Chp 30
Elena looked at her reflection in the mirror in amazement. "I must be dreaming," she muttered running her fingers down the cool fabric that hugged her body. "Somebody pinch me."
Staci laughed and put the final touches on her upswept hair. "Can't do that, honey. We can't risk blemishing your skin on your wedding day! Besides, I can assure you this isn't a dream." She placed her hands on Elena's shoulders and brought her mouth close to her ear. "This is really happening," she whispered giggling.
Elena groaned. "What if something goes wrong?! What if I trip while I'm walking down the aisle?! Or worse! What if I faint while we're taking our vows?! You know how embarrassing that would be?!"
"Actually I wouldn't." A soft knock came to the door. "If you're the groom, get out of here! If you're somebody else, come in." Elena's younger sister, Daniela, shyly peeked into the room.
"Are you almost ready? Everyone's getting really antsy. If you don't hurry up, I think I'll be the one marrying AJ!"
Elena put her hands on her hips and gasped mockingly. "You would do that to your own sister?!"
"Girl, did you ever see how he looks in a tux?! Hell yeah I would!"
Elena grabbed a small pillow from the little lounge situated in her dressing room and chucked it toward the door. "Get out of here!" Daniela's head disappeared from sight before it could make contact with her face. "Tell them I'll be right there in a minute!" She could hear Daniela's chuckling echoing in the hallways. "I could kill her."
"Aww, sibling rivalry? You better look out for that one. You turn your back for a second and she's gonna steal your man."
"Nah, I got him wrapped around my little finger," she snickered. "Ok, I think I'm done. How do I look?" She spun around so Staci could take in the full affect. She wore a sleek satin strapless ivory gown that clung to her form. Her tummy was very noticeable and she wanted to hide it as much as possible, but AJ wouldn't let her. He said that every inch of her was gorgeous and that there was absolutely no reason to conceal it. He always knew the right things to say. Delicate pearl earrings dangled from her ears and her hair was put up in a bundle of curls with little white roses randomly placed around it. A few coiled tendrils were left loose to frame her face. Her makeup was kept simple and natural. She never liked to be heavily made up. She gently picked up her candlelight rose and baby breath tear drop bouquet with the cream-colored cascading ribbons and held it tightly out in front of her. Her appearance was elegant but not ostentatious.
"You look stunning. Now let's get you outside for the rest of the world to see."
AJ stood nervously in the center of the brightly bloom decorated white gazebo that overlooked the ocean fidgeting with his rings. He turned his attention to the billows splashing against the sparkling shore. Kevin came up beside him and slapped his back grinning.
"It's almost time, buddy. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I think I'm gonna throw up."
"That's not a good start."
"I know. It's just---this is really nerve-racking. This is a lifetime commitment. Once we say those vows, there's no turning back."
"Are you having doubts?"
"About marrying her? No. About how well I'll be able to handle this family thing? Maybe. What if I suck at being a father and a husband? Half the marriages of today end in divorce. I don't want to be one of them."
"Damn, Bone, you worry too much. You'll do fine. You two are so perfect for each other, it makes me sick. Just go with the flow, bro."
"Kev, you're over 30. Lay off the street slang, ok, man?"
"Kiss my---Oh, hello, Dani!" Kevin greeted Elena's sister as she jogged up to the men.
"Hey! She's ready now so everyone take your places!" she announced over the commotion of the guests. There weren't the usual hundred and change. The wedding was going to be somewhat of a private ceremony. Only close family and friends were attending. The actual event was taking place at the beach, where the splendor of nature and the ocean added to the magic. The reception would be held at an outside hall located not too much farther inland. It was enclosed by Grecian pillars, white angel statues, and decorative bushes. White tables and chairs surrounded the emerald green marble dance floor.
Everything was kept nice and cozy and elegantly simple. Elena wasn't one to show off. Just because she was marrying a star, didn't mean the whole thing had to be overwhelmingly elaborate and flashy. She didn't care about any of that. The only thing on her mind was the fact that she was going to receive the only thing she had ever asked for. She was going to spend eternity with the man who she not only loved and cherished, but who she couldn't imagine her life without and would literally die for.
At the announcement, everyone excitedly scrambled to their seats and the justice of the peace took his place in front of AJ. Kevin gave him one last reassuring embrace and wished him good luck before finding his seat beside Staci.
