Gazing into my eyes, he says, “I love you so much, Cassie. I want to be with you forever, so…”
Stepping back, he drops down to one knee in front of me and I gasp loudly as I reach for a nearby chair to steady my suddenly wobbly legs.
He takes my free hand in his, then asks, “Will you please be my wife?”
From his back pocket, he produces a small black velvet box, holding it out to me in his left hand, displaying the dazzling large solitaire diamond resting inside.
Oh my God, tears spring to my eyes. “Yes. Yes. Yes. A million times yes,” I repeat as tears run down my cheeks.
“I love you so much, Luke, you are my one and my only. Forever,” I tell him as I reach down to place my hands around his face, pulling him back to standing. I draw his lips to mine and kiss him deeply.
I was wrong earlier when I thought I couldn’t be happier.
Epilogue Luke
Four Months Later
Todayismyweddingday, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally make Cassie my wife. The last six months with her have been amazing.
Cassie makes my life complete. She makes me complete. I was broken for so long, and this amazing woman has glued me back together piece by piece, day by day. Each day together, our bond of love gets stronger.
She has healed me with her love. I haven’t had a nightmare since the night she held me after I woke shouting. Not one of the serious full on nightmare episodes and panic attacks but any kind of nightmare. It’s like my mind can now rest knowing she is beside me at night, ready to hold me, comfort me and make me feel safe. Amazing, really, as this has been the longest time I've had so many peaceful nights of uninterrupted sleep.
I’ve emerged from the darkness into the light finally, Cassie’s light. Thanks to her love. While there may be times in my future when I slip back, when some event triggers another panic attack, I know Cassie will be there to support me and guide me through and out the other side.
She knows me fully now.
There is no need for me to hide my demons anymore and it’s so liberating. Like the heavy weight of gloom has been lifted from my shoulders.
Cassie has also given me the confidence to show my scars to the world without fear of what the public might think or say. I don’t care if people stare at me now as I’ve learnt to wear my scars with honor.
This week for the first time since I was injured, I have walked around in public without a shirt on. Sure, I’m on a private island with family and friends, but it’s a huge step for me. My soon-to-be wife has freed me from those fears.
As I stand barefoot on the sand, Blake my best man beside me with Scotty, Parker, and Ben my groomsmen nearby, I feel happier than I've been in years. Tim my other military brother is sitting front row with my mom on his left and his obviously pregnant wife on his right. I’m glad to have my military buddies here on my big day. It’s a shame Will couldn’t get leave to join us. Only a few more months till Will discharges and he can join us for all our events.
Everything is perfect, exactly as Cassie wanted for our Bahamas beach wedding. She has organized today with the help of her sisters and best friends. And from where I’m standing as I look around our assembled group of family and friends, she has done an amazing job creating a small, casual wedding that feels uniquely us.
Booking this luxurious private island was inspired. I’ve enjoyed the time it has allowed us to spend with our close friends and family before and after the ceremony. We lead such busy lives in Manhattan that it makes it hard to get away to see our family down in Florida, and this has been a great way of bringing us all together.
Snorkeling, swimming, or lounging around the pool, having drinks and chatting has given Cass and me the time to speak to all our guests. The best part though has been when we've gathered as a group each night to share island-style banquet dinners.
It's been fun, all leading up to today, our wedding day.
Soft music starts to float from the nearby speakers and as I look down the sandy aisle, I see Cassie’s cute nieces slowly walking toward me. I smile at them encouragingly as the girls drop vibrant tropical flower petals from their baskets. They are followed close behind by Cassie’s sisters, Madison our best friend from high school, then Lily and Jas. The bridesmaids, of course, are all looking beautiful, but it’s Cassie I’m desperately wanting to see.
Then she is there. My bride slowly coming toward me on the arm of her father. I know I haven’t ever seen a more beautiful sight. Her glossy pink lips smiling, her sparkling blue eyes locked with mine. Just like on the first day we met all those years ago in high school, she still takes my breath away.
When she reaches me, I take her hand and her delicate, elegant fingers resting in my palm shoot flames through my veins. I love how this simple touch of her skin on mine excites me. I’m so captivated by her, everything else fades away.
Blake nudges me sharply in the back to prompt my response to the officiant.
All I care about is the bit where I get to say I do.
Cassie giggles, and I realize I’ve said “I do” out loud.
Shit, I need to concentrate on the words and do this right for her. I drag my eyes from my beautiful soon to be wife to the officiant.
The words of the wedding officiant flow over me, and finally, I get the chance to say I do at the right time. Then even better, I get to kiss my beautiful new wife. I kiss her long and deep. In those moments, it’s only us.
