But I guess the wedding should come first!
Dad arrives in the hotel room to walk me down to the beach. His eyes fill up with tears when he sees me in my dress. Since we’re marrying on the beach, I kept my dress simple, not wanting the hassle of a train in the sand. It brushes my ankles and is made of white silk. But when I look in the mirror, I feel like a queen.
“Stella, you look beautiful,” he tells me, kissing my cheek. “Jaxson is going to be beside himself.”
“He doesn’t even know what to expect. I wouldn’t let him see the dress before today. It’s bad luck.”
Dad smiles. “You don’t believe that, you know luck is on your side. You’ve found the one. Nothing is going to break you two apart.”
“I sure hope not,” I say. I do worry about it sometimes. Sometimes, I’ll watch Jaxson while he’s sleeping, or glimpse him in his expensive work suits, or just catch him smiling, and I feel like he’s too good for me. He could've had anyone and I always wonder if he’s regretted choosing me. There are more beautiful women out there, smarter women, more talented women...so how did an amazing man like him end up with me?
Dad pats my arm. “Having last minute nerves?”
“No, I’m just wondering how he came to choose me.”
“That’s simple. Because you’re the best.”
I laugh. “You have to say that, you’re my Dad.”
“Sweetheart, I’m only going to say this once. You’re beautiful, you’re kind, you’re intelligent, and any man would be lucky to have you. Stop acting like he’s lowering to your level. He’s the one punching above his weight.” He kisses the top of my head. “No more doubting yourself, okay?”
It’s not that simple, of course, but I do feel better. He’s right. Whatever reason Jaxson has for wanting to marry me, it was his choice. He wants to be here as much as I do. He’s standing on the beach right now waiting for me. Why should I keep him waiting any longer.
“Okay, I’m ready.”
I take Sapphire’s hand and my father takes my other arm. We walk slowly to the beach and I try to savor the excitement I’m feeling. I want to remember this forever. With my perfect family and my dream man waiting for me, I have no reason to be afraid. All my dreams are coming true.
Jaxson smiles at me as I walk along the beach toward him. My heart feels so full. He looks so handsome in his shirt and suit pants, his longish surfer hair perfect in the salty air and hot sun. Somehow he looks even better than the day we met, even though he was perfect even then. I guess the more I fall in love with him, the more handsome he gets.
He takes my hand as my father kisses my cheek to give me away. Sapphire wants to stay at my side so I let her. It feels right that she should be with us. After all, she brought us together, like the glue of our relationship. Even without her we’d still be together, but she made sure that we didn’t even have time to hesitate. She’s our biggest success and the one thing we will never, ever regret. A reminder of the night we consummated our love.
Jaxson caresses my face gently in front of everyone and I blush. My big, strong man has a soft side when it comes to me, and I love it. It makes me feel safe, even when he’s not acting overprotective and like a wild animal. I know I bring out that side of him too, but these days, that side of him is confined to the bedroom where it belongs.
“You look beautiful,” he says, and I blush again.
“Thanks, baby. You look amazing too.”
“Me too? Daddy,” Sapphire asks, making everyone laugh. Jaxson ducks down to kiss her head.
“You look just like your Mommy, so you’re the most beautiful girls in the world,” he says. My heart flutters. Another thing I love about him, he’s an amazing Dad.
It’s soon time for our vows. Jaxson clears his throat, looking a little shy for a moment.
“Well...where do I begin? The past three years have been a wild ride. I never thought this day would come. I kept thinking I’d wake up and find out it was all a dream. I’ve never really felt like I deserve you, Stella, but here we are and you’re giving yourself to me. Even if I’m not worthy, you picked me.”
I frown. I had no idea he had the same insecurities as me. How can he not feel good enough when he’s perfect? I guess maybe that’s what he’s always telling me he loves me...that he’s so in love even though he feels like he doesn’t deserve me. I squeeze his hand.
“But like I said we’re here, and we’re about to make the biggest commitment of our lives. Other than having a child, perhaps. But I’m not scared. I always hear people talk about last minute nerves before their wedding, but when I woke up this morning, I knew that today I was getting everything I’ve wanted for for so long. Honey, I would’ve married you instantly three years ago when we met if you’d wanted. But being back here in the place where we met...well it feels kind of perfect, doesn’t it?”
I’m smiling as I nod. He brushes his thumb over my hand.
“Baby, I’m ready for it all. I’m ready for our life as a family. I’m ready for grumpy six am starts. I’m ready for growing old together. I’m ready for Sunday dinners with our families and rushed breakfasts before
