As they gazed into each other’s eyes, neither of them broke eye contact. I swallowed thickly. One day, that would be me and Mags. I’d make damn sure of it.
Victor nodded and asked, “If anyone objects to the marriage speak now or forever hold your peace.”
As assumed, no one said a word. Everyone just watched Asher and Faith with big smiles.
“With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Asher swooped in, kissing Faith like his life depended on it. My eyes wandered toward Mags who stared right back at me. I wanted to kiss her, so fucking bad.
Once they finished their first kiss as a married couple, they went over to two different colored grains of sand on a small table. One was blue and the other was pink. Faith grabbed the tube of pink sand, and Asher grabbed the blue tube.
“The newlyweds will now mix their sand, symbolizing the way they are now one.”
The blue and pink grains mixed together, leaving a hue of purple as they poured their sands together in a small glass bottle. The crowd clapped as they placed a cork into the glass bottle, sealing their mixed sand. I’d never heard of mixing sand before, but it was a nice sentiment.
Asher and Faith left the altar, arms linked, with wide-ass smiles on their faces. The bridal party followed suit, falling in behind them.
Mags slid her small hand into mine, and I smiled from the warmth. I couldn’t wait to get her alone later tonight. I’d never once told someone I loved them. Romantic love was a new concept for me, but so far, it was exhilarating.
Day Six
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Wedding Reception
The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I loved watching my best friend get married, even if my eyes kept wandering to a certain cousin of hers. Their reception was just as perfect. The speeches, the food, the cake, and of course, the dancing was spectacular. Luca had stayed by my side through all of it, and it was refreshing. He wasn’t pulling away anymore, which proved he was letting me in.
There was an hour left of the party, and we were taking full advantage of the yummy cocktails and good music. Luca’s hands held mine as we danced, he spun me around and pulled me back to his chest.
I met his movements but had difficulty keeping up. “I had no idea you could dance so well!”
His hands slid down to the small of my back, pulling my body even closer. “Never had a reason to dance before.”
I smiled like a fool once again. Luca had me wrapped around his finger, and I wasn’t even sure he realized it.
“Want to sneak away for a little bit?” His lips brushed against my ear.
I glanced over and Asher and Faith who were entranced by one another before nodding.
I’d snuck away from parties and receptions more times than I could count. Usually for a quickie but never to just talk. Sex was great, but a real connection had been what I was searching for all along.
He led me outside onto the beach I had become attached to. The sun sank lower into the horizon and gave way to the velvety darkness of night. The ocean breeze was cool as an amber glow washed over the beach.
I inhaled the scent of the brine. “I love the ocean.” He had a ghost of a smile as he stared at me as if I said something amusing. “What is it?”
Under the intensity of his gaze, every ounce of breath was taken from my lungs. He traced my lip lightly with the tip of his thumb. I pouted slightly as his stare consumed me. “You don’t know how much you mean to me, Mags.”
“Then tell me, because I know what I feel for you. I lo—” My words caught in my throat as he kissed me. His lips moved slow, reassuring me in ways that words could never do. His hand rested on my cheek as I pulled him close. We kissed for a while as the sounds of the waves gave us a perfect melody to the evening.
He pulled away and rested his forehead on mine. “I should’ve said it before, but I’ve never told anyone this.” He gulped. “I—”
“Are you fucking kidding me, Mark? She’s younger than our son!” a familiar, piercing voice shrieked.
I stilled. We turned our heads to a couple arguing next to us. Luca’s body tensed, and I could feel his heart race under my touch. It was Luca’s parents, but they had yet to notice us.
His dad’s voice was dangerously low. “You don't know how it was. You just want to judge me." His face was set like a villain with his eyes cold and muscles tensed.
This argument grew into a tornado. Mark tried to defend himself while manipulating Jess into thinking it was her fault. I couldn’t stand here and let it happen any longer, but as soon as I went to say something, Luca broke out of my hold and stalked toward his parents.
He didn’t say anything before his fist collided into his dad’s face, knocking him back on the sand. My eyes widened as I ran over to them, my legs finally deciding to work.
