Page 30 of Reckless Encore
She was about to get married, at least as far as she was concerned.
Commitment ceremony or not, Sean Taiden would soon be her husband.
* * *
Sean stood under the archway in the middle of the beach, the flames from candles and torches burning everywhere he looked.
A crowd formed where the sand met grass, their current audience giving them the respect of remaining in the shadows.
“You ready for this?” Mason asked from his position a few feet away, Blake, Mitch, and Ryan all standing in a line behind him.
“Not really.” Fear from the possibility of Melody changing her mind had worked its way under his skin. An hour had already passed since he’d showered and dressed in a fresh suit. “What if she decides this is a mistake?”
“Well, in that case, you’re going to find out really soon.” The official leaned forward and pointed in the direction of the boardwalk. “Because here she comes.”
Sean lifted his gaze and squinted against the flames dancing through his vision. He could barely make out the group of women walking in the distance, but his chest froze all the same.
He remained immobile, watching them approach, the women disbanding once they reached the sand to leave Melody on her own.
Gabi, Leah, and Sidney made their way toward him with big smiles and eyes filled with silent encouragement, while Alana hung back, her camera strap over her neck as she took photos of his breathtaking bride.
“Fuck,” he whispered.
His heart pounded, threatening to break ribs. His arms and legs grew heavy and numb.
Mitch chuckled. “It’s too late to back out now.”
Back out? Hell, no.
There wasn’t a son-of-a-bitch on this earth more grateful than him right now.
His beautiful Red stood at the start of the candlelit aisle, a bouquet of some exotic flower clutched in her hand, her long strawberry blond hair in an immaculate braid hanging over her left shoulder.
He’d loved the dress she wore this morning, with its intricate stitching and purple thread. But now, she wore something even more exquisite. A flowing white beach dress, with loose straps that hung above her elbows and a low neckline exposing the best cleavage he’d ever seen.
A wash of goosebumps flowed over him, from neck to toes.
Compliments from the crowd carried in the distance. They mentioned her beauty, her happiness, but no matter how elaborate, none of the words did her justice. Letters and syllables would never be enough. There were only feelings so strong and so deep he thought he could die from the pressure of them.
She took her first step onto the sand, and he jolted as if making the movement himself. His nose grew tight. His eyes heated. He was such a thankful son-of-a-bitch that tears began to build.
“Stand tall, motherfucker,” Mason muttered. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”
Sean sucked in a breath and straightened. Everything moved in slow motion, in both a blessing of extended enjoyment and a delayed expanse of pure torture.
His hands shook by the time Melody reached his side, the tremors taking over his entire body. “You look—” The words fractured, dissolving his strength. He had to screw his face to fight the building tears.
“Are you okay?” Her eyes widened.
Mason laughed, and Mitch, or maybe Blake, snickered.
Fuckers.
He nodded. “It’s just…”
Holy Jesus. How could he explain the overwhelming gratitude and love pummeling him from the inside out? Just like her beauty, there were no words to describe it. “You make me so fucking happy, Red.”
She blushed and kept those cherry lips pressed tight. She didn’t need to respond. He could already read her thoughts and feel the shared affection sinking under his skin.
