Adam’s mouth pursed as he continued walking over the sand dunes. “We’ll see about that.”
“Adam…” His determination scared me.
“No work talk, remember?”
I shook my head with a sigh. “Fine.”
“Oh, there’s Scott!” Amy hooked her arm into Reed’s as she waved to a gorgeous dark-haired man in the distance.
Adam and I followed closely behind, watching Amy and Reed greet the groom.
“Adam!” Scott shook his hand. “Thanks for coming today, man.”
“I couldn’t miss Smelly’s big day.”
Scott glanced my way, then did a double-take. “I thought Grayson was joking when he said you were bringing a date.”
“Hi, I’m Cassidy.” I reached out my hand. “I’m more of a tag along than a date. I’m Amy’s sister.”
Scott grasped my hand with a smile. “Well, I’m sure you’ll keep this guy out of trouble.”
“I don’t think that is actually possible.”
A younger man, with an uncanny resemblance to Scott, called out, “Scott! She’s ready.”
“Thanks, Rils.” Scott’s eyes sparkled. “I better get in position.”
As Scott jogged up the sandy aisle and stood to the right of the marriage celebrant, Adam placed his hand on the small of my back and ushered me to the opposite side. It didn’t seem like a formal wedding, but from what Josie had told me, Adam and Grayson considered Melanie family.
The warmth of Adam’s hand remained in place as the music commenced, and I welcomed it. Although the heaters were blasting, they were no match for the cool breeze rolling off the ocean, and I’d only brought a light shawl.
An attractive woman with long brown hair was first to appear over the dunes. Her endearing doe eyes glittered under the fairy lights as she made her way through the crowd. Once she reached the groom and best man, Scott offered her a nervous smile before gazing back toward the house, waiting.
Moments later, as the sun set the horizon on fire, he saw her, the love of his life, walking toward him with Grayson by her side. She was incredibly beautiful, with long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, sky-blue eyes, and a mesmerizing smile that grew with each step. The soft white silk of her dress fell effortlessly over her protruding belly while her bare feet glided through the sand.
They both blinked back tears as she neared, and I gasped at the overwhelming energy flowing between them. I felt their story. The love, the loss, the devastation…but there was so much more. So much love. So much joy. And it gave me hope that, one day, after the darkness faded away, I could find love again.
I swiped away the tear rolling down my cheek, but it didn’t go unnoticed. Adam took my hand and squeezed, grounding me instantly. I should’ve pulled away, but I couldn’t. His touch settled my soul, and without my grandmother’s crystals hugging my wrists, it was the only way I could get through the ceremony without breaking down.
Once the formalities ended and the guests surged toward the bride and groom, I slipped my hand out of Adam’s and snuck away.
I didn’t realize I was being followed until Adam grasped my arm. “Where are you going?”
“I just need a moment.”
He turned me around to study my face. “What’s happening here?”
“It’s a system overload, that’s all.” I gazed out at the water. “All this love and happiness…it’s…”
“It’s the worst, I know.” The corner of Adam’s mouth twitched. He was trying to make me smile.
“No…” I nudged him away with a solemn chuckle. “It’s beautiful…but so fucking draining.”
He grew silent for a moment before bending down to untie his shoes.
“What are you doing?” I asked when he proceeded to tear off his socks and roll up his pants.
“Well, I read somewhere that saltwater helps empaths recharge, so…” He tugged me toward the shoreline.