The three days go by in a flash, and if I thought the island was busy before, that was nothing compared with now. Not only is my team here to do my hair and makeup and help me dress, but the guests are coming in too. Matthew’s grandmother is the first to arrive, and she looks at the place lovingly, like she hasn’t seen it in this lifetime. I help her inside and she sits on the couch.
“How were your travels?” I ask, sitting across from her.
“I don’t remember it being quite so long, but maybe that’s because nowadays, it’s a lot harder for me to sit that long. Or . . . maybe it’s because my handsome husband wasn’t sitting beside me, distracting me. I haven’t been here in almost 15 years. Once he got sick, we stopped coming and I couldn’t bear to come here alone.”
That breaks my heart. “I bet you have some good memories here, huh?”
She wipes a tear from her eye and nods. “As do you, and plenty more to come, hopefully.”
I smile at her sweetness. “I have to go finish getting ready. Will you be okay by yourself?”
“Of course, dear. I know I have some photo albums here somewhere. I’ll flip through them. That way, it will feel like Matthew is here with me.”
I smile. “Okay. But let me know if you need anything.” I stand and walk back into the bedroom to finish my makeup.
I hear boat after boat arriving but don’t bother to look out. I’m too focused on getting ready so I can marry the man of my dreams.
The sun begins to set and I know it’s finally time. The wedding planner walks into the room and looks down at me. “Everything is perfect. Are you ready?”
I turn away from the mirror. “More than ready.”
She hands me my bouquet of wildflowers and opens the door for me.
I walk through the living room to the glass doors that lead to the beach. Peeking out, all the chairs are full. I can see Matthew’s best friend and partner, Daniel, and his rock-star fiancée, plus my parents and 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 our way. I vow to stand by your side for the rest of forever.”
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you and wife. You may kiss your bride,” the preacher says, and moments later, I find myself pressed against Matthew’s chest, his lips on mine.
I hear the guests as they clap and cheer for us, but it’s almost like there’s a tunnel between us. It’s quiet and everything else is muffled as I stay locked in the world that Matthew and I have created for just the two of us. I kiss him like I won’t ever get the chance to kiss him again, feeling every brush of his lips and every sweep of his tongue, burning his scent that’s mixed with the smell of salt water into my memory, searing every last detail of this day into my mind.
His hands are on the small of my back, pulling me against him so hard my back arches. My arms are locked around his neck. It’s like we’re both holding on to one another for dear life, trying to make this moment last a lifetime.
The kiss slows and breaks free. I can feel the heat in my cheeks when my eyes find all the watchful guests, but Matthew still hasn’t looked away from me. His eyes are focused on my face as a wide smile of his own takes over.
The music starts up and I go to take a step—to walk back into the house—but he grabs me, picks me up, and cradles me against his chest, walking me back into the house. I lock my hands around the back of his neck and ask, “What’s this for?”
“We’re married now. I have to carry you over the threshold.”
He opens the door with the hand that’s under my knees then steps inside. He kicks the door closed behind us with his foot and spins around, both of us falling onto the fluffy white couch, with me still in his arms.
I laugh and giggle from the sudden drop, but he silences me with a kiss. “Thank you for marrying me,” he whispers against my lips.
I laugh. “You looked a little nervous out there, like you were worried I might turn and run away.”
He smiles. “I was. I thought the ocean wouldn’t stop you—you’d swim if you had to,” he jokes.
“And where would I go? You’re my life now, Matthew. No matter where I run—or swim—I’ll always be attached to you. You’re my life force.”
His dark eyes meet mine and he leans forward, pressing a soft kiss to my jaw. “How long do we have to wait for everyone to leave?”
I laugh. “A while. We still have dinner and cake and
speeches. All that fun stuff. Why?”
“I want to rip this dress off of you and make love to you in the ocean.”
“Why wait for them to leave? I’d pay to see that show,” I joke and he laughs.
“You’ve already paid by marrying me.”
I lean in to feel his lips against mine again, but the wedding planner opens the door. “All right, guys. Everyone’s in place. Let’s go present the bride and groom.”
