I take a quick shower before the stylist shows up. I want to look perfect, and in order for that to happen, I need a professional.
Before I know it, things are in motion. Reese is awake, and I’m confined to the bathroom with a freckled vixen curling my hair and applying fake eyelashes. We’re having a simple ceremony. It’s just Reese, me, and an American minister we happened to stumble upon, here in France on a mission.
I didn’t have time to go fancy, but I did manage to find a simple white slip dress with a plunging neckline that I love. For some added elegance, I found a rhinestone headband and matching pair of heels. It’s not the princess ensemble I once dreamed of, but it’s perfect for my wedding day. Life is funny. It doesn’t always turn out the way you envision it, but the difference in the details doesn’t make the moment any less significant.
“Kayla?” Reese knocks on the door. “The minister is here. It’s almost time.”
Butterflies flap riotously in my stomach. The stylist, Mara, must sense my unease, because she extends an encouraging smile before she exits the bathroom. I take one last look at myself. Hair and makeup perfectly in place. Dress smooth, nerves frazzled. Yup. All systems go.
I walk out into the bedroom where a restless Reese is waiting. He’s outfitted in a white dress shirt and tan slacks, looking like a badass prince whose coat of arms is a Terminator tattoo and two wheels.
“Wow.” His eyes widen. “Wow.” It’s as if he’s seeing me for the first time. I smile coquettishly. “You look . . .” Words elude him. Mission accomplished.
“I’m glad you approve.”
“I’m the luckiest man on earth.” He kisses my cheek and takes my hand. “Ready? The minister is waiting.”
I nod, ready as I’ll ever be.
Reese leads me out to the balcony where a gray-haired man dressed in black awaits. His smile is so warm and inviting, it puts my nerves immediately at ease.
Reese hired one of the team photographers to take pictures, so there’s a soft shutter sound snapping as we take our place.
“Good morning!” the minister boasts cheerfully. His name is Robert, and he’s originally from Arizona. Reese and I were elated when we met him, instantly agreeing he would be the perfect person to marry us.
“Good morning,” we both respond in the early morning twilight, the sun just starting to crack over the horizon.
“Please face each other and join hands.” We follow his directions. “Kayla and Reese, I am honored to officiate on this sacred day. Just as the Lord gives light to the world, you give light to each other. Through your love. Your commitment. The union of souls is a sacred sacrament. It’s a promise, a pledge to walk side by side in moments of triumph, and moments of failure, to lift each other in love, life, and spirit. That is why you are standing here today, to forge a bond and express your intentions to the world. It’s a brave and beautiful commitment not meant to be entered into lightly. The vows you take this morning cannot be broken with impunity. Your connection is as strong as the thread that sews you together. What is the material made of? String? Wire? Steel? Only the two of you can decide.” Robert places one of his hands over ours. I sneak a glance at Reese to find him staring blatantly at me, a look of pure elation on his ruggedly-handsome face.
“Rings?”
Reese reaches into his pocket and pulls out two bands, one made of pavé diamonds, the other black titanium. The minister takes both, handing me Reese’s first. I swallow hard.
“Kayla Kincade, do you take Reese Dane to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to be true to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health? To love him and honor him all the days of your life?”
Nervously, I say, “I do.”
Robert nods gleefully. “Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”
Softly, awash with emotion, while the sun rises, illuminating the gothic buildings and sparkling river, I repeat, “With this ring, I thee wed.”
As I slip the ring onto Reese’s finger, an image of Dev flickers through my mind, causing a momentary relapse of sadness. I may be committing myself to Reese, but a small part of me will always irrefutably love Dev.
“Reese Dane, do you take Kayla Kincade to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to be true to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health? To love her and honor her all the days of your life?”
Without fear or hesitation, Reese replies, “I do.”
I smile tearfully as Reese recites, “With this ring, I thee wed.”
No moment in my life has been more perfect. Once my wedding ring is securely around my finger, I’m whole.
“I am ecstatic to announce, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Reese Dane. You may kiss your bride.”
Reese doesn’t waste a second pulling me into his arms and kissing me rapturously. The embrace is so hot, I’m positive the minister is blushing.
“You’re finally all mine,” he whispers between flicks of his tongue.
“Yes, I am,” I avow.
