I haven’t seen my mother so much as glance at a pint of ice cream in a freezer case since the day Harry Jay wrecked her business.
“Yes, well, my daughter’s big day only happens once.” She wipes under her eyes, checking to make sure she hasn’t smeared her liner. “Let’s walk.”
I accept the offer without another word. Just grinning because I think this won’t be the last time Mom revives her old passion.
I really owe Gran a nice massage gift certificate or a new set of gardening tools. Whatcan’ther scheming do?
With my arm in Mom’s, I take my first step into the brilliant golden sunlight.
Perfection awaits.
Our little crowd turns to look at us as the music swells from the ship’s speakers.
Gran has Queenie on a short leash. The Lab barks when she sees me, straining a little to get closer.
She’s gotten better at containing her excitement, but it’s not easy today with so many people, the sea, and a strange new environment.
Later,I mouth, pointing at my eyes, then back at her, looking as stern as I can.You’ll get hair on my dress, girl. Stay.
She barks loudly like she understands and lies down with a grumble.
Everybody laughs.
As I blink in the daylight, my chest splits open until it feels like I’m breathing helium instead of air.
It’s almost scary, being this happy.
Up ahead, the song switches over, and we start slowly moving forward toward the arch at the end.
Everyone else stands in their seats. Friends, family, the people closest to us and no one else.
And, of course, Brady, standing beside the captain, who doubles as our officiant in his crisp white uniform.
There are so many people as I keep moving forward. So many faces giving me their very best.
Granny Lark throws me a mischievous wink.
Kerrigan beams, maybe the most emotion I’ve ever seen on her.
Even Alec looks up in his wheelchair and gives me a brusque nod of approval.
Even the hardest hearts are melting today.
Brady chose a wonderful linen suit. He looks like a white knight, glowing in the sunlight, my own wise guardian angel come to earth.
The outfit accents his dark hair and the brightest blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
His mouth parts as I walk down the makeshift aisle. This isn’t a church, no, and although Kerrigan insisted on the traditional “bride walk,” all I really want to do is get to my groom ASAP.
Preferably without tripping over the hem of my dress.
He reaches out to me and squeezes my hand when I close in. Predictably, the breeze tosses those loose curls over my face, and I blow them back into place.
“Ouch, woman. You’re so beautiful it hurts,” he whispers.
“I know,” I whisper back, pumping his hand. “You look pretty decent yourself.”
With a huge grin, he nods.
