Through the Sandstorm

by Raina Ash

  Paul held out his hand. She took it and he squeezed her palm. “Summer is a little impulsive,” he said. “But that’s not you and I love that quality.” He kissed the back of her hand. “Look at all the positive changes you made recently with your career. Progress is progress no matter when it happens.”

  “I know,” she said, overwhelmed with all the sudden changes in her life, not that the changes were bad. It was a lot to take in after several years of monotony. She and Paul dated for a couple months after returning from Morocco, and then Paul asked her to travel with him. She followed her gut for the first time in her life and quit her job a week later. A few of her long-term clients found out and asked if she’d continue working with them. She agreed. Thus, she began her freelancing and traveling lifestyle with Paul.

  “I should finish this email,” she said.

  “Sure.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be inside making a few work calls.”

  She returned to her laptop. You’re getting too much in your head again, she thought. Too concerned about what the future holds and trying to minimize your anxiety by controlling things. So what if Summer is moving on to the next chapter? Just focus on your life.

  Later that day, after dinner, they went for a moonlit walk in the sand. Allison intertwined their fingers and smiled at Paul. “Thanks for the pep talk earlier. Like you said, there’s no rush, and I’m so happy being with you.”

  He swung her around into a hug. “I told you about my time in graduate school, right?”

  “Some of it, yes.”

  “Well, there was a guy in my program I really hated. Neal.” He emphasized the name and made a face.

  Allison laughed.

  “Neal got all the best job offers from top companies before he graduated. He could pick his dream job while I called a hundred different places trying to find a position. He started at the top and I started at the bottom with a smaller company. When I was finally breaking into the field, Neal was a CEO. I lost track of him over the years, but I assume he is continuing to be successful.”

  “Some people catch all the breaks,” Allison said. They started walking again.

  “My point is I’m happier with my own life than I would’ve been with Neal’s. At the time, I compared myself and let it distract from my studies. But, looking back, did I really want his life? I would’ve been miserable as some big-shot tech guy with a large conglomerate. Instead, I pursued my passion and I’m helping people. Comparing yourself to others isn’t productive.”

  “I agree,” Allison said. “I’m more aware of it and trying not to do it anymore. I’m happy that you’re happy and in a good place. And thanks for sharing that with me.” She looked up at the full, beautiful moon. “Hey, speaking of helping people. You’ve inspired me to do more. So I’m trying to think of some ways my skills could help people in need. If you’re helping these smaller businesses build networks, maybe I could donate some time to help them market themselves?”

  “That’s a great idea. We should sit down and brainstorm tomorrow.” Paul became quiet as the soft sand shifted under their footsteps.

  Allison took in the salty air and fell into a lull listening to the waves rise and fall along the shore.

  “There’s a cove I found that I wanted to show you,” Paul said.

  “Sure.”

  He led her toward a small cliff and around a large boulder lit from behind with an orange glow.

  Allison grabbed his arm. “Wait, is someone in there?”

  “I hope not,” he said, leading her forward.

  They came around the other side of the boulder and the rocks opened into a small space filled with a cascade of tiny glowing LED candles.

  Allison gasped. “What is this?”

  Paul urged her forward into the middle of the small cave. Roses and seashells decorated the sand in the shape of a small heart. He took both of her hands and faced her.

  “I love my life with you,” he started. “I thought I was happy before, but after I met you I realized I was only minimally content. With you, my happiness has skyrocketed, and I didn’t think it was possible to have such a strong, committed relationship with someone.”

  Allison bit her lower lip and nodded.

  “How many couples can say that they went through a traumatic experience and it brought them closer together? Before we even knew each other, we were in a stressful situation, a life-threatening situation. We had arguments and saw negative qualities about each other, but we worked through it. We have good communication, good compromising abilities. We’ve said we love each other, and we’re a great match. We want what’s best for each other and are both committed and faithful. I trust you.”

  He reached into a back pocket to pull out a tiny box. He got down on one knee, opening the black velvet box to reveal a ring dazzling with diamonds. “So, let’s get married.”

  Allison smiled. “Aren’t you supposed to say that as a question?”

  “Let’s get married?” he said, and they both laughed.

  “Yes, I will,” she said.

  He put the ring on her finger and stood up. She moved her hand, letting the diamond shimmer in the light.

  She gazed at Paul’s handsome features and the thin wire-frame glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. “How long have you been planning this?”

  “About a month. The call from Summer was purely coincidental. I actually experimented with real candles last week, but the air and sea mist kept blowing them out. I got these set up this morning.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, unable to contain her grin. “It’s all beautiful, so romantic. This was a complete surprise. So much has happened these past months. Marriage wasn’t on my mind. But I absolutely want to and look forward to being your wife.”

  He smiled and gave her a soft kiss.

