Her Charming Secret

by Sam Ayers

  They got their passes for the boat ride and waited for a while. Alex wanted to show Abigail something, so he pulled her towards the other corner. Jo and Aiden were still able to see them. Jo was clicking pictures of the scenery around them, still as fascinated by it as she was the last time they came. Aiden had his arm around her waist from behind; he rested his chin on her shoulder and pointed out the best scenery to capture in a photo. While she was doing it, she saw Abigail from the corner of her eye. Abby punched Alex’s shoulder in mock-anger; it was pretty clear that he was teasing her again. He pulled her to him, and kissed her even as she tried to wiggle away. She hit his chest a few times in retaliation, before she got swept into the kiss and pushed her hands into his hair, tugging him closer. She smiled against his lips as he tried to decrease even the smallest of spaces between them. They stood there for a few minutes kissing, from small chaste kisses to a full passionate snog, when suddenly they heard Jo wolf whistling at them. She had also taken a few pictures of them; she loved the fact that her best friend was so in love.

  “Ooh la la!” Jo called in excitement.

  “Wow! You’re speaking French. I’m impressed!” Aiden grinned. Jo grinned back at him before taking a shot of him and herself.

  Alex and Abigail broke apart, looking sheepish, but he still had his hands around her waist and she stood in his arms and turned to look at her friend. She smiled at Jo, who waved back and turned away to click more pictures. She clicked a few more pictures of Alex and Abby. She knew Abby would thank her later.

  Jo turned around and faced Aiden. “Aid, is there an unspoken rule in your family that all kids’ names should start with an ‘A’?”

  Aiden chuckled and touched her cold nose. “Not that I know of.”

  “Then why are all your names starting with ‘A’? Aiden, Ashton, Adele, Alex and Aubrey?” She placed her finger on her chin and wondered.

  Aiden kissed her cheek and replied, “No, there’s no unspoken rule. We can actually change that trend with our kids’ names.”

  She jumped in excitement and threw her arms around his shoulder, “Oh yes! I want a boy and I want to name him Gale, if that’s okay with you!”

  “Of course, that’s a cool name.” He smirked. “But I want a girl!”

  “I haven’t checked out girl names yet. Maybe I can give her mine!”

  “Two Jos? No!” Aiden said, surprised. “One Jo is enough!”

  “No, not Jo. Rae. My middle name,” she explained.

  “Gale and Rae! Cool! What about our other kids?” He raised his eyebrow.

  “Wait! How many are you planning to have? No no no! I’m just having two! That’s eighteen months, and four years of babysitting! If you want more, you have them!” Jo looked at him in horror. He laughed at the thought, and once she realized what she said, she laughed too.

  “I know! Two is fine, for now. Who knows, you might change your mind later.” He winked at her and pulled her into a big hug.

  “Jo, Aiden, let’s go guys! Our ride is here,” Alex called as he walked towards them with Abigail.

  “Oh yes! Let this adventure begin!” Jo squealed happily.

  “Adventure?” Aiden asked, confused.

  “Of course! My whole life with you is going to be an adventure!” She winked and jumped to give Alex a high five as she ran ahead, calling Aiden to her. Aiden smiled and ran to catch up with her and Alex, wondering if every day would be just as happy as this for the rest of his life.

  The End