The two of us untangle ourselves and stand up. Arm in arm, we follow her outside and around the house to where the big white tent is set up. Even from a distance, I can see that everything looks perfect. There are chandeliers hanging in the center with a thousand twinkle lights lighting up the path. There are white tablecloths and beautiful white flower centerpieces. Our guests are already in the tent, standing around the dance floor.
“Let’s give a warm welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Lewis!” the DJ says from his booth, and everyone claps and cheers as Matthew leads me to the center of the dance floor. The music starts up and the sounds of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley play through the speakers as he spins me around for our first dance.
The festivities go by in a flash. We dance and cut the cake, neither of us shoving it into the other’s face. He tosses the garter, and Foster catches it on reflex then quickly tosses it once he realizes what he’s done, at which point he throws Matthew an alarmed look. I’ve never talked to Foster about Bianca, but Matthew’s filled me in on their arrangement and I can’t help but feel sorry for him. I only hope he can find his own true love and happily ever after someday instead of having 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 are more intense. Words spoken between us are more than just words. They can be lethal—sharp as the world’s strongest blade—but they can also heal as they take all that pain away and leave no scar. A simple touch isn’t just a brush of a hand. It feels like there’s power in that touch that makes your hair stand on end and your body tingle like it’s coming alive in a whole new way. If you don’t know if the person you’re with is the one, then they’re not the one. From the moment I met her, deep down, I knew she was the one. It’s always and has only ever been her.
Her hand moves up, her fingers threading into my hair as she tugs at it, breaking our kiss. “Take me to bed, Matthew.”
Still holding her body against me, I turn and walk out of the water, then into the house, with water dripping off our bodies. I carry her into the bedroom and kick the door closed between us. Then we both fall into bed, the blankets sticking to our wet bodies. But neither of us cares about the bed. All that matters is that we’re together from now until the end of our days. And I know that even that won’t stop us. Wherever I go, heaven or hell, I’ll be waiting with open arms for her to come running into them after taking her last breath. Love isn’t just an earthly feeling. It’s eternal. It will follow me to the heights of heaven or the depths of hell—always perfect, whole, unscathed.
I push into her and she welcomes me with fire, but it doesn’t burn and it isn’t painful. No, this is the heat—the passion—of our love. It’s as hot as molten lava and as real as anything you can reach out and touch. These aren’t just chemicals in our brains. It’s not just some emotion we can’t see, feel, or taste. Our love soaks into all of our senses. It makes touching one another feel heavenly. It makes the flavor of our wedding cake sweeter. And as I push into her, the sounds of our love fill the room.
Our week in paradise goes by in a perfect flash. How I wish we could stay locked up here forever. As I pack our things into the boat, she stands back, looking over the place like she’s leaving her heart behind.
“We’ll come back,” I promise her.
“I know.” She smiles. “Every time we have to go, it just gets harder to leave this piece of perfection behind.”
“Well, it’s ours now. Are there any changes you want to make? Expand, paint, remodel?”
&n
bsp; Her head whips around to stare me down as she frowns. “No way. This place is classic and timeless. It’s like it’s locked away, guarded from time and change. It’s perfect.”
I smile at her words. “All right, everything is packed up. You ready to hit the water?”
“No,” she says, dragging her feet on the way to the dock, making me laugh.
“I have another surprise for you.”
She smiles now. “You do?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Tell me!”
I laugh as I pick her up against me and set her in the boat. “No way. What fun would that be? It’s a surprise.”
She frowns as she sits down and crosses her arms over her chest. “I hate surprises.”
“No, you don’t,” I argue.
“Well, this time I do.”
“You really want to know?”
Her arms uncross now and she sits up, giving me her blinding smile as she nods.
I pull out my phone and pull up the pictures of the house I purchased. I turn it around so she can see the screen. “I bought us a new house, just outside the city.”
Her mouth drops open and her eyes widen. “You did?”
I shrug as I flip through the pictures for her. “I thought it would be nice to have a place that’s just ours—a brand-new home where we can build our story. You know, in case we want children or land. We’ll have a master suite with a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. There are three more bedrooms for future children, or we can turn them into other things. No matter what we want in life, we’ll have the room for it.”
Breaking up with My Boss: An Enemies to Lovers, Office Romance (Love You Forever Book 4) Page 19