As a couple, Faith and Asher stood in front of Asher’s uncle.
“The rings,” Victor said.
Asher’s little cousin ran down the aisle to Faith and Asher. He gave them both the rings with a nervous smile before running off to his mom.
“The bride and groom are going to exchange vows now.”
“I can’t believe I was stupid enough to not fight for you years ago.” Asher’s gaze never strayed from her. “I promise to fight for you every single day. I will fall in love with you again and again. I promise to be your faithful husband. I promise to love you when the sun shines, when the rain falls, when the wind blows, in sickness, and in health. When you look at this ring, think of it as a symbol of us and remember that I love you, always. I love you not only for who you are but for who you make me. Without you, I am a man who has nothing. You are always my true love.” He slipped a diamond ring on her finger.
Faith took a few deep breaths before wiping her tear-filled eyes. “I promise to love you, honor you, and cherish you as my husband. Down that old path to the lake in Violet Ridge, to the sun-drenched island we’re saying I do on, our love will keep us safe, warm, and in each other's arms. I love you more than I can ever explain in words. It’s always been you, Asher.” She took his hand and placed the ring on his finger.
As they gazed into each other’s eyes, neither of them broke eye contact. I swallowed thickly. One day, that would be me and Mags. I’d make damn sure of it.
Victor nodded and asked, “If anyone objects to the marriage speak now or forever hold your peace.”
As assumed, no one said a word. Everyone just watched Asher and Faith with big smiles.
“With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Asher swooped in, kissing Faith like his life depended on it. My eyes wandered toward Mags who stared right back at me. I wanted to kiss her, so fucking bad.
Once they finished their first kiss as a married couple, they went over to two different colored grains of sand on a small table. One was blue and the other was pink. Faith grabbed the tube of pink sand, and Asher grabbed the blue tube.
“The newlyweds will now mix their sand, symbolizing the way they are now one.”
The blue and pink grains mixed together, leaving a hue of purple as they poured their sands together in a small glass bottle. The crowd clapped as they placed a cork into the glass bottle, sealing their mixed sand. I’d never heard of mixing sand before, but it was a nice sentiment.
Asher and Faith left the altar, arms linked, with wide-ass smiles on their faces. The bridal party followed suit, falling in behind them.
Mags slid her small hand into mine, and I smiled from the warmth. I couldn’t wait to get her alone later tonight. I’d never once told someone I loved them. Romantic love was a new concept for me, but so far, it was exhilarating.
Day Six
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Wedding Reception
The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I loved watching my best friend get married, even if my eyes kept wandering to a certain cousin of hers. Their reception was just as perfect. The speeches, the food, the cake, and of course, the dancing was spectacular. Luca had stayed by my side through all of it, and it was refreshing. He wasn’t pulling away anymore, which proved he was letting me in.
There was an hour left of the party, and we were taking full advantage of the yummy cocktails and good music. Luca’s hands held mine as we danced, he spun me around and pulled me back to his chest.
I met his movements but had difficulty keeping up. “I had no idea you could dance so well!”
His hands slid down to the small of my back, pulling my body even closer. “Never had a reason to dance before.”
I smiled like a fool once again. Luca had me wrapped around his finger, and I wasn’t even sure he realized it.
“Want to sneak away for a little bit?” His lips brushed against my ear.
I glanced over and Asher and Faith who were entranced by one another before nodding.
I’d snuck away from parties and receptions more times than I could count. Usually for a quickie but never to just talk. Sex was great, but a real connection had been what I was searching for all along.
He led me outside onto the beach I had become attached to. The sun sank lower into the horizon and gave way to the velvety darkness of night. The ocean breeze was cool as an amber glow washed over the beach.
I inhaled the scent of the brine. “I love the ocean.” He had a ghost of a smile as he stared at me as if I said something amusing. “What is it?”
Under the intensity of his gaze, every ounce of breath was taken from my lungs. He traced my lip lightly with the tip of his thumb. I pouted slightly as his stare consumed me. “You don’t know how much you mean to me, Mags.”
“Then tell me, because I know what I feel for you. I lo—” My words caught in my throat as he kissed me. His lips moved slow, reassuring me in ways that words could never do. His hand rested on my cheek as I pulled him close. We kissed for a while as the sounds of the waves gave us a perfect melody to the evening.
He pulled away and rested his forehead on mine. “I should’ve said it before, but I’ve never told anyone this.” He gulped. “I—”
