it forced on him.
Matthew’s boss, Calvin, ultimately ends up with the garter, but he’s already married. I toss the bouquet, and to my surprise, Luna, the rock star who’s with Daniel, catches it. Her eyes are wide but her lips are turned up in the corners. They’re already engaged, so maybe this will help move things forward just a little faster.
Luna walks up to me and pulls me in for a hug. “Thanks, but I’ve already agreed to walk down the aisle,” she jokes.
“Well, maybe now it will happen sooner and I’ll be at your wedding.”
She shrugs. “We’re thinking of eloping. I really like this little island. Can I borrow it?” She laughs.
I shrug. “I don’t see why not. It’s the perfect honeymoon spot, isn’t it?”
She nods. “It’s beautiful.”
Speeches start up and Matthew’s grandmother is the first to move up to the microphone.
“Matthew, Poppy, I can’t explain how overjoyed I am that the two of you finally found each other. I have to admit, I was starting to worry about Matthew, but then you walked into his life like it was destiny, and I believe it was. Most people would never notice the change in him, but I’ve seen every single one and I know you’re the key to that. So, as my gift, I would like to sign this island over to you. This place is an island of love that’s been in the family for generations. It’s only right for it to be passed down to the newest couple. I’m sure it will show you two just as much love as it showed my late husband and me. Enjoy your new home. I love you both.”
As she makes her way off the stage, I turn and stare at Matthew with my mouth hanging open. “It’s ours?” I ask, full of surprise and excitement.
He nods. “I thought you’d like it.”
“Like it? I love it!” I stand up and go to his grandmother as she makes her way back to her seat. I pull her in for a hug and feel more tears burning my eyes.
“Thank you. So much. For everything.”
She smiles kindly. “You’re welcome, dear. Take care of the place for me.”
“You know we will.”
I happen to notice my parents walking over and I rush to their sides. “You guys have to meet Matthew.” I grab ahold of their arms and force them to walk up to him with me.
“Matthew, I’d like you to meet my parents, Sarah and Jacob. Mom, Dad, this is my new husband, Matthew.” I know it’s not traditional for my parents to only be meeting my husband on our wedding day, but they live almost a thousand miles away, and we’ve never been incredibly close—something I hope to work on now.
They shake hands while Mom talks about how beautiful everything is: the island, the wedding, the flower arrangements. Dad threatens Matthew within an inch of his life if he hurts me . . . you know, normal stuff.
As the night draws on, guest start to leave and things begin to get cleaned up. The wedding is officially over, but our marriage is just beginning.
Thirty
Matthew
The guests leave and the party team cleans up a little before heading out. They’ll tear down the tent, tables, and chairs tomorrow when the sun is out. Now that we’re alone on the island again, I pull her over to the shore. I spin her around and start lowering her zipper and unbuttoning her dress. It falls down around her feet in the sand and she turns to face me, wearing nothing but a light blue thong. She lifts her arms and starts taking the pins out of her hair while I unbutton my shirt and free myself from my clothing. Naked and hand in hand, we walk into the water.
I lead her in deep, until the water is touching our shoulders, and I pick her up against me, looking into her midnight eyes as the big moon shines back in her pupils. “You’re breathtaking,” I breathe out, and she smiles.
Her cheeks, even in the soft light of the moon, are glowing pink. I can’t help but run the backs of my fingers across them. I move in slowly for a kiss—a kiss that quickly becomes rushed and urgent. I feel my body coming to life and know it’s never felt this way before her.
People ask: How do you know if you’ve found the one you’re meant to spend your life with? And this is it. Everything is different. Kisses