Epilogue
ISAAC
THE LAST DAY OF SUMMER
“Do you think they suspect anything?” Reece asks as we line up the beach chairs under the tent. Her white sundress is covering the white bikini underneath, the one she bought especially for today. Her hair is pulled up into a ponytail, with little wisps falling around her makeup-free face—because this is how she wanted to marry me.
And I absolutely love it.
I can’t stop the grin that stretches over my face as I stare at her. “Pretty sure they’ll suspect something as soon as they get here.”
Coolers with chilled champagne and an assortment of easy-to-eat beach foods sit off to the side, a smaller one holding beautiful flower leis, all made by Vienna.
She’d agreed to officiate our impromptu ceremony and had been appalled when we’d told her we weren’t doing any of the traditional things—like flowers. She wouldn’t take no for an answer which is how we ended up with the floral-filled cooler.
“Hey y’all,” Vienna says, hustling across the sand, “they’re here!”
I expect Reece to look nervous, but she just flashes me the biggest smile as Maddox and Marigold come into view.
“Oh my God!” Marigold screeches, tossing her sand chair down before wrapping Reece in a crushing hug. She squeals again and does a little dance, and I can only assume she’s just agreed to be Reece’s maid of honor.
“What is…” Maddox starts before pushing his sunglasses up on the top of his head.
“Be my best man?”
“No fucking way, dude,” he says with a laugh and then wraps me in a hug and slaps my back. “I’d be honored.”
Vienna places a purple and white flower lei around Marigold’s neck before doing the same to Maddox, their cheesy grins a welcome reprieve as I spot Reece’s parents.
I brace for the worst as Bill and Candee stop short of the tent, their eyes taking everything in as Candee’s hand goes to her mouth.
I’d asked Bill’s permission, but Lord knows they weren’t expecting it to happen so quickly. My own parents had been disappointed but understanding when we’d called them earlier this week, their cross-country trip already in progress and making it impossible to get home in time.
But this was only the beginning. They’d be back for the reception and every milestone after.
“Mr. Baylor,” Vienna says, slipping the flower lei over Bill’s head.
“I was hoping you’d both walk me down the aisle,” Reece says quietly, her mother wiping frantically at the tears rolling down her cheeks as she nods.
“Of course! Oh my goodness, Bill, how is my hair?”
“You look great, Mom,” Reece says, her eyes shiny as Vienna places a stunning flower lei around Candee’s neck.
“Everyone ready?” Vienna asks, and I nod, following her to the front of the tent, where she places an all-white lei around my neck before yelling, “Pretend there’s music!”
Everyone chuckles, and I feel myself relax as I watch Marigold and Maddox walking arm in arm toward me. They break apart, Maddox moving to stand behind me while Marigold moves to stand across from me, leaving space for my bride.
My breath hitches in my throat as my bride links her arms with her parents and takes her first step toward me—toward our future.
Her eyes well with unshed tears, and I have to blink like hell to keep mine at bay. I’ve almost made it when Maddox’s hand lands on my shoulder, and I have to choke back a sob because I never thought we’d get here.
I never thought I’d be marrying Reece—never thought I’d have Maddox’s blessing and definitely never dreamed we’d be able to do this in Love Beach.
But this is perfect—it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
Everything I dreamed of.
Because it’s her.
Reece kisses her father on the cheek and then turns and wraps her mother in a hug. They stand like that for a long moment before Bill takes Candee’s hand, and Reece places her hands in mine.
“And for the most perfect bride,” Vienna says quietly, placing an all-white lei around Reece’s neck to match my own. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I love you,” Reece whispers, and Vienna gives a watery smile before clearing her throat.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love and commitment of two of my very favorite people…”
THE END