He brushed my tears away then reached into his pocket and pulled out my ring. “With this ring, I give you my heart, my love, and my commitment. For now and for all our days.”
He slid the ring onto my finger, and it was getting hard to see for all the tears blurring my vision.
“Saylor?” Samu asked from a distance.
I shook my head and turned to the arch where Samu stood, holding out asalusalufor me to give Mal. I accepted it with a teary smile, and he held my bouquet for me. I went up on my toes to drape the garland around Mal’s shoulders. He bent down for me slightly and gave me a teary smile in return.
“Oh, the ring!” I turned to Samu and gently untangled Mal’s ring from the ribbon holding my bouquet together.
As I faced Mal with his ring in my hand, I had a hard time remembering the words I’d wanted to say. So many thoughts jumbled in my brain. “Mal, I still can’t believe we’re doing this. Only you could make such an impetuous, spontaneous decision feel like the only thing that makes sense. You have become my safe harbor in an insane time, and I can’t wait to see what crazy adventure you convince me to go on next. But I’ll jump into it with you because I know I’ll be safe as long as I have you at my side.”
His eyes were misty as he looked at me, and I caught my breath at the naked love and devotion I could see in his gaze. He made me want to believe in everything.
I took his hand in mine and slid his ring onto his finger. “With this ring, I give you my heart. I choose you—today and always. I love you so much.”
He laughed huskily. “You realize that’s the first time you said it?”
“Really?” I shook my head slightly. “It can’t be.”
He blinked at me like he was waiting for my realization.
“Dammit,” I whispered. “That’s—That’s crazy. I’m so sorry, Mal. But I do. I love you today and always.”
Mal’s eyes shone with emotion as he bent toward me to kiss me.
Samu cleared his throat. “Uh, we’re not there yet. Give me one more minute.”
Mal turned his head to glare at Samu while I tried and failed to swallow my laugh.
Samu grinned back at Mal. “Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui. Fear God and honor the King. You may kiss your bride.”
“About damn time,” Mal mumbled just before his lips covered mine and muffled my laughter.
His kiss went on and on. My heart thundered in my ears, and I couldn’t hear the ocean or the small crowd cheering for us.
I was too busy being loved by Mal. I don’t know what I’d been so worried about. The promises he’d just made me were everything. And this was the best perk of our marriage by far. Mal seriously knew what he was doing when it came to kissing…and other things too.
Finally Mal broke our kiss and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
“May I present Mister and Missus Malcolm Holt!Vinaka!” Samu shouted. “We have alovofeast for the guests to enjoy back at the dining bure.Bula!”
It was at that point I realized that we actually had a crowd. It looked like everyone on the island had turned up. I don’t know how I’d missed them on my walk down the beach. So many smiling faces greeted us as we walked down the beach, including Eva and Justin.
“I can’t believe you two got married!” Eva squealed. “It’s so romantic.”
“Congrats.” Justin smiled at us with his arm wrapped around his wife. They were both casual beach chic with his khaki shorts and polo and her bright, flowery sundress.
“Thank you,” I replied, but Mal didn’t do more than mutter something no one could hear as he tugged me down the beach.
“Someone’s eager.” Eva laughed in a loud aside to her husband.
“Yup, gotta fuck my bride,” Mal returned as he fast walked toward the treehouse. “It’s not legal until I’ve come inside her. Fijian law and all that.”
“Mal!” I shouted before I slapped his shoulder. “Oh my god. I cannot believe you said that. I’m never showing my face at the dining hall. I’m so embarrassed.”
“Come on, it’s not like we’re ever going to see them again after this trip. Who gives a shit?”
“But this trip isn’t over!” I wailed as we hustled down the path. “We’ll still have to see them for the next week or whatever.”
