While I’m finishing that, someone knocks and opens the door. “Hey, Bride!”
I blink and almost explode with happiness when Audrey walks in. “Oh my God! What are you doing here?”
“We happened to be at the resort next door.” She squeezes me tight. “What do you think? We’re here for your wedding!”
“Thank you.” Tears sting my eyes. “When did you get here?”
“This morning. Don’t worry. We’re not crashing your private honeymoon. Doug’s taking me to Lanai tomorrow to look at a property he’s thinking of buying.”
“I’m not worried about that. I’m just so happy to see you.”
Chaser
Alvin, Audrey, Doug, the officiant, a discreet photographer, and I are the only ones on the beach.
The crashing ocean and my pounding heart provide the only soundtrack I need. The setting sun turns the sky vibrant shades of pink and purple, the perfect backdrop.
No one needs to nudge me when Mallory arrives. Her magnetic pull is enough to turn my head as she glides down the simple sandy path lined with big green palm fronds and plump red flowers. She’s an image from my dreams. Simple white two-piece bathing suit, with straps crisscrossing under her breasts and pink ribbons tied into little bows at her hips. Pink and purple flowers at her ankles, wrists, and tucked behind her ear. A small bouquet of matching island flowers is clutched in her hands. Pure love curves her lips and shines in her blue eyes when she reaches me. I extend my hand and she twines her fingers in mine. Together, we face the officiant.
“Welcome, friends. We’re here today to celebrate the marriage of Mallory and Russell. Marriage is one of the greatest blessings and challenges of human relationships. Only through love, patience, dedication, and perseverance can two people create a marriage. I am here to help you affirm the choice you have both made to spend your lives together as husband and wife.”
“Thank you,” Mallory whispers.
He nods to her. “I understand you both have personal vows you’d like to recite.”
“We do.” I pull the slip of paper from my pocket although, I probably have the words branded into my soul, I’ve gone over them so many times.
“Mallory, you’re the strength I didn’t know I needed in my life and the happiness I didn’t realize I was missing. No matter what challenges life throws at us, I promise to always protect you, cherish you, and to love you for the woman you are today and the woman you’ll become.” I take a breath. My body’s coiled tight, my voice hoarse with emotion and the most important parts are still to come. “I pledge to always nurture your dreams and help you reach them. My whole heart, my body, and soul are yours. My love for you is never-ending. I am honored to be your husband. To be by your side for the rest of my life.”
Mallory
I’m a blubbering mess by the time Chaser finishes his beautiful pledges. His dark eyes reflect nothing but honesty and devotion when I peer up at him. He takes a deep breath and releases it slowly, gently rubbing the pads of his thumbs over my hands.
“Mallory? Do you have vows you’ve written as well?” the officiant asks.
“Oh! Yes.” I slip the piece of paper out from under the ribbon holding my bouquet together.
I’m so overcome with emotion, I have to blink and silently read my vows several times. It’s not like I memorize lines for a living or anything. But these words are the most important I’ll ever speak. I need the extra second to compose myself.
“Chaser, you love me and complete me in ways I never imagined were possible. You have held my hand through my biggest challenges, encouraging me to grow, and believe in myself. For as long as I live, I pledge to always support you, inspire you, and love you. I will celebrate your successes and mourn your failures as if they were my own. Together, anything is possible. I am so proud to choose you to be my husband, my one and only, today and for the rest of my life.”
“Thank you,” he whispers, pulling me just a bit closer.
“Russell Everett Adams, do you take Mallory Angelina DeLova to be your wife?”
He doesn’t take his eyes off me as he answers, “I do.”
“Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, until death parts you?”
“I do.”
“And, Mallory, do you take Russell to be your husband?”