"Well, I guess I'm gonna have to call you big bro now," Daniela quipped. "It's weird considering we're the same age."
"Well, I still have to look down at you, so calling you little sis won't be that hard for me," he laughed, teasing her about her short height.
"Haha, very funny. Take care of my sister or I'll come after you, you hear me?" He bent down to hug her and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
"I promise." Unexpectedly, her lips curved into a devilish smirk and she gave him a swift slap in the ass. He separated himself from her and gaped down at her in surprise.
"Sorry, I had to get that in before it became official, see ya," she giggled walking away.
The music started playing. AJ took a quick glance at his crying mother in the front row and smiled before diverting his eyes to the sight straight out in front of him. His breath caught in his throat. There she was, truly a vision. The setting sun cast a warm orange glow to everything, including the bride. He had to remind himself to breathe. She was utterly exquisite.
Moments later, the words surrounded them and Elena took her first steps forward
When the visions around you
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surrounds you
Are secrets and lies
I'll be your strength
I'll give you hope
Keeping your faith when it's gone
The one you should call
Was standing here all along
And I will take you in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you
As Elena proceeded down the aisle, AJ could see her tears of happiness glistening in her eyes and the cool sea breezes carry her curls in their gentle currents. The guests were invisible. The beach didn't exist. All he could see was her
I've loved you forever
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never
Will you hurt anymore
I gave you my word
I gave you my heart
This is the battle we've won
And with this vow
Forever has now begun
Just close your eyes
Each loving day
And know this feeling won't go away
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you
As Elena finally arrived by his side and linked her arm to his, she felt her heart bursting with love. They found it very difficult to tear their gazes away from each other but somehow, they managed to turn their attention to the justice of the peace who had now begun to speak. It didn't last very long though. It was only a matter of time before they drifted back into their own little world where they were the only two souls who existed. The only parts they heard from the whole wedding speech were the ones they had been waiting to hear all their lives, the vows.
"I do," AJ quietly replied tenderly wiping away the single tear that rolled down her cheek and then delicately slipping the ring around her finger.
"And do you, Elena Christina DiLorenzo, take Alexander James McLean as your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for rich or for poor, till death do you part?"
"I do," Elena choked out with the emotion taking over her voice.
"Very well. I know pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Over and over I fall
When I hear you call
Without you in my life baby
I just wouldn't be living at all
And I will take you in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
Just close your eyes
Each loving day
And know this feeling won't go away
Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Every word I say is true
This I promise you
I promise you
AJ mouthed the last line to her before pulling her closer to his body and removing a curl from her face. She smiled and then nodded. "I love you," she whispered into his ear as they embraced.
"I love you, too."
Seconds later, their lips met and engaged in a deep passionate kiss that sealed their fate, their destiny to be together forever. Everyone hooted and applauded making the newly married couple giggle. They pried their lips apart from each other and then proceeded to walk down the aisle hand in hand to receive their greetings and congratulations.
Daniela, who was on the other side of Kevin, stood up and leaned over to him. "Ohhh, that was so sweet. How did Elena get him to play that 'N Sync song, which is beautiful and so perfect for them by the way?"
"She made him swallow his Backstreet pride," he scoffed. "Nah, it was actually his idea. You know how AJ hates to do things the conventional way. They thought it would be interesting to not do the usual boring wedding march."
She splayed her hands over her heart and pouted. "Aww, that is SO cute! Excuse me, I have to go pinch his cheeks now."
"I hope you mean the ones on his face!" Kevin called after her laughing as she bounded towards her sister and new brother-in-law.
"Oh that was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Denise sobbed as she held out her arms. "I can't believe I just gave away my baby boy."
AJ and Elena bit back their chuckles as AJ hugged his mother. "Aw, Mom," he whined. "Look at it this way, you're not losing a son. You're gaining a daughter."
"I know I know. And I couldn't be happier. Welcome to our happy little family, sweetie," she cooed enveloping Elena in a warm embrace.
"Thank you, Denise."
"Hey, I'm going to go talk to Brian ok? Be right back," he informed Elena planting a kiss on her cheek and then walking off to where Brian was standing.
