“In case I don’t like it?” Abby echoed in an incredulous whisper. “Logan, I love it. It’s stunning.”
He smiled, pleased by her reaction. “May I?” He undid the clasp.
Abby spun to face the mirror, her pulse fluttering as Logan fastened the pendant around her neck. It hung at heart level. She placed her palm over the smooth stone, pressing it close to her chest before turning back around to face him. “Thank you.”
He cradled her face in his strong, steady hand, gazing deeply into her eyes. “I love you, Abigail. And I can’t wait to marry you.”
With a playful smile, she swayed onto her tiptoes and whispered, “Ditto,” before stealing a kiss.
Chapter Forty
ABBY
Abby descendedthe wooden staircase leading from the promenade to the beach below, the tiny bells tinkling at her ankles. As her bare foot left the last step and sunk into the silky sand, her heart stilled.
Her loved ones rose from their bamboo chairs and stood, facing her, but her gaze swept past them, immediately fixed on the man standing beneath the driftwood archway. The sun set behind him, painting the entire sky gold.
She tightened her grip on her bouquet.This is it.
Logan met her gaze, speaking the depth of his love in a single searing glance. A swell of affection rose in her chest, shortening her breath into tiny flutters. It took all her self-control not to sprint down the aisle and fling herself into his arms.
Slow, deliberate steps, she reminded herself as the Blessings Beats began their acoustic rendition of “All My Love” by the Four Tops. While the band harmonized about giving all their love for as long as they lived, Abby took her first step toward forever with the man who held her whole heart.
She locked eyes with Logan, not veering her sightline for a second, especially not to the empty spot beside him where Max should be standing.
Attuned to her emotions, Logan guided her with his loving gaze, so steady and sure. With each stride, the sea glass gently jostled, tapping in tune with her heartbeat.
Max will always be with you. She held to the truth so tightly, she conjured Max’s presence in her mind. She could hear his sweet, familiar voice shouting, “Abby! Wait for me!
“Wait! I’m here! I made it!” His shouts carried above the music, playing tricks on her.
She gave a short, sharp shake of her head, trying to dispel the distracting illusion, but at the look of shock and sheer joy on Logan’s face, her heart lurched.
Was it possible—?
Barely daring to breathe, she spun around.
The music halted.
Max scamped across the sand toward her, a vision of pure bliss in a mini suit matching Logan’s—the one she’d packed for him with hopeful optimism.
She flung her arms wide, laughing through her tears as Max nearly toppled her over with the force of his hug.
Beaming up at her, he said, “Dad said we could come. But then our car broke down and we had to take the bus. It stopped a bunch of times, but we made it. Isn’t that great?”
Carefully dabbing her eyes, she nodded. “Really great.” The words escaped in a breathy gasp, so small and inadequate, yet all she could manage amid her overwhelming emotions.
“I told Dad I’m the best man, so I gotta be there because I’m supposed to stand at the front next to Logan while you guys say your vows and stuff. And I have to hold on to the ring for him or he might lose it and then you guys can’t get married.”
Abby suppressed another mirthful laugh. Was that how Logan had explained his role?
Max stood tall, full of pride in his huge responsibility. She wasn’t about to burst his bubble. Smiling, she gestured towardLogan and said, “You’d better get over there and get the ring, then.”
Max skipped down the aisle toward Logan, who scooped him into a bear hug, his happiness splashed across his face.
Abby blinked back a fresh wave of tears. Just when she’d learned to let Max go, God answered her prayers. His timing couldn’t be more mysterious, yet also perfect.
She glanced over her shoulder.
