I groan, making them smile a little. I am the first to leave the bed and pull out clothes for Emily to wear for the day. I settle on a plain sweater, a muffler and comfortable jeans for her with a beanie.

As I exit the closet, my eyes move to the bed and Emily is sitting on Aaron's stomach as she pokes his face as giggles erupt her. Aaron's trying to pull funny faces as he tickles her and I sigh at the sight. I love seeing them happy.

"Alright lady, enough fun. Time for a bath. And you, order room service." I tell him and he nods.

"Yes ma'am."

Emily loves a hot water bath and doesn't protest much, unless it's too cold and I excuse her on those days because I don't want her to fall sick. It takes me fifteen minutes to bathe her and another ten to dry her up and put her clothes on. I ask her if she want to braid her hair but she just shakes her head.

"Down." She commands and I smile.

When we enter the bedroom, Aaron is watching television, and I narrow my eyes at him.

"The least you could do was pull out the clothes you want to wear." I say and he frowns at me.

"I'll pick up any sweatshirt and jeans and be done for the day. You know that." He points out and I nod.

"Shoo, then! Jump in the shower, I'll go after you."

He nods, getting out of bed and the television still runs in the background so I put a cartoon channel for Emily to watch. The next half an hour is spent getting ready, in which I realise that I take the most time to get ready. Aaron just pulls on a shirt over his head and a jeans and is ready to go. After I come out of the shower, I dry my hair and proceed to do the makeup.

After I am done dressing up, I step into boots. They end a few inches before my knees and I stare at the mirror. I am wearing a warm dress with a cardigan and warm tights beneath it. I realise that I need a haircut, since the ends are reaching almost the middle of my back now when they were just a little beneath my shoulders couple of months ago.

When I get out of the closet, Aaron is making Emily sip on the last of her milk and his cup of tea is empty. As he notices my presence, his eyes meet mine and he takes his time to roam them all over my body. I fidget a little under his gaze and his evident smile tells me that he notices how it makes me feel.

"Ready?" I ask and he nods.

"Absolutely."

I leave a text to Marcel, informing him about my plan to miss the dinner tonight, hoping that he would understand. If he doesn't, I would be a little disappointed. Honestly, I am just not ready to face what's waiting for me at that dinner.