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The most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen spreads on her face. “Yes, a million times yes. I will marry you.Again.”She plants her lips on mine and I pull her in tight.
She said yes.
Dancing in the Rain
Epilogue - Ellie
6monthslater
Sand between my toes, cool breeze on my face, and the smell of salty ocean air surround me as I stand hand-in-hand with the love on my life. Our children, families, and friends are here with us as we rededicate ourselves to each other on the same day we first saidI dothirteen years ago.
The gorgeous man staring down at me, whose hazel eyes are radiating love and devotion and whose smile lights up my life, still gives me the same flutters I felt all those years ago. Except that this time, I know how incredible it is to be loved by him.
Today has been a fairy tale full of beautiful white lace gowns for me and my little “maids of honor,” and soft white linen shirts with cream-colored slacks for my groom and his “best men.” We’re about to say our vows on a white sandy beach in front of the picturesque hotel that will host our reception after.
In between a wave break, Marco clears his throat, and we join hands before he begins. “Ellie, from the first day I met you, I knew you were someone special. Not only were you the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen, but right from the start, you made me laugh every single day and challenged me in ways I never knew I needed. Every day with you has been an adventure. It’s been my greatest privilege to stand by your side through all of life’s challenges and joys.” He smiles down at the tiny eyes surrounding us and looks at each one of them, completely melting my heart, before returning his gaze to me. “Seeing you become a mom to our children has been the most amazing experience to witness. You are so loving and patient with them, and also their greatest teacher and fiercest protector. The last thirteen years have been the best of my life, each day better than the last. I love you with all my heart, Eleanor Renee Garcia, and I will spend the rest of my life proving that to you.”
He smiles down at me as he brings his hand to my cheek to wipe away the fallen tears. I lean into the warmth of his hand and return a smile.
I swallow the lump in my throat, my emotions challenging my ability to get the words out. “Well, I don’t know how I’m supposed to top that—” he laughs, and our family and friends join in, “but I’ll give it my best shot.” I inhale the crisp air and lock eyes with my love. “Marco, you are my best friend and my soul’s mate. You make me feel so loved, cherished, and protected every single day. You’ve shown up for our love through the highs and the lows, and I am the happiest and luckiest woman alive to be your wife. You are an incredible father to our children,” I look down at the girls by my side and then at the boys by his side, and I smile at them all as they beam up at us, “and it warms my heart that they get to witness our love because I hope one day they each find a partner who makes them feel the way you make me feel. I’m so grateful for the life we’ve built together and look forward to each new day with you. I love you, Marco, always and forever.”
Marco wipes away the moisture from my cheeks again and leans down to kiss me but before he makes it Joe, our unofficial officiant says, “Hey hey hey. Not yet. I haven’t pronounced you husband and wife.”
Marco draws back and rolls his eyes and I giggle at his irritation.
“By the power vested in me by, well you guys because you’re already married anyway, I now pronounce youstillhusband and wife. You may kiss your wife.”
I reach up to grab Marco’s neck and bring him down to me, but he’s already halfway down when our lips lock in a passionate kiss. The crowd cheers as our kids shout how gross we are under us.
All of a sudden, thunder booms above us, and lightning strikes all around.
Pulling back from the kiss and looking toward the sky, we see that the usual Southern California haze has been replaced by ominous clouds.
A moment later, the skies open and fat drops of warm rain begin to pour.
Our guests start to run for the hotel, but I keep my feet firmly planted in the sand while my kiddos screech and try to hide under me.
Marco grabs my hand and yells over the now noisy storm, “We should get inside!”
I shake my head and smile as I look up towards the sky, close my eyes, and let the refreshing water pour down on me. He just laughs,that laugh,and my heart skips a beat.
After seeing me embrace the storm, the kids run around us laughing and taking droplets into their mouths. Marco picks me up by the waist and swings me around. My joy bubbles over and I’m left in a fit of giggles as we twirl through the rain.
As the water washes over us, I am reminded that life and love are really what you make of them. Today I choose to find joy in every day with the amazing man I get to call my husband.
After running my hands over my face to whisk away the water, I stare down into Marco’s playful eyes. I lower my lips to his mischievous smirk and the butterflies take flight again.
“I love you so much,” he says after we break the kiss.
“I love you more. Thanks for sticking by me through it all.” I smile wide.
“Always and forever.”
13 years later
We walk into our home and the silence rings loud. We just dropped our last kiddo off at college, and now we're just standing here, looking at the emptiness.
“What do we do now?” he asks.
I wiggle my eyebrows at him as I lift my shirt over my head. “Race you to the bedroom!”
I take off running and he quickly follows behind…
