Page 66 of Lucky 22

And because we invited so many people, we don’t really get achance to enjoy the day because we’re too busy meeting and greetingthe guests. So, ultimately, while I got everything I wanted, and it was agorgeous wedding that everyone said was one of the best they’d been to, wedon’t get to take it all in.

Now that it’s done, I know that if I could do it all overagain, I would have a much smaller event.

Still, I will always treasure the memory.

And the pictures.

Never have two people needed a vacation more.

Two days after the wedding, we board a plane to Hawaii. Idon’t think either of us lets out a calm breath until we’re taxiing away fromthe gate.

Alone.

Just the two of us.

Finally.

Even though we had plenty of time over the last ten monthswhere we were technically alone, it was like the wedding plans, baseball, andacting were third wheels at all times.

But now, they’re all gone, and it’s just my husband and me.

Husband.

Gah! I’m married! I don’t think it’s fully set inyet. Christian’s holding my right hand, so I’m free to study the sparkly newring on my left. It’s so pretty, and I love everything it symbolizes with itscircular shape, having no beginning or end: love, commitment, eternity. Itrepresents unending devotion.

I sigh happily, resting my head on his shoulder.

“I like that sound,” he says. “That’s your happy sigh.”

“Yes, it is, and I am.”

“Me, too, Ella Rose. Me, too.” Now, he sighs. “Iwas beginning to think this day would never come.”

“You mean the wedding?”

“No, leaving for the honeymoon.” I hear the amusement in hisvoice, but I know he’s serious. He talked about the honeymoon the way I talkedabout the wedding for the last few months. “This is going to be exactly what weneed after all the planning, playing, acting, and traveling. I’m ready for usto be away from everything.”

“Mmm, that does sound good.”

“Just the two of us on the beach, like we used to be back inCalifornia…”

“I’m pretty sure the beaches in Hawaii will be way nicerthan that. Plus, we’re staying at a beautiful resort, so we’ll have someprivacy, too. Maybe even have the beach to ourselves—or at least a portion ofit.”

I know that part is very important to him after thespectacle of our wedding. He was seriously such a good sport about all themedia coverage, so having this time for it to be just the two of us means hewill be completely back in his comfort zone.

Except for the one afternoon photoshoot that my publicistcommitted us to for a magazine article.

“Don’t be offended, but I’m probably going to nap for partof this flight,” he tells me right before he yawns.

“I’m not offended. I’ll be right here snoozing beside you.”And I will, because it’s a long travel day. But once we arrive, we will haveten glorious days to ourselves, and I am so ready for it.

Three days later, we’re sitting in our privatecabana, loving life. Everything so far on this trip has been at a level ofluxury I didn’t know existed. It’s close to everything we had at The GrandBrightwater, but with a lot more personalized attention.

I’m seriously getting spoiled.

“So, what do you think? Is it worth it?” he asks out ofnowhere.

“Um…what?”