I reach the bungalow, knowing Nathan is on his way to Clayton’s. Moments after I enter there’s a knock.
“Maid of honor at your service.”
“Thank God. Did you just go for a swim in the pool? “Noticing her cute black bikini, and still dripping wet.
“Pfft, No, the ocean. I discovered I scream the same way whether I’m about to be eaten by a shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my leg,” Gen states, completely serious.
But I laugh and would most likely share in those exact feelings.
“Three hours, will that be enough time?” she questions.
“God, I hope so. What are you planning?”
“Perfection.” Smiling over her shoulder still dripping water on the floor. She grabs a towel and looks me over head-to-toe. “Where shall I start?” Rubbing her hands together like a villain.
“You could start with what happened last night.” I go right for the jugular.
“What are you talking about?”
Seriously? Playing coy. “Golden boy, hate’em one day love’em the next.”
“Oh… well, I admit it’s a little twisted.”
That’s not an answer. “Clayton was obviously inebriated, what’s your excuse?” I ask.
“Don’t worry, I’ll just keep him in rotation.” Shrugging her shoulders as if it’s no big deal.
“Does Clayton know he’s in rotation? And why am I having a hard time believing that?” Hands on my hips challenging her.
“It was casual, Bryer. How do you know anyway, did Clayton say something to Nathan?”
“We were unfortunate to witness the exhibition on your deck last night.”
“Huh…”
A loss for words, that’s a first. “Gen, why are you denying you have feelings? You both do that and play this game of spewing insults.”
“I already had one player, I don’t need another. There, are you happy now?”
“You’re afraid he’ll hurt you if you show him how you feel?” Walking closer with each word until I’m standing in front of her, my hand resting on her shoulder.
“Thank you Dr. Freud,” she says smiling.
“Okay, I’ll leave it for now, but I happen to think Clayton has had a huge thing for you for some time. It’s just he’s like the kindergartener who pushes down the girl he likes, because he doesn’t know any other way to show you how he feels.”
“He found one way.” We both laugh.
I’m handed 3 bottles and with a not-so-gentle push into the shower. Smells so good, shampoo I’ve never heard of, a body wash that glides over my body like velvet, its scent is sexy and floral at the same time. The matching lotion is like silk, and I feel completely pampered. I present myself in my robe, wet hair, clean and smelling sexy.
“You’re in good hands,” she says as she digs through a huge bag of beauty aids. “Hair first.” She sits me in front of the mirror to witness the transformation.
I watch her every move, realizing I would never put this much effort into my hair. It’s pinned in circles to create a soft spiral curl, instead of my usual messy do. I’m warned within an inch of my life, never brush or even comb it, we will only be running our fingers through it to soften the perfect waves.
“While your hair sets, let’s start the make up.”
Cringing, this could cause a conflict, as I see false eyelashes in the pile.
“I think I’ll spin you around to do your face.”
Apparently reading my mind. I feel the first layer of gunk goes on, but I admit, it’s feels lite. However, we just started. “I’m not going for drag queen, Gen, promise me.”
Shaking her head at my leeriness. “Are you doubting my artistic skills?” Sounding appalled. “Ye of little faith.”
“Of course not, I’m just a little nervous, it’s getting close, this day, Nathan, it’s a fantasy.”
“I promise you will be soaring when you walk out the door.”
“That’s a tall order.” I patiently wait through every step, even when she blows on my eyes, to dry the glue, as she unrolls every hair that was perfectly pinned in place, now dry, and I can feel them tumble on my shoulders and back. I admit, this is exciting.
Gen slowly turns the chair.
I’m facing the mirror, stunned into silence.
“Ta-da.”
“Flawless,” she says. Our eyes meet. “Don’t cry, Bryer.”
“I can’t promise I won’t.” Waving my hands in front of my eyes to stop the waterworks.
“Radiant, don’t touch anything, I want to keep it that way.”
Harsh. “I see you’ve still got those rough edges.” I smile up at her.
“Wait ‘til I’m ready, I’ll help you put your dress on. I’ll be speedy, I promise.” Crossing her heart.
Out walks Gen in her beautiful island sheik gown, Halter-style top with an overlay, allowing the palest of yellow silk underneath to show through. Then silk that flairs at the bottom the color of sand, matching the overlay on top. Timeless classy. “You look like an angel,” I say.
“That’ll be the day.” Winking at me.
There is a knock on the door, Gen strolls over to answer it.
A young man holding my bouquet and a box. “They’re flowers you ordered, and this is from your groom.”
I almost swoon.
“The flowers turned our perfectly.” As Gen hands them to me.
The bouquet is stunning, white roses and white orchards sprinkled lightly with baby’s breath I can’t keep still with excitement.
She hands me the card.
This was worn by my mother, who I loved my entire life, whether here on earth or in heaven. I’ve been waiting for the one and only love of my life to pass it on. She would have loved you, Bryer. Just remember both of our mothers are here with us today.
I love you,
Nathan
Opening the box wrapped in shiny white paper, a delicate gold necklace appears, I pull it out and there’s a beautiful round diamond at the end.
