I stoodon the beach on Coronado Island and sank my toes into the sand. Rose petals were scattered in the shape of a heart around me. I held a bouquet of pale pink roses in my hands and a wreath of them crowned my head. A white, lightweight, flowy sundress, cut in the babydoll style so there was nothing constrictive around my swelling belly, served as my wedding gown. I’d become so sensitive, I couldn’t stand rough fabrics or anything biting into my skin.
It seemed like pregnancy made me feel like a big baby, so I’d have some compassion when I was finally caring for one. I had my energy back, but I still napped a lot. Ate more than one breakfast. Felt like crying when I was hungry or tired.
Three more months, and we got to meet this baby.
Our daughter. Yeah, a girl. When the guys found out, they went into SEAL mode, super protective and planning all kinds of baby-proofing. They even started a master plan for screening her dates when she turned thirty. Yeah, thirty.
I just laughed and rubbed my belly listening to the crazy bunch.
Around me stood all the people I loved. The Alpha Mountain team. My Navy friends who could make it. Some local friends from growing up in San Diego. My parents and brothers.
Kennedy’s parents and friends from the service were here, too. In fact, there were enough Navy SEALs here to make a woman swoon, if I was looking at anyone besides my groom.
Kennedy stood against a majestic sunset in a pair of navy blue beach shorts and a loose short-sleeved white button-down, open at the throat to show his tanned chest. His eyes crinkled, dimples winked. He was literally the most handsome man on Earth.
We picked the beach in San Diego as the site for our wedding since we had friends and history here. The Bergharts had wanted a big formal affair in DC, but we’d refused, and they’d backed down when they realized how far along I was. No photo ops of pre-marital sex for them. There was no hiding this pregnancy–not that I thought I had to.
So far, it had been one big casual celebration. Last night, the entire gang had taken over The Shack for a private rehearsal dinner, which was actually just eating a ton of tacos.
Today we’d played beach volleyball after brunch and swam in the ocean until it was time to go in and clean up for the ceremony.
The Navy chaplain who was our officiant addressed our guests now. “Good afternoon. Melissa, Chase, and I would like to welcome everyone on this gorgeous day. It's because of all of you—because of this strong community—Melissa and Chase's relationship has strengthened and grown and led them to this very moment. Thank you for being here, for supporting their journey, and for honoring the next stage of their lives.”
It was sweet. He probably said it at every wedding, but I felt it was true. We did have support all around us. I wouldn’t be bringing our little girl into this world alone, as I’d originally feared. No, I had Kennedy and a robust village to help raise her. We may not know much about babies, but our daughter sure as hell would be the best-protected child in the country.
“The bride and groom have written vows to each other that they will exchange now.”
Kennedy pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and unfolded it, then caught my gaze and winked.
My heart fluttered. I would never be immune to that panty-melting charm of his.
“Melissa, I choose you to be my best friend, partner, wife and the mother of my children. I choose to spend my whole life with you, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad. I promise not to do theI’m right dance, except when it’s completely necessary.”
My laughter burst through the tears that were threatening. Our guests laughed and cheered, too. It was so Kennedy to lighten the mood and charm every heart at the wedding.
His proposal had ended up being simple, like this wedding. I’d waited for it, since I’d known it was coming, but it never did. Old me wanted to think he was chickening out, but nothing about his actions or words supported that.
Finally, one day in the shower, he’d gotten down on one knee under the spray of water. He’d hooked one of my legs over his shoulder, pinned me against the tile and pleasured me with his mouth. Then, in the middle of it, he’d said, “Marry me?”
I’d burst into laughter. “Thiswas your big proposal?” I’d demanded.
He’d shrugged those broad shoulders. “I was trying and trying to think of the perfect proposal. This morning, I decided you probably didn’t care about perfect.”
“This is perfect, Kennedy,” I’d said, still laughing.
“Is that ayes?” he’d prompted.
“Yes.”
He’d flicked his tongue over my clit and brought me to a celebratory finish.
Now, I gazed up at his handsome face as I read my vows now. “Chase, I choose you to be my best friend, partner, husband and the father of my children. I choose to spend my whole life with you, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, in good times and bad. I promise not to push you away when things get too real. I know you’ll show up and be there for me no matter what happens, just like I will for you.”
Oh shit.
Kennedy looked like his eyes had misted now.
I needed another joke, quick. “And I promise not to crash any more helicopters while pregnant.” I ad-libbed. This garnered another roar of laughter from our guests although Kennedy clenched his jaw.