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“We don’t have to rush into things,” I smile nervously. “We have nothing but time! You, me, and Veronika.”
Andrei says nothing as he quietly slips into deep thought. “What if we get married right here on the beach today and then decide later where we want to live?”
I don’t answer at first. I look at the horizon and watch the sun slowly dip below the ocean. I couldn’t think of a more idyllic place to have our wedding. Without saying a word, I nod in agreement.
Andrei lifts a glass. “Raymond, who can marry us tonight?”
“I know the right man,” he answers, smiling.
Andrei clutches my hand with the plain engagement ring on my finger. He didn’t have one when he proposed in the hospital, so he brought one from one of the porters. He handed him a wad of hundred-dollar bills for his school ring and thanked the shocked man for his assistance.
“I want to buy you another ring.” He glares at the beat-up one on my finger.
“No, I like this ring,” I tell him. “You actually had to work to get it.”
He narrows his gaze on it. “Is that an eagle engraved on the side? I can’t tell.”
“It’s a hawk, I think.”
As the sun sets, we say our vows in front of a group of tourists that have quickly become our friends. I wear a white sundress, and Andrei borrows a navy suit and rolls up the pants. Our guests sing the wedding march off-key as they clap to the beat. I walk down a makeshift aisle toward Andrei and a preacher in Birkenstocks to renew our vows. I feel the warmth of the sand on the bare soles of my feet as Emma watches while Veronika naps on her lap.
My pulse races as I look around, anticipating what’s to come.This is it, Paige. You’re finally getting the life you deserve with a man who really loves you. And it’s wonderful because I love him too.
Andrei and I hold hands as we say, “I do.”
The beach is filled with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors as the hotel guests dance around us. I throw my head back and laugh when“Sailing”starts to play over the loudspeakers. It’s our song. Andrei dips me low in his arms and spins me to thundering applause.
Sea salt and sand are carried in on a light breeze, mixed with hints of jasmine. Barbecue and firewood smolder nearby, providing an earthy scent that will linger long after the celebration ends. The bar is filled with twinkling lanterns, their light illuminating the smiling faces.
A large crowd dances under the moonlight. Some sway to the music, others spin in circles; everyone laughs and claps to the beat. The joy of the moment is intense, and something as wonderful as this will never fade. The beach is alive under the stars above us.
Later, the party winds down, and we thank everyone for coming. Voices call out congratulations as the guests wander away.
Raymond lifts a glass to us. “Come back in a year, and we’ll do it again.”
The water taxi glides across the dark water toward our villa. Emma rests her head on Andrei’s shoulder while I hold Veronika in my arms. I can’t stop grinning; this is what I wanted.
Andrei looks up at the stars. “We could stay here until we decide where to live.”
I shrug. “I wouldn’t mind that, but I don’t know.”
“What?” he laughs. “You’re not sure about being happy forever?”
The salty air is heavy with fragrance, and the sun is beginning to rise. I feel the coolness of the wind on my skin as the boat pulls up to the dock. The people I love the most surround me, and somehow, it’s all worked out despite the unlikely odds. I press my lips against Andrei’s cheek, and he wraps his arm around my shoulder as we take a moment to take it all in.
He whispers against my ear. “What if I spend the rest of my life making you happy?”
I smile. “You already have.”
