Page 109 of XOXO, Summer
“Really?” Winter asks. “We’re not doing our hair?”
We probably shouldn’t be laughing as hard as we are, but it feels good to let it out, and the joy begins.
White umbrellas arch over the small crowd gathered on the deck, sprinkles of rain tapping on the tops set the stage as pretty as a painting.
The front row holds a collection of my favorite color in dresses of varying styles to suit my sisters’ tastes. They could have chosen any shade of blue they wanted, but they all showed up matching the sky on a sunny day. I’m in awe of how similar we all are in unexpected ways.
With swollen eyes from all the “happy tears” as she calls them, Dolly kisses my cheek and gives my hand a little squeeze under a large canopy where my future husband waits for me. “I’m so proud of you, sweet girl,” she says with a sniffle and tap of tissue to the inside corners of her eyes. “You’re going to have the most beautiful life together.”
We are. I know it in my gut and heart. This process, while a little stressful just because we put it together quickly, has been so easy. And when we came up with the idea to get married before the start of the season—to stop wasting time and just do it—I felt peace.
I’ve only felt loved.
I hug her, the gravity of the occasion kicking in like the storm above did. Dolly joins Fall under her umbrella as I turn to face Daniel.My love.
Bucking traditions, a.k.a. breaking the ceremonial rules, the warmth of his embrace welcomes me into the fold of his arms. A kiss is placed on my head, and the gentle pressure of his lingering lips stirs my heart to beat faster. When he lifts, I pull back to catch his eyes still closed as he inhales me into his lungs, a small smile appearing right after. Slowly, he opens his eyes to see me as if he might be dreaming. His smile spreads so wide that I can’t contain my own.
Happiness gets the better of me, and I laugh lightly. “It’s raining on our wedding day.”
“Doesn’t matter.” With our hands joined, he says, “No storm nor any other circumstance can stop our love.” He kisses my hand before admiring me. “You are so beautiful.”
My hair is not how I would have ideally chosen, but it doesn’t bother me that it’s flatter to endure the changing weather. “We make our own luck, handsome.”
“We don’t need luck. We have each other.”
I have never doubted how much we love each other and never will as I fall deeper into it with him.
The minister rolls through the ceremony and directs Daniel to say his vows. He shakes his head. “My girl will come first.”
Why does that sound like a promise for later as much as a statement for now?I gulp, my cheeks coated in blushing heat.
Tightening my hold of his hands, I take a breath and look up into the assurance of his brown eyes. The rush of tears flows along my waterline. I close my eyes to try to keep them from falling, but one manages to break free, slipping down my cheek. Daniel catches it and brings it to his lip to kiss. “It’s okay, Sunshine.”
I nod and take a deep breath. “I didn’t expect to meet the love of my life right next door, but there you were in swim trunks and a smirk, and I was a goner.” A little stroke of the ego to kick off the festivities. “But it was the heart you wore on your sleeve for me that I was pulled so strongly toward that I couldn’t stop long enough to talk myself out of it. And I couldn’t be more grateful or blessed that I broke my rules for you.”
I pour my heart out to him, wanting to share what the beauty of his love means to me.
And when it’s his turn, his smile just about does me in. He fixes his gaze, so steady and strong on me, making me swoon through promises and sweet memories we’ve made,the connection we have, and how he feels fortunate to have found me for him and his son. “I vow to love you with all my heart, to follow your rules . . .” He smirks. “And to make your favorite breakfast food at least once a week for you.”
He has me smiling, a laugh tickling my chest, and my heart in his hands. As he professes how we will always be a team and work for each other and together. And when it’s time to seal our commitment with a kiss, his hands slide around my waist and wrap around my lower back.
Holding me close, he looks deep in my eyes, a ribbon of our hearts tying together. And when our lips meet, the pressure is confident, and the weight of balancing everything on my shoulders my whole life lifts as he lessens the load. A partner willing to walk life’s path with me, like my parents always wanted for me. Like I hoped and dreamed that I’d find someday. Daniel is a dream come true, and every day I get with him will be the blessing I prayed for.
Daniel never had anyone worrying about him, though. He not only wants to take care of me, but I will also show him how much it means to me to be able to love him fully. Every flaw, perfect ab, and broken rule. I will always make him feel the love he has always deserved.
The sun sneaks through the clouds, shining bright above the canopy as our lips part, but my breath hasn’t been caught quite yet as he looks at me. “I love you, Sunshine.”
The cheers of our family and friends, even his mom making the trip, makes the moment even more wonderful.
We’re given a beautiful afternoon for our reception. Roman has been attached to me as we mingle. He’s been allsmiles and chocolate cupcakes from the potluck table, and his happiness over the wedding has been so fun to watch.
I bend down and look into his brown eyes that match his daddy’s. “I’m so happy you’re my family.”
Throwing his arms around my neck, he says, “I love you, Summer.”
I hug him so tight, the sweet boy. “Love you too, Roman.”
Then he runs off to spend time with his grandmother and Dolly.
