Evangeline nodded. “They’re very close. They missed out on the first eighteen years together, and from what Sin has told me, they’re making up for it.”
Dakota’s friends made Providence feel welcome and her pre-flight jitters vanished before the plane touched down in Los Angeles. The groom, Jagger Loving, and his fiancée, Taylor Hathaway, had arranged for limos to pick them up at the airport and whisk them to the Loving Resort in Malibu.
Providence gasped when they entered the posh hotel. “I’m never leaving,” she murmured to Dakota.
When the guys saw Jagger, the hooting and hollering made everyone in the hotel stop and stare. It was touching to see how close these six men were and how much they’d missed their friend.
The rehearsal dinner was more about the guys being together than about rehearsing. Providence loved seeing Dakota with his friends, but his easygoing smile and entertaining stories didn’t fool her. He was on edge. The truth about Lizzie had been both shocking and disturbing. But Dakota was a strong man. She had complete confidence he would process what Lizzie had done to him and move on, and she would support him however he needed. Despite Lizzie’s evil ways, they’d had a child together. Samantha Luck was a true blessing.
The wedding took place in the large ballroom. Since Maverick officiated, and Dakota, Sin, Colton, and Crockett were groomsmen, she and Sammy sat together. Providence loved having the little one by her side.
Taylor looked stunning in her off-the-shoulder, white silk wedding gown, and Jagger was a handsome groom in his traditional tux, but it was their words of love and adoration that touched Providence the most. Without question, these two were meant for each other.
Providence wanted that for herself. Her gaze slid to Dakota, who looked flat-out gorgeous in his jet-black suit. Their eyes locked and her heart fluttered. Was he her soul mate? In her heart of hearts, she believed he was her forever.
Following the ceremony, guests moved to a different ballroom for the reception. The wall of doors facing the beach had been opened, and the warm sea breeze and breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean beckoned. Excusing herself, Providence stepped outside. She slipped off her stilettos and let the sand squish between her toes.
Not long after, Dakota joined her. “Want some company?” He slid his hand through hers.
“No, I’m good.” She shot him a smirk while squeezing his hand. “This is beyond beautiful. Thank you for inviting me. I didn’t realize how stressed I was until I saw the ocean. It’s good for the soul, you know?”
“You’regood for the soul.”
With a smile, she caressed his back. “I didn’t think I would get a second chance at love, but every time I’m with you, I know it more and more.”
He kissed her. “We’re supposed to be together. I’m positive about that.”
She loved this man with her entire being.
The sit-down dinner was first class all the way, and the reception continued until late into the night. Jagger and Taylor’s wedding was the highlight of her year. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had that much fun.
“How ‘bout we take a morning walk on the beach?” Dakota suggested as they slid into bed that evening.
“I can’t wait,” she replied and snuggled close.
The following day, Providence found Dakota and Sammy in the living room of their hotel suite. “It’s eight o’clock in the morning. How is it that you’re both ready to go?”
Sammy giggled.
“We’re on East Coast time,” Dakota said. “You ready to take that walk?”
Sammy jumped off the sofa and ran to the door.
“Someone’s excited,” Providence said as they headed out.
Sin and Evangeline were waiting in the lobby and Sammy ran over to them.
“Are you guys coming, too?” Providence asked.
“We’re taking Sammy to breakfast,” Evangeline said.
“Join us when you get back, we’ll be sitting outside,” Sin said.
Again, Sammy giggled.
“We’ll be back soon,” Dakota said.
Hand in hand, they headed down to the beach, slipped off their sandals, and strolled along the water’s edge. The ocean air was crisp and the newly risen sun cast their shadows over the lapping waves that kissed the shoreline again and again. Providence had her man by her side and, for the moment, life was perfect.
