“I don’t know—my boss might not approve of me taking off that much time,” Abby said.
“I’ll talk to him myself, if that’s what it takes,” I said, winking.
“Could we fly Doris and Bernie out?” she asked. “You think they would come?”
“I’ll put them up in a wonderful hotel so they can enjoy themselves after the ceremony and reception,” I said.
I watched as she turned everything around in her head. The suspense was killing me. My stomach was rolling over on itself so badly I thought I was going to heave. But the moment her breathtaking smile crossed her face, I knew what I had to do next.
I had to get in touch with my lawyer so he could fax over a marriage license.
“Let’s do it,” Abby said. “Let’s get married today.”
I leapt from the bed and started placing phone calls. I called up Miss Prowler and told her she could do this as a way to make up for the idiotic paperwork she didn’t draft that well for Abby’s ex to sign. Within two hours, she was faxing it over to the ship, and it was laid in my hands by the captain himself.
“Congratulations, you two,” the captain said, after tapping on our door.
“Thank you. Do you happen to know of anyone who’s an officiant on this ship?” I asked.
“Well, as it turns out, I carry that credential myself,” he said. “I would consider it an honor to wed the two of you on this beautiful island.”
“Colin, I don’t think we’re going to need to get me a dress,” Abby said.
“Are you sure?” I asked. “Because I’m sure plenty of shops will—”
I turned around and saw Abby step out from around the corner. She was in this beautiful white sundress that held onto every curve of her body. It fluttered down just above her knees before her smooth legs broke away from the fabric, glistening with their smoothness. Her feet were clad in simple flip flops and her hair was loosely pinned up. She had on just the slightest bit of makeup. Enough to make her beautiful brown eyes pop and her lips seem delectable.
My heart was hammering in my throat as my eyes looked her up and down.
“I guess we’ll just need a ring for me, then,” I said.
She smiled and took my hand as the captain escorted us off the ship. I could tell Abby was searching for Bernie and Doris, her head on a swivel as we disembarked. I held onto her tightly as the captain walked with us into a couple of jewelry stores so I could try on rings and find one that suited the occasion.
But Abby’s laughter ripped me from my thoughts.
“Doris! Bernie! Over here!”
I smiled as Abby went running from the jewelry store and wrapped her arms around Doris.
“New friends?” the captain asked.
“Inspiring friends.” I paid for the ring that was on my finger so I could go out and talk with our friends. I slid it off my hand and handed it to the captain as we approached them on the sidewalk. Doris and Bernie were all smiles as they turned to me, and Bernie offered me his hand for a shake.
“I hear you’re about to make an honest woman out of Abby,” he said.
“That’s the plan,” I said.
“Do you guys have anyone to witness the wedding?” Doris asked.
“I think that’s what Abby is probably wanting to ask you,” I said, grinning broadly.
“Would you guys come? Please?” Abby asked. “Doris, we could get you some flowers from the shop to hold.”
“None of that is necessary, sweetheart,” Doris said. “All that matters is the love the two of you obviously have for each other.”
“Where are you guys gonna tie the knot?” Bernie asked.
“We were thinking about a small beachside wedding. The captain is going to officiate, all we would need is to hop a ride somewhere,” I said.
“I’m actually familiar with the island. If you want to follow me, there’s a wonderful space about a mile west of here,” the captain said.
“Lead the way,” I said.
The four of us walked with the captain as Abby handed her ring off to Bernie. The three of them were talking to themselves as we walked away from the hustle and bustle of the island. Bernie kept shooting me grins and looks every once in a while, and every time I caught his eye I felt my cheeks burn.
Then, he pulled away from the women to come walk by my side.
“She’ll keep you on your knees,” he said.
“What?” I asked, wondering where this conversation was going.
“Once you give your heart to a woman, that’s it. She’ll make you weak for the rest of your life. And somehow, it will make you the strongest you’ve ever felt.”
“I didn’t actually think how I was feeling could be put into words until you said that, Bernie.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve been married fifty years and I only recently got it right myself,” he said.
The captain led us through a small patch of brush before we were dumped out onto a secluded beach. The crystal waters were reflecting rainbows painted by the sun and the sand was like powder beneath our feet. I heard Abby gasp at its quiet beauty as the ocean went on for miles. The luscious green trees cut us off from the rest of the world as perfect seashells lined the shore.
It was perfect. Everything about this was perfect.
The captain gave my ring to Doris as the four of us situated ourselves in the sand. The crystal waves were licking against our feet as the captain stood proud and tall. The wind was blowing Abby’s mahogany brown locks around