“Oh, Bryer, let me put it on you, then the dress.”
I feel my eyes start to glisten.
“Don’t cry, not yet,” she orders, as she brings the white plastic bag over. The vision of the perfect dress unfolding before me is drawing happiness from within. As I put it on, the fit is perfection, as Gen tweaks and tucks and buttons every detail. And then the veil, which sits back secured by a crystal comb, flowing down my back, the train falling behind me.
“Are you ready?” Gen asks as she pulls me in front of the floor mirror.
I catch my own reflection, momentarily feeling my heart stop. I don’t recognize this woman, something truly magical is happening. “This is the happiest day of my life.”
She looks over my shoulder as we both admire our stunning success in the mirror. Her hands rest on my shoulders in support. “It should be, hun.” Her eyes shining with delight. She hands me a glass of pink champagne. “To take the edge off.”
I drink it gladly. “What time is it?” I ask.
“It’s time.”
We start our stroll down the path towards the chapel on the beach, noticing the picture-perfect weather and a light breeze calming me. Our names are written in the sand, I can see it from here. Nice touch.
Gen enters the side door as I wait, once she returns I hear the music. A cellist playing Arioso from Bach Cantata. Nathan chose that, amazing. Gen is positioning herself at the entrance, the long walk awaits us both.
Live in the moment, appreciate every second and breathe, don’t forget to breath. I watch as Gen starts her slow descent. Once I see Gen at the left of the altar, that’s my cue. The music changes to the Bridal march.
White rose pedals sprayed down the aisle, my dress gliding over them. A combination of white lilies mixed with ivy surrounding white gauze tulle on each bench, white candles everywhere. A crystal chandelier above the altar. And as the sun is setting, the turquoise ocean view explodes behind everyone.
Almost there I see him, and my brea
th is taken from me. Breathe, just breathe. He is undeniably handsome in the black tux, his hair slicked back in waves. His chiseled face smiling showing both dimples and his baby blues gleaming and focusing only on me. Absorbing his masculine presence and intensity as if we were one. I reach him, and as I take him in, I feel dizzy, drowning in him.
He reaches for a curl and slides his fingers down its length, and mouths. “Breath taking.” As we face each other, our hands are automatically joined. His genuine smile with the double-punch dimples makes me weak in the knees. And I notice things have started, the bubble disappears.
~ ~ ~
“Welcome, on behalf of Nathan James and Bryer Reid, I would like to welcome you to this joyous celebration. The Hawaiian word for love is aloha. Today we’ve come together to celebrate the special aloha that exists between Nathan and Bryer and their desire to make their aloha eternal through the commitment marriage. When two people promise with aloha in their hearts to share the adventure of life, it is a beautiful moment that they and all of us who are present today will always remember.”
“The bride and groom would like to start with a personal declaration.” Kahale takes a step back.
“Bryer, you are the light in my darkness, holding my world together. You saved me with your love and devotion. You were so unexpected. Now I know I never really lived until you. Say yes to a life with me. Because I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
The first tear falls, mine of course.
He winks at me letting me know it’s my turn.
I look up and stare into his eyes, he seizes my heart. “Nathan, you have become my life’s story. And as I run into your arms, colliding with your heart, exploding into your soul. You’re always there to catch me. You are the compass to my soul. I promise to only grow deeper in love with you each day until my dying breath. I am yours.
His intense look melts my emotions, and a second tear escapes, this time he catches it. I can’t resist the flirty glances when he’s looking at me with the look I’ve come to know, as promises to come.
“Do you, Nathan, take Bryer, to be your wife? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, in health, to cherish with devoted love and faithfulness 'til death do you part.”
“I do.” As he squeezes my hand.
“Do you, Bryer, take Nathan to be your husband? To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, in health, to cherish with devoted love and faithfulness 'til death do you part.”
“I do.” A third tear falls.
Nathan watches it glide down the length of my face, his eyes yearning to touch me.
~ ~ ~
“Please take out the wedding rings. Your wedding rings are a symbol of your eternal aloha for one another and commitment to your marriage. Please join hands and look deeply into each other’s eyes. Nathan, please place the ring on Bryer’s finger of the left hand, and Bryer, please place the ring on Nathan’s finger of the left hand.
With shaky hands, we both accomplish the rings, mine a matching gold eternity band, his a scalloped shell white gold band.
“With these rings they are a symbol of love, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, always and forever, until death us do part.
“Nathan and Bryer, you have pledged your eternal aloha to one another and your commitment to live together faithfully in lawful wedlock. By the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Hawaii, I pronounce you husband and wife. Nathan, you may kiss your bride! With honor I proudly announce for the first time Mr. & Mrs. Nathan James.
As our lips meet, soft and sweet, longing for more, we part only briefly and he kisses me once more as Kahale rings a bell twice. “On behalf of both the bride’s and groom’s mothers, we honor their presence.”
~ ~ ~
We both turn and thank him, as I take in his colorful shirt with a completely different robe tied over his one shoulder and a short lei around his neck.
Aloha’oe A hui how Aloha nui loa.
