“The first time I ever saw you, something happened inside of me. The only thing that was important to me was to get to know you more. I wanted to see you smile that beautiful smile of yours, hear that amazing laugh, and see those beautiful blue eyes light up. The first time you touched me, I wasn’t really sure what happened. I’d never felt the things I felt when I was around you. I just knew I wanted to feel that way for the rest of my life. ”
I felt a tear rolling down my cheek as I watched one roll down his face. He’s really going to be mine—forever.
“I want to wake up every morning and see your beautiful face looking back at mine. I want to go to sleep every night to the taste of your sweet lips on mine. I want to watch you with our kids and see what an amazing mom you’ll be. I want to sit on our front porch every night and tell you how much I love you. ”
I started to cry harder. I’m never going to be able to say my vows now.
“Princess, you’re the air I breathe. I’d be completely lost without you. I love you so much. ” His voice cracked, and he smiled. “I’ll love you until the day I take my last breath, and I’ll be forever faithful to you. ”
When he finished, I glanced up at Gunner. He looked like a proud father who had just given birth.
I looked into Josh’s eyes. I was about to start talking when…I went blank.
Nothing. Oh my god. I wonder if I can just say ditto? I can’t breathe. Oh shit! This was my idea.
Josh gave me the sweetest, most beautiful smile ever.
Breathe, princess.
I took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Josh, as I stand before you, my heart is filled with so much love that it scares me sometimes. I love you so much, and I need you so much more. The first time I saw you, I instantly felt something deep down inside. I fought it for so long until I realized that without you in my life…I had no life. When I close my eyes each night, I thank God for you. You rescued me and showed me that it was okay to live again, to want to be happy again. I’ve never been so happy in my entire life. I can’t wait to spend every minute of my life with you. I can’t wait to put up that fence and get you your dog. ”
Josh started laughing as he shook his head.
“I can’t wait to watch your business grow as I stand by your side and support you one hundred percent. I want to hear the first sounds of our children with you. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for loving me and for giving me hope again. I love you so much, Josh. I’ll always love you…for infinity. ”
I watched as a tear rolled down his face. I reached up and wiped it away as he grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it.
Never in my life would I ever again feel as happy as I do right now.
Josh and I decided to have all our pictures taken on the beach. We did pictures with our family, friends, and the wedding party. Then, the photographer told us to have fun. That was all Josh had to hear. He picked me and carried me into the surf.
“Oh my god, Josh! My dress!” I screamed.
He laughed. I looked back at Ari, Ellie, and Amanda as they were all just laughing, too.
He started to kiss me as he slowly lowered me into the water. I completely forgot about everything but the love of my life, who was kissing me so passionately that I almost started crying. When he started to drop to his knees, I did also. I could feel the surf crashing up on us.
He cupped his hands on my face and slightly pulled away as he rested his forehead on mine. “My god, I love you. ”
I smiled as a wave crashed into me, pushing me against him. We both started laughing.
“Josh, you’re soaking wet!” I said with a giggle.
He pushed pieces of hair away from my eyes and laughed. “So are you, princess. ”
I wasn’t sure how long we were sitting in the surf, just kissing and talking.
The photographer cleared her throat. “Josh and Heather, I think I got some wonderful shots. Shall we move to the reception now?”
I looked up at her and then over to our friends. Ellie was crying, and Ari and Amanda were smiling from ear to ear.
I glanced back at Josh and smiled. “What am I going to wear to the reception?”
He gave me that drop-dead gorgeous smile of his. “I bought you a dress for the reception. I also had Ari buy you double of what you’re wearing under your dress. ” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.
I shook my head and giggled as I looked over at Ari. She was dancing with Jeff. I could hear the music from the reception, and I could see some of the tables outside on the patio and the beach.
“Did you plan this?”