Joey played along, “I really can't. I thought we were alone.”
I sighed dramatically. “I am not going to give you two the satisfaction of wearing me out.”
“Speaking of wearing you out, Joey, how about we hire some male strippers to entertain our bride-to-be?” Melony suggested with a sly grin.
“You are joking, right?” I asked, horrified. I had envisioned a calm, stress-free bachelorette party.
“I am not. They’re a blast, trust me,” she insisted, her grin widening.
“Jo, please tell her I am not interested in such lechery,” I pleaded, feeling a mix of amusement and embarrassment.
“My dear, I’m not sure you have a say in this. If Melony says we’re getting them, then we are. I have no issue with that whatsoever,” Joey said, throwing me a cheeky smile.
I knew Joey was a bit wild, but Melony was proving to be twice as mischievous. Still, I loved how invested they were in making my bachelorette party memorable. However, I stood my ground… No strippers!
***
The Wedding Day!
Finally, the long-awaited day arrived, and it was perfect. It was my wedding day. The sun was smiling down on us, casting a warm, golden-yellow glow over the vast expanse of the ocean. The gentle waves lapped against the shore, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound that seemed to wash away any lingering nerves.
I had always dreamed of a beach wedding, and now it is happening. I felt like an island princess in my flowing white gown, adorned with pearls and a wreath of flowers on my head. I wanted everything to feel natural, connected to the elements that bore witness to our love.
As Dr. Shepherd walked me down the rose-petal-strewn aisle, a soft bridal melody playing in the background, I felt a rush of emotion. The nerves returned, but they were good nerves. He squeezed my hand, offering a reassuring smile. “Just relax and walk with me,” he whispered.
“I can’t believe it’s happening,” I whispered back, my voice barely audible over the music.
“Yes, it is. And we’re all here for you,” he replied, his eyes warm with affection.
Kevin was already waiting at the altar with the officiating priest, looking every bit like a model from a magazine cover. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he smiled at me. As I drew nearer, I saw a tear escape and roll down his cheek, which he quickly wiped away with a handkerchief.
“You look breathtaking, Licia,” he whispered, taking my hand from Dr. Shepherd’s, who gave me a quick nod before retreating to the front row to sit with Melony and Joey.
“Thank you,” I managed to say, my cheeks flushing with warmth. I could feel a fresh wave of emotions crashing over me, stronger than any I’d ever felt before.
The priest called for everyone’s attention and began the ceremony, but I wasn’t listening. My focus was entirely on Kevin. How was he so handsome? I felt like I was falling in love all over again.
Our gazes locked, and in that moment, no words were needed to express what we felt. It was as if time had stopped, and it was just the two of us, alone in the universe.
I wished the priest could skip ahead to the part where he declared us husband and wife. Wild thoughts swirled in my mind, and I had to bite my lip to keep them from spilling out.
When it was time for the vows, I had them memorized, but when I tried to speak, I was overcome with emotion. Tears flowed freely, and all I could manage was a choked, “I love you.”
Kevin’s vows were just as heartfelt, and when he finished, the priest continued, “With these words, you have declared your love and commitment to each other…”
I held my breath, waiting for the next part.
“With the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife,” the priest said with a warm smile. Then, turning to Kevin, he added, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Fireworks wouldn’t begin to describe the sensation. This wasn’t our first kiss, but it felt like the world had tilted on its axis. I was floating, weightless, in a space where gravity didn’t exist.
The cheers from our friends and family were deafening, each one adding to the exuberance that filled the air. Everyone who knew our story, who knew what the last thirteen years had beenlike, understood the joy we felt in this moment. I saw Lexie and Noah clapping enthusiastically, Kevin’s parents smiling in approval.
It couldn’t have been more perfect.
***
Kevin
