“Are you excited for today?”
“I am.”
The theme is mermaid with aqua blues, seashells, and sand candles. We figured if we were getting married at the beach it might as well be beach themed. The wooden dock or aisle was my mother’s idea so I could wear heels. Nina’s idea was to ask the wedding guests to bring money as gifts. I have no doubt in my mind that if we did that we would never see the checks. Aside from a few suggestions from her, everything has been what Josh and I want, with input from my mom.
My toes dig into the sand, wiggling their way deeper and deeper until my ankles are covered. I thought it would be cold this early in the morning, but it’s not. I like being out here this early by myself. It gives me time to think even with the camera pointed at me.
My mom, Rebekah, Nina, and I will have breakfast together before going to the spa where my day starts with a massage, followed by a mani/pedi treatment, and finally hair and nails. My hair is going to be curled and off to the side with a seashell barrette I found at a mall kios
k. It was a lucky find and as soon as I saw it I knew I needed it for today.
I had hoped Millie would come to the wedding, but being very pregnant and flying over the Pacific Ocean is highly frowned upon. Cole and her are still married, which means they’ll likely get the house on our one-year anniversary, but they’re not together. They live in separate states and Cole comes to visit her.
She took my advice and started looking into his mother and found that she’s a dirty crook. Their relationship is different. For the longest time Millie wanted him back and when he finally pulled his head out of his ass, her feelings had long changed because of the resentment she’s been harboring. I feel bad for her. In a way her relationship is as twisted as Jules wanted mine and Josh’s to be.
Out of all of us I thought for sure Millie and Cole would be the ones to make it. I pretty much knew Gary and Amanda would end, and as far as Josh and I, I had hope.
Turns out that hope is all I needed.
My legs feel wobbly and my steps tentative. I hate heels, but they’re an evil necessity for this dress.
My dress …
I fell in love with the first one from the bridal boutique in Alabama, but when I met with the designer and she showed a sample of a champagne-colored gown similar to the one I had chosen, that’s when I knew Jules had done me a favor. I’m still Cinderella, but the beadwork I have is now smooth, soft silk that shimmers in the light. I can run my hands over my bodice and not be afraid to pull or rip something. Josh and I can dance and he’ll be able to touch me without snagging a bead or getting one caught on his cufflink.
Each step I take closer to my dad, brings back memories from the show, except now I can see. I’m not blindfolded. This time I’ll see him standing at the end of the wooden aisle way, standing proud and looking dapper in his tux. His smile is bright and happy. I have no doubt he was like this before, but I don’t have the proof. Now I do.
“Are you ready?”
I nod, probably too eagerly but I don’t care. It feels like I’m marrying Josh for the first time.
“I am.”
As if on cue the violins play the “Wedding March” over the crashing waves. My mom, Rebekah, and my cousins have already walked down the aisle. I’m the only one left.
Carefully stepping onto the wooden planks, I look at the pink rose petals my flower girl set out for me. My dad bends his arm at his elbow and offers it to me. Inhaling deeply, we walk toward the bend that will put my Josh right before me. Once I turn the corner, we’ll see each other for the first time in eighteen long, painful hours.
“If it helps, he’s nervous, too.”
“I’m not nervous,” I lie. I’m terrified, but it’s reassuring to know that Josh is in fact waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
My dad turns the corner, slowly. My head is down and I hear gasps from our friends and family—this time I smile knowing that they’re here for me and not because I’m marrying Joshua Wilson. To them he’s just Josh. To me he’s my future.
Slowly I lift my head, unable to keep the smile off my face. I’m so in love with the man who is standing a few feet from me that the only thing keeping me from running the rest of the way are the heels. I’d rather not end up in the hospital on my wedding day.
When our eyes meet I can feel the magnetic pull between us. He cocks his head to the side as a wide smile dances on his lips. He whispers something that I can’t hear, but Rob laughs and shakes his head.
My father tugs on my arm, lurching me forward. One-step forward, then two, three, and four. I’m almost there. The justice of the peace steps up with his book in his hand and behind me everyone sits. Cameras move into place and mics are dangled above us since I refused to wear one with my dress.
“Welcome. I’m sure you’re all happy to be here on this beautiful day. We’ve been very blessed with amazing weather and even more with a magnificent bride and groom.
“Who gives this woman to be with this man?”
“Her mother and I do, happily.” My father kisses my hand before placing it in Josh’s. Much to my surprise he gives Josh a hug and pats him on the back.
“You’re fucking gorgeous.”
I blush and remember we’re live. “Josh,” I scold, but he laughs.