Page 96 of Summer Heat
"I have a feeling this is the start of more Kingston weddings," Marshall said.
"We're going to be busy the next few years expanding the business and our families," Hudson added.
We fell silent for a few seconds, content to watch the men in suits and the women in dresses filter outside.
"Who's that?" Dalton asked, pointing at a group of men in suits.
Hudson followed his gaze. "Dad wanted me to invite them. They're the Archers, their family owns a development firm looking to buy up some property on the island. Dad wants them to choose us for all their projects and thought this would be the perfect welcome."
Cooper whistled. "Not everyone is happy about them being here. The locals don't want outsiders buying everything up and changing the feel of the island."
Marshall straightened his tie. "You have to admit that partnering with them will be a boon for business. We'll be busy for years to come."
The door opened, and Linnea stepped out. "Are you guys almost ready? I need to get you into position before the bridal party comes out."
That led to a round of congratulations. Then we threw on our jackets. We helped each other straighten ties and brush lint off the jackets. Then we jogged down the steps and through the house.
I couldn't help but think that we'd do this all over again one day soon for me, and it would be just as special.
We walked down the aisle and lined up on the makeshift altar on the beach. I stood in the middle next to Cooper and folded my hands in front of me.
The chairs on the beach were almost filled, and my body was buzzing with anticipation.
Maya was a flower girl, along with Lilliana, and the ring bearer, Henry. She was so excited to be part of this wedding. My family had welcomed her as one of them.
The little ones came out first, Lilliana in a white dress with purple trim, holding a basket of white rose petals, and Henry held the pillow slightly askew. It was a good thing the ring was tied onto the pillow with ribbon. I'd hate to have to hunt for it in the sand.
A few feet behind them, Maya walked with more confidence throwing flower petals on the aisle runner as she walked.
Henry went to Cooper and Lilliana to Dalton. There were plans for them to sit with the grandparents in the front row, but we had a few seconds to be with them.
Maya paused in front of me, lifting her arms, "Shep."
I lifted her into my arms, her dress swirling around me. I couldn't help but think that our time would come very soon.
Maya patted my cheek. "When are you going to marry my mommy?"
"Very soon," I promised her with conviction in my voice.
She hugged me tight, and I relished the feel of her arms around my neck.
When the music started, we set the kids down and ushered them toward the front row where they sat with Mom and Dad.
The girls started walking up the aisle, one at a time with a bouquet of flowers in their hands. When they reached the altar, they walked to the left, lining up one after the other. But my eyes were on Kinsley.
She was gorgeous in the lavender dress that Elena had chosen for her bridesmaids, but I was imagining her in white. She looked up at me, her cheeks pink. I wondered if she was thinking about being alone on the rooftop deck tonight.
I couldn't wait for all these people to go home so that the house would be ours again.
Then the music changed, and everyone rose for Elena. She walked down the aisle toward Hudson. I was positive every eye was on her, but I couldn't look away from Kinsley.
I needed to ask her to be my wife. The ring was burning a hole in my pocket. I'd carried it with me every day, waiting for the right moment to ask her.
Elena reached Hudson, and he took her hands. The pastor called everyone's attention to the couple. But my mind was on the perfect proposal. I just needed Maya's help.
After the ceremony, Linnea directed pictures, and then there was the dinner reception and dancing. I sat with my arm around the back of Kinsley's chair with Maya on her other side. When the music started, Maya jumped up, "Can we dance?"
"Absolutely," I said, standing.
