a few other people I can’t place, so I’m sure they’re here for Matthew. My guest list was short.
My parents were a little more than shocked when I told them I was engaged to my boss. They’d heard the horror stories about him and the string of expletives that normally followed after I uttered his name. It was like a scene from Pride and Prejudice when I explained to them for the fifth time that things had changed and he really was my forever. I left out the bit about me destroying his car and him blackmailing me. We’ll save that little gem for another time.
Vivian, my wedding planner, opens the doors and cues the music. Everyone stands as I take my first steps out—barefoot because no one can walk in sand while wearing heels. I feel a little awkward with everyone looking at me, so instead of panicking or looking back at them, I focus on Matthew at the end of the aisle. He’s standing there, waiting on me and looking sexy as hell in his khaki pants, bare feet, and white dress shirt, which he’s folded up to his elbows. His dark hair is styled neatly and he has a dark shadow growing on his jaw that I wouldn’t let him shave. He’s smiling his blinding white smile and his dark eyes are watching me intently as I walk closer.
When I get to his side, he almost looks relieved, like he was afraid I’d change my mind and run in the opposite direction. But I’m not running. Not anymore. Not after I’ve seen the changes he’s made to be a better man.
When I stand at his side, he reaches for me, capturing my hands in his, like he’s trying to make sure I stay.
“You may be seated,” the preacher says to the guests as everyone takes a seat. “We’re gathered here today to bring these two people together in holy matrimony. Before we get started, please bow your heads as we pray for the longevity of this blissful union.”
He begins to pray, but I can’t focus on his prayer. All I can do is look up at Matthew from beneath my lashes with a smile on my face, because he’s doing the exact same thing. He isn’t paying any more attention to the prayer than I am. He’s too busy watching me. In the few minutes this prayer lasts, I see our future flash before my eyes. I see us growing old together. I see the children we’ll have—their smiling faces, happy and loved. I see us coming back to this island every year until we’re too old to do so. Then I see us drifting away into the unknown, hand in hand. I know it doesn’t exactly work like that, but it’s a nice vision to have. I’ve found my best friend—the one who will last a lifetime. I know he’ll make me happy and I vow to do the same for him, no matter what it takes.
“Matthew, if you would, present Poppy with her ring and read your vows.”
Matthew slides the ring onto my finger, still holding my hand as he looks deeply into my eyes. “Poppy, I’m thankful every single day that I have you. You’re the reason my heart beats. You are the air I breathe. You’ve saved me in more ways than one. You’ve saved me from dying a bitter old man. The day you walked into my life, I was forever changed. I vow to love you every day for the rest of time. I vow to take care of you, to make you laugh when you’re sad, to wipe your tears away, and to always hold you close. I vow myself to you—mind, body, and soul—until I take my last breath.”
I feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I try my hardest to push them back as I slide his wedding band onto his finger. “Matthew, becoming friends with you wasn’t easy, but falling in love with you was. It felt like I was standing on the top of a mountain, and every day, I slid down just a little more. And when I fell, you caught me and kept me safe. I vow to do the same for you. I will protect you even when you don’t see a threat. I vow to love you with my whole heart, and to work with you every day to keep our marriage strong enough to withstand any storm that comes