"Dude, you know how to throw one heck of a party," Brian grinned punching AJ lightly in the arm.
"It's not as big and magnificent as yours is gonna be, but it suited us."
"Seriously, it was great. We knew you'd be the one to take everything to a whole other level."
AJ looked up feigning superiority. "Well, what can I say. I am a genius when comes to all things creative," he stated smugly.
Brian raised an eyebrow. "Don't you mean eccentric?"
"No, I mean creative. You think I'm eccentric?"
"Uh, no, of-course-not-AJ-why-would-I-think-something-as-proposterous-as-that?"
"I get the point. But being normal is highly overrated."
The two continued with their friendly teasing when AJ felt a tap on his shoulder. He spun around to find
"Polly!" he exclaimed hugging Howie's sister. "I'm glad you could make it!"
"Are you kidding me? I wouldn't have missed this for the world! How ya been? It's been a while, eh?"
"Feels like years!"
"Maybe cuz it was! You've been quite the busy bee."
"Yeah, I suppose."
"Elena looked so beautiful in her dress."
"Yeah, she did."
"You didn't look so bad yourself."
"Why thank you. You look quite stunning as well."
"I try. Hey, let's get our butts to the reception hall where everyone else is heading."
"Well, I am the groom. I should've been there already, but it's so like me to be late for everything."
Elena came up beside him, greeted Pollyanna, and then wrapped her arm around AJ's.
"Shall we?"
"Do I have a choice? I'm bound to you till the day I die."
"Uh huh, keep comments like that coming and the day you die will be sooner than you think."
"I'm just kidding. You know I love you."
"Of course, why else would you have married me?"
"Beats me."
The guests all migrated to the outdoor hall which was a short walking distance while the bride and groom lagged behind. Upon arriving to their destination, everyone seated themselves according to their social circles. The recently wed couple stayed just outside the calla lily bejeweled arch waiting to be officially announced.
Elena giggled with delight and tightened her grip on AJ's hand. "We did it."
"Yes we did."
"Are you happy?"
"Well, duh."
"I'm serious."
AJ looked down at her questioning eyes. Titling up her chin, he gently brushed her pouting lips with his fingers and ran them softly down her cheek. "How could you even ask me that? This is the event I've been dreaming about since day one."
"I know," she whispered suddenly ashamed of herself. "I just wanted to make sure. I have to admit that I am kind of scared. I want us to last. You know how badly all my other serious relationships have ended."
"We haven't gotten this far for nothing. What we have is completely different from everything else you've ever experienced and from what I've ever experienced. But we're going to do it. Like the song said, I gave you my word, I gave you my heart, this is the battle we've won, and with this vow, forever has now begun."
Elena sniffled and laughed. "You are so corny. Now you've resorted to stealing lines from songs by your longtime rivals?"
"What's your point?"
"So what special song have you planned for our first dance as a married couple?"
AJ grinned evilly. "Get Naked."
Elena's eyes widened and she smacked his arm. "You WOULD do something like that!"
"Well, at least you wouldn't have to question what's on my mind."
Elena rolled her eyes. "Oh god, something tells me I'm going to have to tame you during our honeymoon."
"Well" He placed his hand on her tummy. "This didn't appear out of thin air."
Elena tightened her lips.
"And now, I introduce to youthe new Mr. and Mrs. Alexander James McLean!" the DJ proclaimed.
"Oops." Elena and AJ almost missed their cue. Plastering on smiles, they sauntered through the arch and into the camera flashes and cheers.
"WHOOOO!"
"WAY TO GO AJ!"
"ELENA! YOU GO GIRL!"
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECK!!!"
They laughed and then posed for pictures for a while before taking their place in the middle of the dance floor.
"And now for the newly wed's first dance as husband and wife" the DJ said into the microphone before slipping a CD into the stereo setup.
"AJ, I swear, if I hear Tommy Lee's voice start to scream out of those speakers, I'm going to kill you," Elena warned him as she rested her arms upon his shoulders as he wrapped his around her waist.
"Relax," he guffawed. "I may be crazy, but I'm not completely psychotic."
Seconds later, a pretty and familiar melody began to play
Whoa My love...My darling
I hunger for your touch
Alone...Lonely time
And time goes by...So slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow to the sea
To the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers sigh
Wait for me...Wait for me
I'll be coming home
Wait for me
Elena laid her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. "I love this song so much. How did you know?"
