Even though the others are watching, he leans in and kisses his new wife. She deserves that and so much more. Sokka and Toph have agreed to go with them. Leaving his uncle in charge of the Fire Nation means that he can focus on his mother possibly being alive.

Taking her hand, once she's done with her hair, he helps her up onto the eelhound and climbs up behind her. He nods to Sokka and then, off they go.