“I got it to represent that I loved you.”
His eyes went soft. “I’m sorry I was so dense.”
“If everything we went through was required to get here, then I’m not sorry for a single thing.”
He nodded. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Then there were no words. Just touches and kisses and both of us celebrating and welcoming love into our lives.
Epilogue: Kellie
The sand felt warm under my feet. The waves lapped at the shore. It added to the perfection of the moment. I looked toward the ocean, obstructed slightly by the arbor decorated in flowers, and the man in the cream-colored slacks and white button shirt smiling at me. As much as I loved the dress I wore in Italy, the soft flowy off-white one I wore today made me feel even prettier. Or maybe it was the way Ryan’s eyes shone with love as I walked to him on the Thai beach that made me feel so beautiful. Or maybe it was because this was a real wedding.
Two months
after his proposal on the boat, I was in Thailand, barefoot on a beach getting married. See, fairy tales did come true. Everyone we loved was with us; Natalie, Andi, Mrs. Strong, and all the Strong brothers. It was better than I’d even dreamed of.
I finally reached Ryan. He took my hand and bent to kiss my cheek.
“You look so beautiful,” he whispered.
I beamed up at him. I was sure I was smiling like a loon. But I didn’t care. I was too happy and too in love to care.
The officiant began the ceremony. I was only vaguely aware of what he was saying as I was too lost in Ryan’s eyes and his smile. But finally, we said our vows and “I do”, and then we were pronounced husband and wife. For real this time.
Ryan’s arms banded around me and he pulled me close. “This one is for real and for forever.”
“You better believe it.” I curled my fingers around his neck and pulled him to me until our lips were pressed together. Our first kiss as a real married couple. I vaguely heard clapping and perhaps whistling, which could have been Noah or my sister.
Finally, we pulled away and turned to our guests.
“Let me present Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Strong,” the officiant said.
Ryan surprised me by scooping me up into his arms as he strode back up the aisle. “Do we really need to hang around for the party?” he asked.
“Yes, but only for a little bit.”
Once again, I discovered just how much money could buy. Ryan had rented out the entire secluded little resort for our wedding party in Thailand. The reception was an indoor/outdoor affair nestled in lovely green trees and surrounded by tall limestone formations just off the beach. It was like another world. A world where only we existed.
We had a lovely Thai dinner and then Ryan took me in my arms for a dance.
“Do you remember the first time we danced?” he whispered as he led me around the dance floor.
“Yes. I wasn’t too drunk to remember.”
“I think I loved you then,” he said.
I looked up into my husband’s eyes. “You did?”
“I was feeling something for sure.”
I rested my head on his chest. “Me too.”
Later we cut a beautiful cake with fruit and flowers decorating it, and then we danced again until I said I needed a little break. I wasn’t as tired now as I had been when I first became pregnant, but between the traveling and now the ceremony, I needed a moment to catch my breath.
We stood outside, leaning back against Ryan as we surveyed all our friends and family, mingling and laughing as they celebrated our love with us.
“Who is that with Hunter?” I asked. They were looking pretty chummy on the dance floor. In fact, it was nearly time for them to get a room.