By the time I get to the end, tears stream down my face. “Oh, Mom.” I gush, throwing myself into her arms and squeezing her tight.
When I pull back, I suck in a deep breath and admit, “I’ve been missing Jane so much today.”
“She’s always here, sweetheart. She loved you so much.”
“Can I get a copy of this letter to share with Mark? I’m sure he’s missing his mom like crazy on a day like today.”
“Oh, Faye,” she sighs. “You can have it. I think this is something you should share with Mark when you feel the time is right.”
When I spot my reflection in the mirror, I laugh. “It’s a good thing I’m wearing waterproof makeup, or I’d be starting from ground zero again.” Taking a tissue, I dab at my eyes and grin excitedly. “Can you send Dad in here? I think I’m ready to officially start my forever with Mark.”
Standing here at the altar, with all my friends and family beside me, as I wait for the love of my life to join me, is one of the best feelings in the world. It may have been more than thirty years in the making, but today, Faye officially becomes my wife.
Knowing Jax and Finn would be busy with their families today, Ryker, the only member of Ruby Frax who isn’t part of my immediate family, volunteered to play his guitar for the prelude of our ceremony. As his upbeat melody mixes with the wind on the beach, I anxiously wait for my bride to make her entrance.
“You doin’ okay over there, Lancaster?” Enzo, my best man, quietly asks, nudging my shoulder. “Remember to unlock your knees, or I’m gonna end up having to save your ass.”
Shifting my weight, I grin at his attempt at humor. “I’m good, Harps.” After thirty years in the Air Force, he knows damn well I could stand at attention until the cows come home without my knees locking.
Enzo Harper never in a million years thought that being my best man would be the way he returned the favor owed to me. You should’ve seen the expression on his face the day I went to collect—it was priceless. I know he would have done it regardless, but I’m sure I’ll never hear the end of it either. He never thought that I, Mark Lancaster, the eternal bachelor, had finally fallen head-over-heels in love. He graciously accepted two weeks ago and couldn’t wait to see the woman who had brought me to my knees.
I’m thrilled he and Samantha, as well as their two younger children, could take time out of their busy schedules to be a part of our wedding. Last night at the rehearsal dinner, Faye and his wife, Sam, got along well. I can tell they’re on the fast track to being close friends.
An excited energy courses through me as Faye’s brother escorts his mother to her seat. Once everyone is settled, Ryker takes his cue and changes the tune to “Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major.”
Slowly, Faye’s sister, Carolyn, walks down the short aisle between the white chairs we’ve set out on the beach. My heart races when the song gets louder, and the notes shift to signal Faye’s arrival.
She’s remained hidden behind the tiny dunes between the house and where we’re getting married. My breath catches when she finally comes into view. Not only do her eyes shine with love I can feel deep in my soul, but her smile radiates and fills me with a need I can barely contain.
My body itches to close the distance between us, and I almost say fuck it and go to her, but Enzo taps my arm and whispers, “Easy now. Let her have her moment to shine.”
That’s all it takes to keep me rooted in place.
I marvel at her beauty as she makes her way to me.
From the way her hair is contained in a whimsical updo, to the fitted bodice with the most intricate lace that drops to a shimmery full-length A-line skirt that billows in the wind as she walks, Faye is utter perfection.
When Faye stops before me, and the officiant finally starts the ceremony, my mind is entirely lost on her. As I marvel in her beauty, I’m vaguely aware of her dad giving his blessing and taking his seat.
The moment Faye reaches for me and clasps her hands in mine, all is right in my world.
Thankfully, Faye and I agreed to keep our ceremony short. If I were given a quiz on what was said specifically, I’d fail miserably. But I can tell you the exact color of her eyes in this light, the number of strands in her beautiful blonde hair that lose their fight to the wind, and the way Faye’s laugh lines form a second before her lips turn into the most breathtaking smile.
When it comes time for the vows, I force myself to focus.
Squeezing her hand, I clear my throat and project so everyone can hear. “Faye, I’m not sure I remember the exact day we became friends, but I’m certain I can tell you the exact moment I considered you as more.”
The small crowd gathered roars in laughter, so I’m forced to wait for them to settle before continuing.
“It was the summer between our sophomore and junior year. We were connected at the hip most days, and you went from being my best friend to being the only woman in the world for me. I distinctly remember thinking as I looked into your gorgeous blue eyes as we sat here on this very beach, Holy shit. I love this girl.”
This earns more laughter from our friends and family.
“Mark.” She shakes her head and bats at my shoulder.
“You were smart, funny, and the most beautiful woman in the world. You pushed me and challenged me to become the man I am today… Even if it meant taking a thirty-year pause,” I add in for good measure.
“Now that I’m back, you won’t be able to shake me so easily, sweetheart.”