  “On second thought,” she said abruptly, stepping back, “I changed my mind. I’ll marry you if you can catch me.”

  Paul looked confused as she took off out of the cave and ran towards the ocean. A second later, he was chasing after her, reaching forward to grab her arm. She dodged him and splashed into the water. They both embraced, laughing, and shared a passionate kiss.

  Paul smiled. “Got you.”

  Epilogue

  “BUT WHAT ABOUT MY HAIR?” Summer said, checking her braided updo in the mirror.

  “It’s perfect,” Allison said.

  “Do I have anything in my teeth?”

  “No.”

  “But what about this wrinkle?” Summer pointed to an area of fabric on her hip. “Everyone will stare at it.”

  “You look stunning.”

  Summer riffled through a tote bag resting on the floor. “Deodorant. Deodorant. Where is it? I think I need one more pass.”

  Allison held Summer’s shoulders and pushed her back until she sat down in a chair away from the mirror and all the beauty essentials strewn about the room. “Take a breath. Breathe. It will be just fine.”

  Summer nodded and did her best to mimic Allison’s slow breathing. “I wish I could do a quick yoga flow right now, but I don’t think I can get out of this dress. I’m so bloated.”

  Allison grabbed the bottom of Summer’s dress and fanned it out so it wouldn’t wrinkle. “Look, you are stunning. I’ve said that twenty times this past hour, so you need to finally believe me. When Noah sees you, he’ll turn to stone from gazing at something so insanely beautiful that mere mortals are not worthy of beholding.”

  Summer laughed. “That’s dumb.”

  “Really. You look AH-mazing.” And it was true. Allison imagined that some maid of honors had to lie and say a bride looked great despite not wearing the best dress or having smeared makeup or frazzled hair. But Summer was nowhere near that. Her wedding dress fit her style to a T - a sheer dress covered in a lace floral design with a modest v-neck and dainty long sleeves. Summer’s thin yet fit frame wore the design perfectly. Her hair was braided with tiny white flowers and she wore a wreath of green leaves and grasses.
Makeup was sun-kissed and light to give her a natural glow.

  “Why do I feel like I might puke?” Summer said.

  Allison picked up several items scattered on the floor and set them on the vanity. “Because you’re committing yourself to one man for the rest of your life. No more one-night stands and free love with random exotic hunks.”

  Summer put her head in her hands. “Oh god.”

  “Hey, careful not to mess up the wreath.”

  “Is this the right thing to do? We’ve been dating almost two years and we have fun, but do I know? Is this me? I was just as surprised as you were about me getting engaged.” She let out a tormented sigh. “I don’t know, Ally Cat. I don’t know.”

  One of the wedding planners, Jazmin, walked in from an adjoining room. “The bridesmaids are ready,” she beamed, red hair done up elegantly in a bun. “Allison, you need help getting in your dress?” She checked the display on her phone. “We’re running short on time.”

  Allison nodded. “Yeah, give me a few minutes and I’ll be in for final touches.”

  Jazmin looked at Summer. “Uh oh. Is it the cold feet we worried about?”

  “Yup.”

  Jazmin walked to Summer and hugged her. “Honey, I’ve seen this so many times in hundreds of brides. But you know what? They’re still happy with their hubbies. Marriage is work, but you can do it. You guys are so perfect for each other.”

  “Thanks,” Summer said, trying to sound more energetic.

  “Well, I’ll be in the other room if you need me.” Jazmin walked back out as Allison sat in a chair next to Summer.

  “Hey,” Allison said. “We can walk out right now if that’s what you want. Don’t feel pressured. You paid for half of this and you can do what you want with your money.”

  Summer feigned a smile. “It’s not that. I’m not scared of letting people down. I want to know if this is the right choice. That I really am ready to commit. How did you and Paul get married so quickly? You were the complete opposite of me on your wedding. All calm and collected.”

  Allison smiled, thinking about her wedding a few months prior. “Planning was so stressful and everything went so wrong that I think I had thrown in the towel and resigned myself to whatever would happen. I wish your wedding planners had been available for mine. This venue and setup is beyond words.”

  “I told you Honey Dove Weddings would be worth waiting for. But your wedding was unique and…unusual.” The two women laughed.

  “Maybe getting hitched was easier for me,” Allison continued, “since I’ve always sought commitment. I wasn’t able to be free-spirited anymore than you were able to be in a long-term relationship.”

  “Ouch.”

  Allison looked down, regretting her phrasing. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I mean it’s a change. So let’s look at it this way. Do you like the sex?”

  Summer looked up, intrigued. “Oh my god, yes.”

  “Best sex of your life?”

  “Yeah, definitely.”

  “And do you have fun together and laugh?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And are the fights manageable? Can you get through them and still feel like a team?”

  Summer nodded.

  “Okay. And do you have future plans together? Can you see yourself with him in five years?”