(Farewell to you, until we meet again with very much love.)
“Please follow me to the back. We can sign the license, so you can enjoy your day.”
I watch as Nathan signs and it’s my turn.
“I’ll sign it, stamp it, and mail it off to the county records, standard procedure.”
Several pictures are formally taken, but all others were done in process where no one knew they were being photographed, I’m sure those will be amazing. Then we make our way to the beach, almost touching the water, more pictures, and more memories.
Chapter Twenty-Three
~Nathan~
Fucking stunning, my bride is stunning. I always knew she was beautiful, but today she’s a goddess. I realize it doesn’t matter how hard being together is, nothing is worse than being apart, we’ll get through anything. Clayton is the first to shake my hand in a bro-hug.
“Congratulations, bro, it was an honor being your best man. I’ve never seen you turn into a pile of lovey-dovey bull shit before, but you deserve to happy, man.”
“You should be writing for Hallmark.” We both laugh, and he punches me in the arm, Then he grabs Bryer and picks her up, swinging her an entire turn, her giggle is endearing and the smile on her face infectious.
“Thank you, Clayton, I hope you find the happiness I’m feeling right now.” I hear her say.
His hands on her shoulders, he slightly creates distance. “It’s not going to happen for me, everything I touch dies.” Watching his eye search for Gen.
“Don’t push it, Clayton.”
“You’re right, I’m running out of places to bury bodies.” Giving her a wide grin and hugging her once more.
“My turn,” Gen speaks up. “Isn’t it time for your medication?” she asks Clayton, simultaneously pushing him away to hug Bryer.
But I notice it’s different. Clayton hides his smile, his happy-as-fuck smile. I lean against him. “You’re all Ga-Ga over her, aren’t you?”
“We’re being stupid together, does that count?” He smarts off to me.
“You don’t need to understand a woman to love her,” I say.
“Love, Pfft, who said anything about love?” Unable to meet my eyes.
“Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Clayton.”
“How can I? I can’t move in this fucking monkey suit I’m wearing.” His shoulders twisting and turning in discomfort.
“Let’s walk over to the private cabana-tent I reserved.” Purposely gearing his thoughts back to my day. But first I grab my new bride, and kiss her hard, leaning her back in my arms for the whole world to see.
“Do you have plans later?’ she asks, playfully batting her eye lashes.
“Actually I do.”
“I heard you were a man of action.” Licking her lips, soft from my kiss.
“You heard correctly Mrs. James.”
“No panties.”
“Fuck, are you trying to finish me off? Damn if I’m not a man in pursuit now.
We walk hand-in-hand following the tiki torches lighting the way in the sand, the glow of the water sparkles even at night. Or maybe it’s just my fucking heart messin’ with my brain. Her veil drags along the sand gracefully. Her smile mirroring my own. She robs me of all my all-encompassing ego, leaving me bare.
We arrive in the private tent and quite an extraordinary set up. I watch her eyes take in every detail. White lights strung falling to the ground. Oversized white balloons floating in the air mixed with white globes lit in dimly. Crystal vases with white roses, pearls weaved through them, hanging, touching the tables.
One large main table, but small ones surrounding holding drinks, food. Each wine glass a rose sits inside, no stem just waiting to be filled with champagne. Large white candles with our names scrolled in gold. The china white and gold, with star fish on each napkin.
<
br /> On one of the table sits a two-tier white wedding cake, with candied native Hawaiian flowers on the sides. The topper is a man carrying his bride over his shoulder cave-man style, that was my personal touch. It doesn’t go unnoticed by my bride.
If I’m impressed, I know the ladies will be. Watching her eyes light up in surprise by the extravagant surroundings and hearing the small gasp pleases me beyond words. Fucking perfect. “Glad you approve.” Surprisingly a warm sense of ease runs through me, as I look into her soul.
“And then some.” She smiles as it reaches her eyes.
“And that, my friend, is how it’s done.” Gen stands, processing the entire abode, her arms stretching out, approval under her watchful eye. Her high standards can be a little unnerving.
“Allow me.” Clayton is pulling out a chair, waiting for Gen’s response. Holding my breath, hoping she accepts, so we all play nice.
“Why thank you.” And there it is, Gen’s acceptance.
The cellist appears and plays quietly in the background. There is a small area prepared as a dance floor. Bryer walks to each table, taking everything in. No detail goes unnoticed.
“This is the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen,” she says, looking over her shoulder at me.
“I’ve seen a more beautiful sight.”
She smiles, all knowingly. “Let’s start with appetizers and champagne,” Gen suggests.
“A toast to my bride.” Holding up my glass, everyone follows. “I will prove every day I am worthy of you love.” The glasses clink, and I know Bryer remembers the promise said to her the night of our engagement.
“Seafood first, who’s game?” I recommend. I watch Gen and Clayton head to one table. While we head to another
“Escargot?” Gen inquires.
“I had one once, it was horrible.” Clayton sneers.
“So, obviously no one’s ever taught you manners, what an adolescent response. I thought we were past that?’ Gen says.
Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) Page 15