Page 42 of While You're There
He didn’t miss the use of his new favorite word.
“Technically the cabin wasn’t from me.” He shrugged nonchalantly before turning Tori’s body toward the lake and wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. He had seen the spotlight on the boat flash twice over her shoulder less than a minute ago. It wouldn’t be long now.
“Oh, is this my surprise?” she teased, pushing her ass into his lower half.
“Behave,” he scolded, bringing his hands to her hips to still her body against his. “Just watch.”
The first firework illuminated the night sky two seconds later: a cascade of gold that looked double its actual size thanks to the reflection in the lake. A series of dazzling sizzlers followed the first explosion as everyone around them turned to watch the surprise show.
“Rhett!” she exclaimed, smacking his arm in disbelief as more bursts of light and color filled the sky. This was about to be more than just a few stray bottle rockets. Jake had $10,000 worth of pyrotechnics on the other side of the lake.
“Today’s the first day of our forever, beautiful. I wanted it to start with a bang.”
Theline was cheesy, but she grinned up at him anyways before wrapping her hand around his neck. He rested his chin on her shoulder and held her tight, inhaling her familiar rosemary and mint scent as they stood together at the edge of the lake, husband and wife, at the cabin they could now call home.
Chapter eighteen
Tori
Sheranherhandsup and down the delicate lace of the white and blush body suit as she assessed herself in the bathroom mirror. How many times had she stood in this bathroom and peered into this exact mirror? She didn’t know where all her nerves were coming from. Nothing was technically different. But everything was forever changed.
Tori finally understood why people said their wedding day was the happiest day of their lives. Happy wasn’t a big enough word to describe how she was feeling. She couldn’t even think of a single word that could encompass everything they had experienced that day. The memories would be with her, always.
The laughs and smiles and squeals of glee she shared with Lia, Maddie, and Anne as they all got ready together that morning.
The confidence and sexiness she felt when she took private photos in the bedroom that afternoon.
The magic of stepping into a beautiful wedding dress that fit like a glove.
The joy of seeing all their friends and family gathered to celebrate them.
Rhett’s smile when they finally came together at the lakeshore. The way he pulled her in and held her tight like he was never going to let her go.
The love in her dad’s eyes when he saw her in her wedding dress for the first time. The tenderness of his gaze when he handed her a small box and an envelope.
It was the sweetest surprise, the best wedding gift she could have ever possibly received. The box contained a delicate gold link necklace. No charms or jewels hung from the simple piece.
She smiled when she first accepted the gift. It was classic and simple and so perfectly him. “Daddy, it’s beautiful. Thank you.”
Her dad shook his head and averted his eyes to the envelop in her hand. “It’s not from me. Well, technically, I picked it out and bought it, but I didn’t originally buy it for you.”
Tori’s eyes grew wide as a sneaking suspicion crept into her consciousness. She ripped the unmarked card open more carelessly than she should have. Something told her she should take her time and savor the experience, but she couldn’t let herself hope without confirmation.
A simple notecard rested inside the envelope. Her mother’s handwriting filled the page.
My beautiful Victoria--
You have not heard my voice in years, but I hope you hear it now. I hope you feel me beside you as you read this note. I hope you feel me with you, always.
If you are reading this, it’s because you are about to walk down the aisle and get married. I had a hell of a time convincing your father to do this for me. But I trust he waited, just like I trust that you two cared for each other over all these years. What I wouldn’t give to blink away tears of joy as I watch the two of you walk arm-in-arm down the aisle at your wedding.
I don’t know the person you’re marrying, but I know my daughter. If someone has won your heart, it’s because they have earned the honor of loving you. Do not let your own fears keep you from loving someone completely, sweet girl. To love and be loved is the greatest gift you can give your beloved and yourself.
Your father gave me this necklace the night before our wedding, and now we are both giving it to you. I hope the simple chain design reminds you that everything is connected. Even when a story seems to be ending, another has already begun.
I hope you are happy. I hope you are free. I hope you allow yourself to feel it all. I hope you get everything you want out of your one precious life. I hope you chose to spend that life with someone who adores you.
Please know that I hear you when you whisper to me at night, sweet girl. It may be years since you have heard my voice, but I always whisper back. I love you more than words. I am with you, always.