"Well, you've only watched Ghost fifty million times the past week. That gave me a little hint."
Whoa My love...My darling
I hunger...Hunger
For your love
Lonely time
And time goes by...so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
She sighed and then looked up to meet his sparkling gaze. "Te quiero tanto, mi amor. Soy la mujer mas feliz en el mundo."
AJ's confused eyes shifted left and right before settling on her. "Uhh, yeah, same here. I sort of understood the first part."
"Our kid's going to be bilingual," she chortled.
"Oh sure, so you two can talk about me right in front of my face and I wouldn't understand? Don't worry, I will learn. And speaking of bilingualism, there's the Dorough clan. I'm very happy they could make it, although I must admit, I was surprised."
"Me, too. I didn't see Mr. and Mrs. Dorough at the ceremony though."
"It's perfectly understandable." The song finally finished and they separated themselves from each other's grasp. "I'm going to go talk to them."
"I'll be right with you."
"Ok."
They kissed and then parted in opposite directions. As AJ approached their table, he felt his insides twist into knots. This wasn't going to be the easiest thing for any of them. "Hello, Mr. Dorough, Mrs. Dorough, John, Angie, Polly again," he greeted shaking each of their hands.
"Congratulations, son," Mr. Dorough felicitated with a positive nod of the head.
"Thank you. I'm very delighted to see you all here." His eyes drifted to Mrs. Dorough. She had a smile on her face, but he could see the sadness in her eyes. "How are you?" he asked her bending over to hug her.
"I've been ok." There was a long pause before she spoke again. "This should've been Howard," she stated quietly. AJ was the only one who had heard.
"I know," he replied morosely.
"But I'm glad that at least you got to fulfill your dream. Don't take life for granted. Make every moment count, ok?"
"I will. I learned that the hard way."
She looked down at her hands for a moment. "Didn't we all."
Elena came up beside him and kissed everyone on the cheek while they congratulated her. She purposely left Mrs. Dorough for last.
"Hi, I'm so happy you came. It wouldn't have been the same without you."
"I wish you two the best. May your future together be blessed with joy, love, and good fortune."
"Thank you. Well, we have to go greet the others. We'll be seeing you," Elena remarked placing her hand on Mrs. Dorough's shoulder.
"Take care, sweetie."
AJ and Elena nodded their heads and walked away. "Oh my God, I was just about ready to cry," Elena confided in him quietly.
"You're not the only one."
"Where's Nicky? Is he at the bar getting smashed again?" Staci quipped.
Kevin shrugged. "I don't know. You want sex on the beach?"
Staci blushed and hissed, "Kevin! Not when there are people around!"
Kevin smirked. "I meant the drink. I'm going to the bar to get myself a piņa coloda. Want anything?"
"Oh," she simpered embarrassed. "Just a strawberry daquiri please."
"Coming right up. Oh and when everyone leaves" He winked at her and then strolled towards the bar.
Staci's lips curved into a naughty grin. 'YES!'
"Ok, all the single ladies in the house! Get yourselves ready for the bouquet toss!"
Staci squealed and then ran to join all the other available females on the dance floor. Elena turned her back towards the girls.
"Ready girls? Onetwothree!"
The facsimile of her own bridal arrangement went soaring into the air. The original, of course, she was going to preserve and mount it on her wall as a reminder of day her life had totally changed for the better.
Several pairs of arms shot up pawing at the flying bouquet, but as if in slow motion, Staci watched as it arched in the air and gracefully fell right into her hands. Everyone cheered and Kevin came up to kiss her on her cheek.
"Now its my turn."
All the single men gathered at a corner of the marble square. Elena sat in a chair in the center while AJ kneeled down in front of her.
"And now, gentlemen, the garter toss!"
Forties' style stripper music, for a lack of a better term, started strumming in the background as Elena rolled up her dress to her right mid thigh. She received catcalls and whistles from all sides of the room and giggled as AJ grabbed a hold of the garter and slowly brought it down her leg.
He swung it around his finger and wiggled his eyebrows before slinging it into the crowd of anxious young men. They all scrambled for it, but Nick being at an advantage with his height, jumped up and caught it.