  “We’re going to New Zealand next year. And he wants to build us a house near Lake Tahoe.”

  “Build?”

  “Yeah. He’s very handy.”

  Allison tried to picture Noah cutting wood. She supposed it was plausible. “Well, there’s your answer. You don’t know what will happen in the future. You can only decide based on what you know now. So what’s the decision?”

  Summer took several long moments to consider Allison’s words. Her voice was low and a little reluctant. “I guess yes.”

  “Then let’s get out there and get you married, so you can go back to being the Summer I know - going with the flow and embracing life.”

  Summer jumped out of her seat. “Right! You’re so right. What the hell am I moping for? I love Noah and want us to be together.”

  Jazmin poked her head in the room. “Sorry, I was eavesdropping. So happy you’re ready now, Summer. But we have fifteen minutes, so we need to hurry.”

  “Yikes,” Allison said, rushing to the other room so Jazmin could help her dress.

  The wedding was a perfect sunset ceremony set in the woods. Summer and Noah stood under an arch made of tree branches covered in white, green, and pink flowers (colors reflected in the bridesmaid dresses). Allison proudly stood next to her friend, holding back tears as she watched the couple exchange vows. She glanced over at the crowd of family and friends who sat in four rows of white chairs. He eyes locked on Paul’s. She blushed, wondering if he had been staring at her the whole time. She turned back to Summer and Noah as the wedding officiant announced them husband and wife. Everyone clapped and cheered and the newly married couple walked down the aisle together into a small barn that housed the reception.

  Everyone broke into groups and followed the couple into the barn, some staying outside to chat. Allison walked to Paul and hugged him.

  “Am I allowed to say you looked better than the bride?” Paul said, squeezing her waist.

  Allison turned her head to the side as he kissed her cheek. “You’d be lying.”

  “Not at all. You’re most beautiful to me.”

  She stuck out her lips and gave him a pouty kiss. “Okay. I’ll believe you.” She took his hand and turned to admire the beautiful flower arch.

  “Thinking about our wedding?” Paul said.

  “Yeah. I really wanted one of these. How could our wedding go so wrong?”

  He ran his thumb over the diamond in her wedding ring. “We’re husband and wife now. That’s what’s most important.”

  She swung her arms around his neck and gave him a long kiss. “How can you be so sweet? So different from that cold exterior I first encountered.”

  He shrugged. “Walls come down. Hey, over here.” He pulled her under the flower arch and waved at the officiant who was still nearby.

  “What are you doing?” Allison said.

  The officiant walked over. “Yes?”

  “Would you mind leading us in some simple vows?” Paul asked. “My wife missed out on getting an arch for her wedding, so I think it’s time she got one.”

  If hearts could literally melt, Allison imagined hers would drip down into her shoes. The officiant smiled warmly and nodded. Paul held Allison’s hands and faced her.

  The officiant got into position and cleared his throat. He opened his mouth to say the vows and then paused. “Sorry, your names, please?”

  “Paul and Allison,” Paul said.

  The officiant nodded and clasped his hands together. “Do you, Paul, promise to be a loving friend and partner in marriage, to talk and to listen, to trust and to appreciate, to respect and to cherish Allison’s uniqueness?”

  “I do,” Paul said.

  Allison bit her lip and started to cry. Paul wiped a few tears off her cheek.

  “Do you promise to support, comfort, and strengthen her through life’s joys and sorrows?” the officiant continued. “Do you promise to share hopes and dreams as you build your lives together, and to grow with Allison in mind, faithfully by her side?”

  “I do.”

  “Will you strive to build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor, filled with peace, happiness, and love? Do you promise to always be open and honest with Allison and cherish her for as long as you both shall live?”

  “Absolutely, I do.”

  Allison was a wreck by the time he finished. She was thankful Summer wanted minimal makeup because otherwise she’d have mascara streaming down her face.

  The officiant repeated the speech for Allison and she nodded along, finally speaking at the end. “I do. I love you.”

  Paul squeezed her hands. “I love you.”

  “
I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant said. “For the second time.”

  Paul pulled her in close for an embrace and kiss. The officiant bowed and then walked toward the barn.

  “I’ve never wanted to have sex outdoors as much as I do right now,” Allison said.

  The two of them laughed, happily in each other’s arms, ready to face whatever adventures might come their way. Together.

  About the Author

  Raina Ash is an aspiring bestselling author because, well, we all have to start somewhere. She has written fiction for many, many years, keeping most of it to herself and a few select friends. Through the Sandstorm is her debut novel, and she’s delighted to finally release her stories out into the world.

  Raina lives in Arizona with two cats and a man she’s grown quite fond of. She enjoys steamy moments, video games, crafting for nerdy causes, and sushi. Visit http://www.romancebyraina.com to signup for updates about soon-to-be released books and novellas.

  www.romancebyraina.com