Page 125 of Notes About Vodka

I catch Sasha wiping his eyes, and it’s all I can do to keep my own tears in check. Val glances over at his father, and I see his eyes glisten, a mix of pride and sadness that his mother couldn’t be here.

When Val speaks his vows, his voice is steady but thick with emotion. Each word feels like a promise that wraps around my heart. He glances at me with a small smile, and says, "Laura, you are my everything. You make every day brighter, every moment worth living. I promise to love you, to support you, and to stand by your side through every challenge and every joy." His voice cracks, and he takes a deep breath, his eyes glistening. "I love you, and I will always love you." There’s a vulnerability in his voice, a rawness that makes my heart ache in the best way possible.

I smile at him, my heart overflowing, and I take a deep breath before speaking my vows. "Val, from the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. You've shown me a love that I never thought possible. You've been my partner, my confidant, my everything. I promise to always be there for you, to love you fiercely, and to cherish every moment we share together. You are my home, and I can't wait to build our life together."

His hand is warm in mine, his eyes full of unshed tears, and when I say, “I do,” it’s like everything in the world clicks into place. There’s a stillness in that moment, like the universe is holding its breath for us.

After the ceremony, we head to the a park pavilion for the reception.

The sky is painted in brilliant hues of orange and pink as the sun shines in the sky.

There’s something magical about being surrounded by thetrees in this area, and the relaxed, natural setting makes everything feel even more special. The air is filled with the scent of fresh flowers, and laughter echoes across the park as everyone gathers around.

We eat under twinkling string lights hung between the pine trees, the laughter of our friends and family filling the air. Val and I share our first dance as husband and wife, swaying together to the rhythm of a song that means the world to us both,Truly, Madly, Deeply. His hands are warm on my waist, and I rest my head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my cheek.

Everything else fades away, and it’s just us—spinning slowly under the blue pompoms, the river whispering just beyond. I close my eyes, breathing in the scent of his cologne mixed with the warm breeze, and I feel a sense of peace wash over me.

"You know," Val says softly as we sway, "I was so nervous about today. But seeing you walk down that aisle... I knew everything was going to be perfect."

I lift my head to look at him, smiling. "I felt the same way. I mean, I nearly tripped on my dress, but the second I saw you, all I could think about was getting to you."

Val chuckles, his eyes shining with love. "Good thing you didn't trip. I might have had to come and carry you down the aisle."

I laugh, shaking my head. "You would have, wouldn't you?"

"Absolutely," he says, leaning down to kiss my forehead. "Anything for you."

Skipper makes a speech that has everyone laughing and tearing up at the same time, recounting our journey from friends to something more. He’s always had a way of mixing humor with sentimentality, and when he raises his glass to toastus, I feel a swell of gratitude for the friends who have stood by our side through it all.

"To Val and Laura," Skipper says, raising his glass high, "may your love be as endless as the ocean, and may your adventures together be just as wild. And Val, remember, if you ever mess this up, you'll have me and Rhea to answer to."

Everyone laughs, and Val grins, nodding. "Noted, Skip. I'll keep that in mind."

Rhea chimes in, her voice teasing. "We're serious, Val. You hurt her, and we'll find you."

Val raises his hands in mock surrender. "I wouldn't dream of it. Besides, Laura's the one who keeps me in line."

"Smart man," Rhea says, winking at me, and I can't help but laugh, feeling the warmth of their love and support surrounding us.

As the afternoon carries on, the party shifts into full swing. Sebastian and Rhea lead everyone in a dance-off, Rhea’s laughter ringing out as Sebastian spins her around, her growing baby bump barely slowing her down.

"Think you can take them on?" Val asks, nudging me playfully.

I raise an eyebrow, pretending to consider it. "Oh, I don't know... Rhea looks like she's got some moves."

Val grins, pulling me out to the dance floor. "Come on, Mrs. Zaitseva. Let's show them how it's done."

I can’t stop smiling—my cheeks ache from it, but I can’t help it. The joy is too much to contain. We dance until we're breathless, the laughter and cheers of our friends echoing around us, the warmth of the moment wrapping around us like a blanket. Val twirls me around, and I stumble slightly, both of us laughing as he catches me, his arms wrapping around me tightly.

"Got you," he says, his forehead resting against mine.

"Always," I reply, my voice filled with emotion.

Later, as the day starts to wind down, my grandmother and aunts insist on helping clean up, their efficient hands quickly making order of the leftover food and decorations. They’re like a force of nature, and before I know it, the park pavilion and picnic tables are cleared, the extra tables and chairs are packed, and the evening is ready to continue somewhere else.

I watch them work, their chatter and laughter filling the space, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the family that raised me.

We decide to take the party back to Panama City Beach, and we head to my favorite spot—Schooners, the little beachfront bar I’ve loved for as long as I can remember.

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