"Haha! Who da man!" he yelled doing a little victory dance.
"It's not over yet, bud, you gotta slip it on the girl now."
Nick's grin widened. "Even better!"
Kevin clutched his shoulder and slightly dug his nails into it causing Nick to squirm a bit. "I'm just warning you, be careful where you put your hands, ok?" he smiled sarcastically.
"What do you think I am? A perv?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
"Umm, no. Ok, let's get this over with before Kevin kills me. Where she at?"
"I'm right here, big boy," Staci said in a seductive voice as she sat down on the chair Elena occupied before. She lifted up the skirt of her gown and exposed her tan leg. "Come and get it, grrr."
Nick smirked and clasped his hands together rubbing them evilly like villains do in movies. "Eeeeeeeexcellent."
"Not so fast." Kevin covered his eyes with a blindfold and tied it tightly around his head. "There you go."
"What the hell are you doing?!"
"Just making it a little more interesting. Don't worry, I'll guide you in the right direction."
"Yeah sure, you'll probably guide me right out into a busy highway."
Kevin snickered and then signaled to AJ. Staci giggled and then got out of the chair so AJ could take her place. She stood behind the chair and bit back a howl as she watched Nick approach AJ completely clueless as to what was going on. AJ rolled up his pant leg and stuck his leg out to make it easier for Nick. It was a cruel joke, but it had to be done. Nick blindly kneeled in front of the person he thought was Staci and began groping around. Everyone laughed quietly and AJ nearly jumped out of his seat as Nick took a hold of his shin.
"Uhh, Staci? When was the last time you shaved?" Nick asked feeling around.
"Hehe, that tickles," Staci chuckled from behind AJ making it seem like Nick was touching her leg instead.
Nick began to have doubts and quickly snapped the garter on AJ's knee. He removed his blindfold and his jaw dropped to the floor when he saw that is was AJ and not Staci staring back at him.
"Nick," AJ lisped flipping his hand. "You sexy beast."
"ACK! What the hell?!"
Everybody in the room erupted into a fit of laughter.
"Aww man!" Nick got up from the floor and flung the blindfold to the ground. "Ok, ok, I'll admit it, you got me good! But next time, I'll be prepared!"
"What are you complaining for?! You're not the one who just got sexually harassed!"
Nick turned to the hysterically roaring Staci and put his hands on his hips. "I knew your legs felt a little chicken-like."
Staci couldn't respond. AJ pretended to be offended. "Chicken-like? A finer pair of legs you will not find anywhere else, mister!"
"Ha! My kitchen table has better legs than you!"
"Don't make me bitch slap you!"
All of a sudden, an uptempo booming beat sounded from the speakers. AJ, Nick, Brian, and Kevin all looked at each other and grinned.
"Uh oh, looks like they're planning something," Elena chimed.
Unexpectedly, they squealed like girls and lined themselves in the middle of the dance floor.
Don't wanna be a fool for you
Just another player in this game for two
You may hate me but it ain't no lie, baby
Bye bye bye
Don't really wanna make it tough
I just wanna tell you that I've had enough
It might sound crazy, but it ain't no lie, baby
Bye bye bye
Everyone watched in amusement as they lip synched to the song and did the actual routine, with the lasso moves and all. They even did the crotch-grabbing bit, which sent Elena, Staci, Jen, and Daniela into a frenzy. The boys were thoroughly enjoying themselves. AJ removed his jacket and vest and strutted to where Elena was sitting.
I don't wanna be a fool
In this game for two
So I'm leaving you behind
I don't wanna make it tough
But I had enough
Bye byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyye, baaaaaby!
"Whoooooooooo! TAKE IT ALL OFF!!!" she screamed jumping from her seat.
AJ smirked and then nodded his head and waved his finger no. "You have to wait until the honeymoon," he rasped into her ear. It sent shivers down her spine.
"Ok, you asked for it. DJ! Change of plans!" Elena stood up and grabbed Staci, Jen, and Daniela. "You boys just sit down and enjoy the show." The boys laughed and did what they were told as the ladies took the place where they had been. "This is how it's done," she said with a snap of the fingers.
You and me, baby, ain't nothing but mammals
So let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel
Do it again now!
