Page 24 of With Every Breath

“They didn’t really agree to it. I kinda forced it on them,” I murmured. “They’re coming out here for our reception, though. Mom wants to see where we’re living, and Dad said they might turn it into a bit of a vacation for themselves.”

“That’s nice.” Madi smiled. “I’m kinda sad that I’m going to miss it, too.”

“Are you trying to make me feel guilty?” My eyes swung in her direction.

“No, not at all. You’re just my best friend, and I love you.”

“Love you, too. Now, come help me pick out the rest of this stuff.” I waved at my closet.

We spent the rest of the day sorting through beach attire before I called it good and zipped my bag. Dex had plane tickets for us in the morning. We were heading to Maui for five days, and as nervous as I was, I was more excited. He said he had the perfect ceremony planned for us, and all I needed was a bathing suit. I’d bought a wedding gown before he’d suggested eloping, so I was now saving it for the reception we’d planned here next month.

As she was leaving, Madi hugged me. “He took you skydiving when he proposed. I don’t know how he’s going to top that.”

Just thinking about it made me giddy. “Me either.”

ooooooooo

“Are you ready?” Dex held the door for me as we entered the airport.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” I giggled.

“You know when we come back here, you’ll be Mrs. Slone.”

“Un huh.” I grinned so hard my cheeks were hurting. “I’m ok with that.”

“Just ok?” Dex nudged my side.

“I’m better than ok. I just don’t really have words for it yet.” I shrugged as we reached the check-in desk. Dex handed the lady behind the desk our IDs and after she took our bags, she handed over our boarding passes.

It didn’t take long to get through security, and before I knew it we were waiting on the plane. I smiled as Dex took out a book read, and I fluffed my mini pillow to nap. It was going to be a while before we could do anything, and I knew the time would pass faster if I fell asleep.

“Rise and shine.” Dex’s deep timber sounded next to me. “Did you get some beauty sleep? Not that you needed any.”

“Are we really getting married today?” I leaned into his side. The flight attendants were still getting things ready for us to deplane.

“Yep, in four hours.” Dex checked his watch.

“You book a time, too?” I laughed.

“I had to. You’ll understand when we get there.” He stood and began handing down our carry-on bags.

“Ok.” I let it go. I was trying to let him do this. I loved him for embracing my fearless side, and it seemed that the longer we were together, the more he gave in to it. I stood to join him as passengers began deplaning, and Dex held out his hand to me.

“The first of many.” He smiled. This had become our thing. Every time we did something new and exciting, he repeated it.

“The first of many.” I placed my hand in his.

We walked together down to baggage claim to grab the rest of our things and then outside to hail a taxi. The hotel had a shuttle, but Dex seemed to think that we didn’t have time to wait for it.

ooooooooo

The scenery was beautiful. Lush and green with bright flowers dotting the mountains. The road wound around, finally coming to an opening. A large white building stood in front of us. Men dressed in Hawaiian shirts with leis around their necks were opening car doors. As patrons emerged, the men placed leis on them. “Aloha,” one greeted me as I climbed out of the cab.

“Aloha.” I smiled back. Dex led me inside and checked us in.

“Come.” he waved toward the elevator. “We’re in the honeymoon suite.”

“But we’re not married for another three hours,” I teased.

---