Page 124 of Notes About Vodka

My mom’s smile widens. “Thank you, Laura. You take good care of my Valik.”

“Always,” Laura replies, her eyes meeting mine for a moment. There’s so much love there that it almost overwhelms me.

The night winds down with the group gathered by the beach, the sound of the waves lapping at the shore as the moonrises high above. My dad sits with Skipper and Sebastian, trying to understand their stories with my occasional translations, and it’s chaotic but perfect in its own way. There’s a warmth in the air, a sense of togetherness that I’ve missed for so long. It’s like all the pieces of my life are finally coming together.

Laura and I slip away, finding a quieter spot a little further down the beach.

The cool sand shifts beneath our feet, soft and damp, and the sound of the waves fills the air—rhythmic, soothing, like a steady heartbeat. The breeze carries a slight chill, brushing against our skin, and the salty scent of the ocean mixes with the earthy aroma of the sand. The sky above is a blanket of stars, each one twinkling brightly, their light reflecting off the dark water. It's peaceful, the kind of quiet that wraps around you, making everything else fade away. We sit there, the sand cool beneath us, the ocean stretching out endlessly before us, and I pull her close.

“You okay?” she asks, her head resting on my shoulder.

I nod, my gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yeah. I think I am.”

The ocean is dark and endless, waves rolling gently onto the shore, the rhythm of it soothing. The sky is littered with stars, their reflections shimmering on the water, and I feel a strange kind of peace wash over me. Laura shifts beside me, her fingers lacing into mine, and I glance over at her, her face bathed in moonlight.

“Thank you for all of this,” I whisper, my voice almost lost in the breeze.

She turns, her eyes meeting mine, and she smiles—soft, warm, full of love. “Always,” she says simply.

I lean in, pressing my lips to hers, the ocean stretching out around us, infinite and full of possibility. We sit there until the night deepens, wrapped up in each other, the sound of thewaves our only witness. The weight of everything—my mom not being here, the years apart from my dad—feels a little lighter with Laura by my side. The ocean’s gentle melody becomes our soundtrack, each wave a reminder of the vastness of life, its ups and downs, and the love that anchors us.

Laura rests her head on my chest, and I feel her breath even out, her body relaxing against mine. I know the next few days will be filled with joy and chaos, family and friends, the whirlwind of the wedding, but right now, in this moment, there is just us.

The stars above twinkle like scattered diamonds, their reflections creating shimmering paths across the ocean’s surface. It’s like the universe is reminding us that we are part of something bigger, something infinite and beautiful. I take a deep breath, the salty air filling my lungs, and close my eyes, content.

“Laura, my world, my love,” I murmur, my voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

LAURA

"Romance, passion, love…

are all about finding that one person who makes you f eel like the best shot of vodka…

burning, warm, and intoxicating."

The day of the wedding finally arrives, and Torreya State Park is a picture of pure serenity.

The lush greenery seems to wrap around us like an embrace, and the sparkling Apalachicola River glistens under the warm Florida sun. Spanish moss sways gently from the ancient oaks, and wildflowers peek out from the underbrush, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our ceremony. The birds chirp softly, and there's a faint rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze passes through, making everything feel alive and present.

I stand at the edge of the aisle, my heart pounding in anticipation, and I take a deep breath, knowing that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

My dress is everything I dreamed of—lacy flowers cascade over the fitted bodice, and the delicate lace continues down thelong, flowing train that trails behind me. It feels timeless, elegant, and romantic. I wear a birdcage veil that falls just below my eyes, adding a touch of vintage charm. My makeup is simple, understated, with a pop of bold red lipstick that Val once told me he loved on me.

I feel like myself, but more—more in love, more ready for this moment. I glance around, taking in the sight of my friends and family, and I feel a surge of gratitude for everyone who came to witness this day.

As I take my first step down the aisle in between my daddy and grandfather, I see Val. He stands at the end, looking dashing in his tailored suit, a red bowtie perfectly matched to the flowers in my bouquet. His eyes never leave mine, and the way he looks at me—like I am the only person in the world—makes my heart swell with love and excitement. I feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, but I keep my gaze steady on him, each step bringing me closer to the life we are building together. The crowd seems to fade away, and all I can see is Val, waiting for me with that smile that promises everything I've ever wanted.

When we reach Val, he whispers, "You look stunning, my love." His voice is soft, but I can hear the emotion behind it.

"And you look very handsome," I whisper back, trying not to cry. He gives me a smile, the kind that makes everything else fade away.

Daddy and Dada both give me hugs before shaking Val’s hand and then sitting with my family.

Val’s hand feels warm and steady in mine when he takes it in his, and I grip it just a little tighter, not wanting to let go.

Our friends are all here—Skipper, Rhea, Mads, Sebastian—they stand by our sides as we exchange our vows. Sasha, Val’s father, stands in the front row, his face filled with pride. It’s a bittersweet moment, knowing that Val’s mother couldn’t gether visa, but seeing the way his dad watches his son, the joy and love in his eyes, makes the moment even more special.

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