---- Chapter 14: Just Married Sierra opened the message Clara sent: it said, "Just married," followed by a photo. It was the marriage certificate! Husband: Aaron. Wife: Clara. Sierra practically screamed. "Tonight calls for a celebration feast! No excuses! I'm throwing you a party!" She couldn't resist zooming in on the picture again. In it, Clara wore a crisp white shirt, Aaron a sharp black suit-seriously, their outfits were perfectly coordinated. Clara's smile was sweet but shy, while Aaron's lips curled into a slight smirk. His chiseled jawline looked like it was carved by angels-radiating confidence, sunshine, and a serious dose of sexy. Sierra had seen Aaron's jaw-dropping good looks five years ago, and even now, she still couldn't get over it. ---- "Wow, you actually got married! You're fast!" Clara replied, "Still at work. We'll catch up later." Sierra shot back, "Alright, alright. I'm on my way to pick up Leo. I'll be waiting at the hospital entrance at 5:30 sharp." While taking a quick sip of water, Clara called Leo. "Hey, sweetheart, guess what? You've got a dad now!" "Is it Aaron?" Leo's voice brimmed with excitement. "Yep, I married him!" Leo cheered, "I have a dad! Thanks, Mom! Love you!" After hanging up, Clara smiled genuinely for the first time since getting the certificate that morning. Leo really wanted a dad. Sure, he acted like any normal kid, but deep down, who doesn't want a dad? Sometimes Clara wondered if her stubbornness ---- years ago was selfish. Was it unfair to Leo? But now, it felt right. That little piece of paper didn't change much for her-but for Leo, it meant a real family. At Greystone's famous family-friendly restaurant, two people were buzzing with excitement: Sierra and Leo. They'd been sitting for ten minutes, but Leo was still waving his arms wildly, telling Elsie all about his new dad. Elsie tilted her head, confused. "I have a dad too. Everyone does." "Yeah, but mine's way cooler! And taller!" Leo jabbered on. Clara listened, flipping through the menu, her feelings swirling inside. Sierra teased, "Come on, spill it! Or do I have to interrogate you?" Clara laughed, "Nothing to confess. I just thought, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I'm no ---- match for him in smarts or money. Who in their right mind would sue Aaron?" Sierra squealed, "Ahhh! So jealous! Getting to look at a total hottie every day? Talk about appetite boosters! Are you all fired up now?" Clara rolled her eyes. "You're dreaming. We didn't marry for love. Just a bit nervous, that's all. But Aaron promised we'd keep our lives separate as much as possible." Sierra grinned mischievously, "Heh heh... So what's the plan tonight? When I got married, Austin skipped work and we basically lived in every room of the house-bathroom, living room, study-for three whole days. My back nearly gave out." Clara's cheeks flushed bright red. Was this appropriate conversation in public? Such wild talk! She pinched Sierra's arm. "Enough! Behave! The big-shot lawyer flew off to Silverton. For him, signing a marriage certificate probably feels easier than signing a check." ---- Sierra sighed. "Bummer! When am I gonna meet him?" Clara shrugged. "Not anytime soon, I guess. Modern relationships-partners in life, not in constant sight." Sierra clinked her glass against Clara's. "Anyway, congrats!" Clara smiled, "Here's to us-may everything keep getting better! So, how's your house coming along?" Sierra said, "Almost done with the paperwork. Checked out the developer's design-looks good. No plans to change it. Been hitting the home goods stores a lot, hunting for decor. Probably won't move in until next month though-Elsie starts school, so I'll have more free time. Hoping to settle in before the new year." Clara offered, "If you need a hand, just say so. No shame in asking!" Sierra laughed, "With you? No way! I just want ---- to push myself. These past few years my brain's been mush-caught up in some dreamy love story, thinking I was happy, but really I lost my independence." After getting married, Sierra quit her job and revolved around her husband. After Elsie was born, her passion for work vanished, replaced entirely by motherhood. Thinking about all that made her smile fade. She didn't get why giving her all had ended like this. When she saw pictures of Austin and Samantha hugging outside a hotel, Sierra felt like the sky was falling. The despair nearly suffocated her. Before she could even confront Austin, Samantha showed. up with lab results proving she was pregnant with his child. She claimed decades of history with Austin and begged Sierra to let them be together. Ha! Yeah, childhood sweethearts versus a ---- spur-of-the-moment shotgun wedding. Fine-Sierra could step aside. She was strong enough to move on. At least Austin had some decency-not fighting her for Elsie's custody. After the messy drama, Sierra was finally ready for a fresh start. Clara saw the shadow cross Sierra's face and knew exactly what she was thinking. She hugged her tightly. "Sierra, it's all behind you now. Things will get better." Sierra smirked, "Jealous? My wallet's fat now. I'm picking up the tab tonight." Clara laughed, "Deal! I'm coming over tonight-make sure you spoil me!"