The loss we suffered almost destroyed us. We spent months apart struggling to grieve and deal with the dangers and threats that were lurking.
So much time wasted when we’ve loved each other all along.
If there’s one thing losing our son has taught me, it’s that you can’t take a single moment for granted. You can’t predict what’s to come or how long you have with a loved one. The people you love might not always be there, and the future you’re looking forward to might never arrive.
Time is that limited; it’s truly that precious.
I love Jinnow. He loves me the same. We’re engaged and together and wanting to build our life together.
So… what are we waiting for?
It’s half past nine by the time we gently ease Mom into the idea we’re leaving and we emerge from her townhouse. Jin clutches my hand tight as he walks me down the block to the rental car we’ve parked on the street.
The rest of the neighborhood is quiet and dark, with only streetlights and a few windows glowing in the homes we walk by.
We’re silent ourselves, so full and content that we’re at peace.
There isn’t much to say until Jin stops to open the passenger’s side door for me and I look up at him and utter the most spontaneous words I ever have.
“Let’s get married,” I say simply.
He blinks at me, confusion flickering across his features. “We are getting married. I proposed this afternoon, remember? You were there, Tokki-ya.”
I shake my head, my heart pounding. “Um, I mean... let’s get married now. Tomorrow. This week.”
The confusion remains on his face, and I almost laugh. I know I sound crazy and it’s out of the blue, but sometimes it’s called for. This is absolutely one of those times.
“Jin, I’m tired of waiting,” I say, stepping into him and resting my hands on his chest. “We were talking about a summer wedding anyway, remember? We’ve never wanted anything big or elaborate anyway, and we always wanted my mom to be there. So why not now? Why not here in Philly? We can finally makeit real.”
He stares down at me, searching my eyes. “Are you serious?”
“I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. I don’t want to spend another day as Monroe Ross when I could be Monroe Seo. I don’t want to spend weeks or months planning silly details for a wedding when all that matters is marrying you. I just want to be your wife and I want you to be my husband. As soon as possible. While we’re both here together and we have the chance. Before we lose any more time. Is that crazy?”
His expression relaxes as his large hand comes up to cup my face. “No, it’s not crazy, Tokki-ya. Time is never guaranteed.”
“I’ve learned that enough times to last me a lifetime. My dad, Eli, ourson. Jin, I love you, and I just want to start our life already.”
“I would marry you right now,” he confesses. “On this street in the middle of the night, if there was an officiant who happened to walk by.”
I laugh, then I’m kissing him. I’m rising on tiptoe and he’s bowing his head to meet me halfway as our lips come together. We kiss slowly and sweetly and part only once we’re satisfied, sharing small smiles.
“So we’re doing this?” I ask. “We’re eloping?”
He nods, tracing the curve of my cheek with his thumb. “We’re eloping. Tomorrow.”
We meant what we said when we agreed to elope and get married the next day. Once the sun comes up, we’re sorting out how we’ll go about it.
Thankfully, Mom’s not only supportive, she personallyknows the pastor and his wife at the small chapel in the neighborhood.
It’s the same place where my parents got married over thirty years ago. It almost feels serendipitous so many moving pieces would click together in this way, allowing for me and Jin to wed at the same place.
The chapel is modest and private, with wooden pews well-worn from decades of use and stained-glass windows that welcome the sunlight at all hours. The altar is simple but ornate with fresh flowers, and the pastor is more than happy to carve out some time in his morning to officiate our happy union.
Even our attire is nothing fancy or flashy.
Mom wears a church dress with a floral pattern and serves as our only attendee. Jin’s in a simple white button-down shirt with a tie and some slacks, his messy jet-black hair slightly less unruly for the occasion. I’ve been lucky enough to dig a summery white dress out of my old bedroom closet at Mom’s house, with thin straps and flowy material that easily translates to bride.
I pick my flowers myself and then add a few to my hair—white gardenias tucked into my tight curls like my own crown.
