Page 102 of Fourteen of a Kind

My family gathered for pictures while the guests went to one of the white tents serving cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

“I think that does it for the family photos,” Fran, our photographer, said. “You can all head to the reception while I get a few more of the newlyweds by themselves.”

We stood by the shoreline while Fran took some more pictures of just Graham and me. As we stared into each other’s eyes, Graham brought his hand to my cheek.

“Perfect! Don’t move,” Fran said. “Okay. That’s a wrap, you two. I’ll meet you inside the tent.”

“You are the most beautiful woman in the world, and I can’t wait to spend a full week alone with you.” A handsome smile crossed Graham’s lips.

“Are you two coming or what? Your guests are waiting for you!” Willow shouted.

Graham and I laughed. “We’re coming,” I shouted back.

“Shall we, wife?” Graham held out his arm.

“We shall, husband.” I smiled, placing my arm around his.

We stood at the tent's entrance, and when the D.J. announced our arrival, our guests clapped, shouted, and whistled. We walked around, greeting and thanking those who came and celebrated with us. Everyone was told to take their seats for dinner. My dad picked up his champagne glass and lightly tapped it, getting everyone’s attention.

“I’d like to make a toast to my daughter and son-in-law. I knew this day would eventually come—the day when another man would walk into my daughter’s life and steal her heart. As prepared as I thought I’d be, I wasn’t. Since Ella was six years old, I was supposed to be raising her, but she raised me instead.” A smile crossed his lips, and everyone laughed. “I remember the days of walking down the beach with her on my shoulders, with her little arms wrapped tightly around my neck. I remember the feeling the first time we put her surfboard in the water, and I taught her how to surf. I remember the first time that I watched her dance on stage. And I remember the times I stood in the doorway of her art room and watched her paint. I also remember sitting in the audience as she walked across the stage at the age of ten and received her high school diploma. Then, college and med school. But the one day that will forever stay with me is this day—the day I walked my daughter down the aisle to a man I proudly call my son. Everything Ella has done in her life has been done with perfection, including choosing the man to love and spend the rest of her life with. I love you both very much. Here’s to your new life together as husband and wife. Life is family, and family is life.” He held up his glass.

“Cheers!” everyone shouted.

“Thanks, Dad.” I smiled as a tear streamed down my face.

“Damn. Your dad sure knows how to choke people up,” Graham said.

After we had eaten the delicious meal Sebastian and his staff created, we cut the cake. The DJ called Graham and me to the dancefloor for our first dance as husband and wife. Our dance ended, and my father stepped onto the dancefloor, taking my hand in his and wrapping his arm around my waist while we danced to My Little Girl by Tim McGraw, the song he picked.

“Any idea when you and Graham might give your mother and me a grandchild?” A smirk crossed his lips.

“Dad, I’ve only been married a few hours.” I laughed.

“And?” His brow arched. “Stefan already has a grandchild, and I’m sure Gabriel will have one soon. It’s time to fill the beach again with children.”

“And when the time comes, you’re going to make a wonderful grandfather, Dad.”

“And one day, you’ll make a wonderful mother, sweetheart.”

It was time to say goodbye to our guests and head to the hangar, where Shaun’s plane was waiting to fly us to Bora Bora for our honeymoon, a wedding gift from my parents.

“Have a wonderful honeymoon.” My mom hugged me. “And stay in touch.”

“I will, Mom.”

I turned to my dad, and he wrapped his arms around me. “I’ll miss you. Have a great time, sweetheart, and we’ll see you when you get back.”

“I’ll miss you too, Dad.” My grip around him tightened. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome. If you really want to thank me, you’ll make me a grandchild in Bora Bora,” he whispered.

“Stop it, Dad.” I laughed.

CHAPTER 33

Graham

We stepped through the door of our private bungalow over the water—a true honeymoon oasis. For six days and seven nights, pure romance and relaxation were ours. We sat on our private patio with fruity cocktails, staring out at the crystal blue water—a sight that brought peace in the chaos of our lives being doctors.

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