“That’s it. I’m throwing you in the ocean,” Will says, grabbing me around the waist and lifting me up with him as he stands. I squeal and try to wiggle out of his grip, but it’s no use. We’re going in.
A few moments later, I hear splashing, then feel the warm water on my dangling feet. And now, we’re both in. We swim out for a bit, then I remember about the sharks and I start to tread water, watching for large, dark fins.
“Are you thinking about Jaws?” Will asks me.
“No, of course not,” I lie. “Well, maybe…”
“Don’t worry. All you have to do is be able to outswim the slowest person in the water,” he says, pointing to a large man floating on his back. “Pretty sure you can beat that guy.”
I let out a laugh, then say, “You’re terrible.”
“I know,” he answers, reaching out and pulling me to him. “Do you still want to marry me?”
“Sadly, I do,” I tell him with a wry grin.
“How about today?”
“What do you mean, today?” I ask.
“I was thinking, now that I’ve got my really sexy nose splint off, we could maybe have a secret wedding at sunset.” He gives me a lingering kiss. “No cameras, crowds, no royal forums or fan girls putting their two cents in…just you, me, and our crazy families. What do you say?”
My heart leaps and I let out a whoop. “I say, yes!”
“Okay, so the dress is your something borrowed, your necklace is old,” Tessa says. “The flowers are blue, and we just need something new…”
I snap my fingers and say, “The rings are new.”
We’re in my suite at the hotel getting ready. Libby lent me a gorgeous blush off-the-shoulder dress with a flowy chiffon skirt. I have my hair down in loose curls and light make-up on. Around my neck is Gran’s solitaire diamond necklace and on my face is the brightest smile I’ve ever worn.
We’re really doing this.
Libby went to the flower shop and quickly had them make a bouquet for me, one for Tessa, who will be my matron of honour (I asked Gran as well, but she rolled her eyes and said she’d rather eat bugs), as well as two miniature versions for Clara and Flora, who are our flower girls. Harrison and Will picked up simple gold bands for us, along with a pillow for James to carry them on.
In about five minutes, we’re all going to get into golf carts and zip down to the beach, where a preacher friend of the Bankses, Will, and his family will be waiting for us. I check the clock for the hundredth time in the last hour, hoping it’s time to go. We’re about to start our life together our way. No big production. No phonies among us. No people cheering for us to fail. Just the people who love us most. My only regret is that Nikki’s not here, but she’ll be up at the altar next to Tessa and me at the official wedding.
There’s a light knock on the door and Tessa hurries to answer it. My dad is at the door and his eyes tear up as soon as he sees me. He walks in, shaking his head. “You look absolutely beautiful, my lamb.”
I give him a huge hug, trying unsuccessfully not to cry. “Thanks, Dad.”
We pull back and he says, “I’m so proud of you, my girl, and I’m absolutely thrilled that you’re marrying William. There’s not another man on this planet that would make you as happy as he’s going to, and, at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.”
“It really is.”
“Are you ready?”
I grin and nod. “Are you?”
He tilts his head from side to side, then says, “A father is never ready for this moment, but don’t worry about me. I’ll get through it.”
Chuckling, I loop my arm through his. “I’m glad. Let’s go.”
Chapter 29
The Beginning of Happy
Will
Now this ismy kind of wedding. I’m standing under a wooden arch with my bare feet in the sand, in chinos and a button-up shirt. No tie, no tails, no top hat, no tabloid photographers jockeying for the best vantage point. No debilitating nerves about screwing up. Just us. Right here in my home with the people who love us most.
