“E-Leen, Uncle Lalla!” The little one grinned up at them.
Sin lifted up the small child with one arm and hugged his brother with the other. “Thanks for making the trip.”
“Are you kidding?” Dakota said. “Sammy and I wouldn’t miss this. I’m happy for you, bro.”
Moments later, Jacoby and his wife, Beverly, arrived, along with Sanchez and her girlfriend. Next cameErica and her boyfriend, and Anton and his husband. After Hannah, Trevon and baby Robert arrived, Evangeline pulled Sin aside. “Thank you, so much. No one has ever done anything like this for me before.”
An hour later, Evangeline’s mom and her boyfriend got there, followed by her dad. Big D arrived next and Jessica showed up twenty minutes after that.
“You collected everyone I love to celebrate a birthday I wouldn’t have even thought twice about.” Evangeline’s eyes misted and she kissed his cheek. “You are too good to me.”
He took her hand, drew her fingers to his mouth and dotted them with kisses. “Come outside with me for a minute,” he murmured. “We’ll be right back,” he called over his shoulder.
Once outside, they walked down to the water’s edge. “I have one more surprise for you.”
She laughed. “I’m not sure I can take any more.”
“Everyone we love is here. I know your actual birthday is the thirty-first, but I thought it would be pretty amazing if we got married today. I love you so damn much and I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
Her mouth opened, but no words came out.
“Too much? We’ve talked about a fall wedding, which we can do—”
“What about my wedding dress?”
“Carly brought it.”
“Okay. And who will marry us?”
“Maverick got a one-time license, so if you’re okay with it—”
After kissing him again, she stared into his eyes. And then, she smiled. “Yes. Today. On the beach.”
He couldn’t contain his joy. Capturing her face in his hands, he kissed her with all the love he had to give. “Love you,” he murmured.
“So much,” she whispered back.
THAT AFTERNOON, Sin stood on the beach beneath a large, white party canopy. As far as weddings go, it was a simple one—a tent, several rows of white, folding chairs and fifty guests. His band of brothers stood by his side, with Maverick officiating. Everyone wore formal attire, but they were all barefoot.
The sun shone down as passersby paused to snap pictures. The videographer he’d hired to capture their special moment was in position and recording.
Evangeline stepped out of the house with her dad by her side. Sin couldn’t take his eyes off his breathtaking bride. His heart rejoiced; his soul soared. This was, without question, the woman of his dreams in every way imaginable. Her beauty radiated from the inside out and he considered himself a lucky man, indeed, to have found his soul mate.
Their eyes met and her smile was filled with confidence and unconditional love. Her white satin gown flowed behind her and her sister lifted its train and followed as they made their way toward him.
Sammy jumped off Carly’s lap and clapped, her excitement uncontainable. Light-hearted laughter rippled through the guests. As Sin took in his family and the friends he loved the most, he counted his many blessings.
Henry escorted Evangeline down the aisle and up to Sin. After handing over his most beloved daughter, Henry shook Sin’s hand. “She’s my precious angel. Remember what I told you.” Then, Henry winked and sat down beside Evangeline’s mom.
“Okay, you two ready to rock this?” Maverick boomed, creating additional laughter.
“We are,” Sin and Evangeline replied in unison.
“Do the honors, brother,” Sin added.
As Maverick began the ceremony by welcoming everyone, Sin scooped Evangeline’s hands into his. The sea breeze whispered through their hair while the salty waves brushed against the shoreline. Though the setting was perfect, it paled in comparison to the joy in Evangeline’s eyes.
“I’d like to start with a short Bible reading,” Maverick said. “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Pausing, he acknowledged the bride and bridegroom. “This is it.” He grinned. “Partners forever, no matter what.”
