After some time all guests took their seats for dinner. There was no seating plan, but it was a matter of course, that Josh’s bandmates were sitting at one table. Eve and Josh joined them, as well. Before the waiters started serving the first course, Lucy hurried to the band and grabbed a microphone. 

„Ladies and Gentleman, may I have your attention please?“ She said. 

The whole room gone immediately quiet. 

„Your maid of honor prepared a speech?“ Josh whispered in Eve’s ear. 

„I didn’t know.“ She whispered back.

„One year ago Eve and Josh got married at that beautiful place. I am convinced I’m talking for all of us when I say, that I’m incredibly grateful to celebrate their anniversary with them tonight. 

All guests started applauding. Lucy waited a moment, before she continued talking. 

„Personally I learned one very important lesson this year. I learned how fragile life truly is. Please let us remind ourselves about the most precious gift we’ve been given. Let us show gratitude to life and appreciate every single moment we’re spending together tonight to honor my best friend Eve and her wonderful husband Josh.“

All guests started cheering and applauding again. Eve and Josh were deeply touched, fighting their tears. Both stood up and hugged Lucy tightly. 

As they returned to their seats, Justin stood up and took the microphone from Lucy. 

Eve and Josh exchanged glances. The rest of the group was also surprised. Lucy smiled at Justin and sat down, as well. 

Justin waited patiently, until the room turned silent again. Then he begun speaking. 

„Good evening dear family and friends. First of all I wanna thank Lucy for reminding us to be mindful and pay more attention to what really counts. Another thing I would like to point out about life is, that it gives us the ability to have complex emotions like happiness, joy and love. We can find people that we enjoy being around. But we can also find someone that we have such strong emotional ties to, that we want to spent the rest of our lives with. C, I know that in Eve you have someone who loves you unconditionally. She stayed at your side through the good times and not so good times. Her loyalty for you is unquestionable and her faith in you is endless. Please let us raise our glasses to my best friend and to the love of his life. May your flame burn long and may sparks continue to fly.“ 

Once again all guest cheered and applauded. Eve and Josh wiped away their tears. Then they stood up to hug Justin. 

„Thank you so much.“ Eve whispered in his ear. 

„My pleasure, beautiful.“ Justin whispered back. 

„This means so much to me, man. I really didn’t expect this.“ Josh thanked his best friend. 

„Every word was true, bro.“ He replied with a calm smile on his face.

After having a five-course dinner, it was almost midnight. The waiters served Champagne and the whole party went to the terrace to welcome the new year. 

Eve an Josh were standing close to each other in the middle of the crowd. 

TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX! FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!“ 

Everybody begun cheering wildly.

„HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!“ 

Immediately fireworks shoot up to the sky. Eve put her arms around Josh’s neck. He embraced her body tightly, giving her the most loving smile.

„Happy anniversary, Mrs. Chasez.“ 

„Happy anniversary, Mr. Chasez.“ 

They kissed each other gentle but deep, while their guests continued cheering.

„That’s enough. I wanna hug you now.“ They heard Kristin saying. 

Eve and Josh released each other and smiled at her. Josh hugged her first.

„I can’t thank you enough for being here with us tonight, Kristin.“

„Of course, son. Can you please call me mom from now on?“ 

Josh smiled and nodded. 

Kristin hugged her daughter next. 

„I hope this isn’t Champagne in your glass.“ She said, after releasing Eve. 

She rolled her eyes.

„I’m not drinking alcohol mom, don’t worry.“ 

„So? Did you tell your husband the news?“ She wanted to know, glancing at Josh. 

„Which news? Do we get twins?“ Josh joked. 

„Good lord, no.“ Eve chuckled. „Mom wants to relocate to Los Angeles.“

Josh stared at Kristin in disbelief.

„Really?“

„I would love seeing my grandchildren growing up. As we both know, your wife won’t stay away from work too long. That’s why I believe it makes sense being around and support you with the little ones. What do you think, Joshua?“ 

„This is amazing, mom. I can’t wait to have you here.“

He hugged her once again heartily. 

„But what about Willy?“ Josh wanted to know. 

„I talked to his doctors. He’s in a stabile physical condition. They are positive he can do such a long flight. All we need to do is finding an accessible home and a proper nursing-service.“

„I’ll do my best to help you with the whole organization.“ Josh replied. 

Lucy showed up in the next moment and interrupted their conversation. 

„Time for your wedding dance!“ She cheered. 

Josh gave Eve a surprised look. 

„A wedding dance?“ 

Eve nodded with a big smile in her face. 

„You said you wanna dance with me to our song on every anniversary, remember?“

„I remember.“ 

He took her hand and pulled her inside. Lucy made sure that all guest followed.

Eve and Josh stopped next to the small stage. Everybody else stood around them, as the music started playing. 

Josh pulled Eve close to his chest gently and begun dancing with her. 

„Please listen to the lyrics carefully, because that’s exactly how I still feel about you, my love.“ He said. 

Eve looked deep into his beautiful eyes and gave him a loving smile. 

I don’t know, but I believe

That some things are meant to be

And that you’ll make a better me

Everyday I love you

I never thought that dreams came true

But you’ve shown me that they do

You know that I learn something new

Everyday I love you

Just your touch when I feel bad

Just your smile when I get mad 

All the little things I am 

Everyday I love you

If I asked, would you say yes?

Together we are the very best

I know that I am truly blessed

Everyday I love you

[…]

THE END