You and me, baby, ain't nothing but mammals
So let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel
Gettin' horny now!
Everyone in the room cracked up as the girls did the famous spanking and pelvic thrusting dance sequence from the video. When they were finished, everyone gave them a standing ovation. The boys picked themselves off the floor where they were gasping for air and congratulated the girls on their spectacular performance.
"Now that is something I will never forget," Kevin laughed as he approached Staci who was straightening out the wrinkles on her dress. "Why bother fixing it? It's gonna be even worse tomorrow morning," he hinted.
Staci's eyes sparkled. "Can't wait."
A couple of hours later, as everyone was leaving, Staci and Kevin said their goodbyes and snuck out into the beach. The moon's silvery beams shimmered in shattered reflections on the onyx-finished surface of the ocean's waters. The happy couple strolled hand in hand along the shore, with the wet sand squishing between their bare toes and the cool sea breezes blowing through their hair. They were the only ones there. Them and the crashing waves and a couple of sea gulls flying overhead.
"Their wedding was so beautiful," Staci sighed leaning her head against Kevin's shoulder.
"It was. It was definitely one of the funnest I've ever been in."
"What did you expect? It's AJ we're talking about here."
"Yeah, but I thought that even he would be kind of reserved at his own wedding."
"That would've been no fun. I'm glad he's happy again. I'm glad both of them are happy again."
"Me, too. Now we gotta hook Nick up."
"True. Well what about Daniela? She's a cutie. And hyper. Perfect for him."
"Maybe. She'd keep him on his toes." Kevin let out a sudden cry of disgust as his hand shot to the back of his neck.
"What happened?!"
"A fuckin' bird just shit on me! I just felt this hot splat---" He brought his hand around and cringed at the green, black, and white glistening pasty substance decorating his fingers. "Ugh!"
Staci burst out laughing.
Kevin turned around so she could survey the damage. "Did it get on my clothes?"
"Eww! It's all over your back!"
"Get it off!"
Staci jumped back. "No! You think I'm touching that?! Gross!"
"Ok, then" He removed his soiled shirt and threw it to the ground, exposing his smooth solid chest for Staci's eyes to take in. "That's better."
Staci walked over to him and ran her fingers down his torso until they settled on the belt of his pants. "Mmm, I'll say," she purred into his ear. "I'm ready for my present."
"Your wish is my command." He surrounded her with his big strong arms and ran his hands up and down the small of her back while nuzzling his nose into the crook of her neck and slowly and sensually planting soft little kisses all the way down to her shoulder. She dug her left fingernails into his back and moaned in pleasure while the other hand fumbled with his belt.
Starting to unzip his trousers, she nibbled on his sensitive earlobe and huskily whispered, "I want you now."
He responded with a throaty groan and slowly brought the strap of her dress down her shoulder, doing the same with the other. He slipped his hand under her skirt and clutched the garter holding her stalkings up as she brushed her mouth across his cheek and captured his bottom lip with her teeth. Inch by inch, they lowered themselves onto the sand with him trapping her underneath him. Still lip-locked, Staci let out a giggle as she felt something dig into her leg.
Kevin separated his lips from hers and smiled down at her. "What's so funny?"
She stuck her hand into his pocket and grabbed a hold of something hard. "Kevin, is that a box? Or are you just happy to me?" she teased smirking. Kevin's smile faded from his face as he gently gripped her wrist and pulled her hand out. He doubtingly stared at her questioning expression. "What's wrong?" she asked worried that she had done something he didn't want her to do.
"Nothing. I was just wondering" Not moving from his position on top of her, he pulled out the box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a gorgeous sapphire and diamond adorned gold ring. "Will you be my wife?"
Staci gasped and took the little box into her hand. All she could do was stare at it. It took her mind a little time to register what was happening. She gazed up at his jade-colored eyes that were glimmering with high hopes and deep, passionate love. And without another moment's hesitation, she answered, "Yes, KevinI will marry you."
The smile and certainty returned to his features. He brought his head down and kissed her fervently. "I love you," he panted in between kisses.
"I love you, too."
The cool dark swells lapped onto the beach and washed over them. They welcomed its invigorating embrace as they shared their love, pleasure, and devotion for one another all through the night.
Chp 31
Chp 29
