That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

Epilogue

Max

Today is the culminationof every anguish, struggle, and unforeseen turn in the road. It also means that after almost a year of one of us travelling across country to the be with the other, we’ll will finally be together, in California, in our brand-new home.

My eyes linger on the horizon, where the sky kisses the sea, painting a perfect picture of tranquility. The sand feels oddly comforting beneath my polished shoes compared to the stiff soles that usually pace countless boardroom floors. However, I ditched the three-piece business suit for something more casual.

I turned to my best man, who allowed me to take refuge at his resort when it wasn’t even opened for business yet. And now, a year later, Tranquil Bay is booked solid, except for that one little cabin I’ve reserved exclusively for the foreseeable future. Maybe we can even make a baby here, a playmate for Shaun and Marika’s baby boy.

A fluttering sensation erupts in my chest when I picture us vacationing here as a family or celebrating milestone events, relaxing under the sun while our kids play at the water’s edge.

Shaun nudges me, bringing my focus back to the here and now. “Wedding’s about to start. You ready?”

I straighten my tie. “More than ever.”

We turn in unison to greet guests as they arrive, showing them to their seats. Each handshake, each shared smile, adds layers to the joy that’s circulating in the air. But nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the anticipation of seeing Emilee walk down that aisle.

Since the beach at Tranquil Bay is where we fell in love, and I proposed, it seemed appropriate to be where we say our vows. We wanted simple but elegant for a sunset wedding on the beach, where a pristine stretch of white sand serves as the aisle between a few rows of white folding chairs. Bright floral arrangements are placed around the perimeter, and delicate pink and white flower petals mark the path Emilee will soon walk. At the water’s edge, an exquisite arch entwined with lush tropical blooms frames the breathtaking Caribbean sunset.

Candles flicker softly within protective glass globes, their glow warming the dusk’s encroaching coolness. The gently lapping waves and the soft murmur of the sea soothe my nerves. The briny fragrance carried on the breeze, mixed with that of the flowers, creates an intoxicating blend that will forever remind me of this moment.

The laughter and conversation of the family and friends we flew in for an intimate ceremony swirl around me, the joyous sounds mingling with the melodic backdrop of a local band hired for the occasion.

“Max, you look like you’re about to burst with happiness,”Shaun says, his voice low and teasing.

My lips curve up into a smile I can’t suppress. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to anyone who looks at you. She’s changed your world, hasn’t she?”

“Completely.”The word leaves my lips in a reverent whisper.

I don’t need to say more; Shaun knows. He understands the depth of what I feel for Emilee without me having to spell it out. She’s the missing piece I didn’t think I was searching for, the calm in my life, the clarity in my chaos. She reminds me daily of the man I want to be.

As the last of our guests arrive and are seated, Shaun and I take our place up front. I glance to where Mom and Dad are sitting and catch his eye. When they first met Emilee, he pulled me aside to congratulate me, and then he invited me on a fishing trip. I thought the request odd since it had been years since we last fished, but I accepted the invite, looking forward to spending quality time with him.

The day we went, the sun shone, the sky was cloudless, and the fish were biting. But we didn’t catch a single thing. In fact, our rods were never even cast. Instead, we talked. We talked out in that canoe for hours, gently rocking on the water. We talked about everything—work, life, family, partners. He told me how he and Mom missed me—the old me—and how happy they were to see me again. He told me how pleased they were that I finally found somebody to share my life with, somebody who would never stifle the man I was at heart.

In all my years with Audrey, they never said an unkind word against her. They remained polite, friendly even. But when I see them with Emilee, I notice the difference. Something I never clued into before. I see the genuine warmth in their eyes and hear it in their words, the overtures they make that they never once did with Audrey. They adore my future wife. And I can see pride in his expression now as he sits with his arm around Mom, whispering something in her ear that makes her blush and laugh quietly.

The crowd’s murmur falls to an expectant hush, and the gentle strumming of a guitar signals a shift in the atmosphere. I turn toward the aisle, my heart pounding against my ribs like it’s trying to escape.

Marika appears and slowly strolls down the aisle wearing a long, flowing light pink gown and carrying a single white orchid. She looks at me with a wide smile before her gaze cuts to her husband next to me.

I reset my focus on the other end of the aisle to where my bride awaits, and my heart stutters at the vision before me.

Emilee steps onto the white sand, her gown flowing around her like liquid moonlight. The sleeveless dress hugs her figure gracefully, its delicate crystal detailing shimmering subtly with every move. Her hair is styled elegantly, a few loose tendrils framing her face, being caught by the breeze, as always, and her green eyes are alight with happiness and love.

The guests rise as one, their movements synchronized by tradition, but all I can do is stand there, transfixed, feeling like the luckiest man alive. Each step she takes toward me is a promise, a shared future unfolding with every footfall in the sand.

“Wow.”The word escapes my lips involuntarily as she reaches me, her bright smile reflecting my own. “You looksobeautiful.”A surge of emotion threatens to overwhelm me.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,”she whispers.

Shaun stands at my side, his presence a solid reassurance, while Marika takes her position next to Emilee. Family and friends retake their seats, their glowing faces a tapestry of affection and support.

My gaze locks with Emilee’s, seeing mirrored in her eyes the same certainty that fills me.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have gathered here today to witness the union of two hearts,”says the pastor, his words carrying over the sound of the waves.

When it’s my turn to speak, my voice is steady even though my hands tremble slightly as I take hers in mine. “From the moment we met, you’ve captivated me with your strength, your integrity, and the warmth of your heart.”

“Max,”she replies when it’s her turn, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, “I never knew love could feel like this—so profound, so unwavering. You’ve shown me trust, respect, and a passion that ignites my very soul.”

As though perfectly timed, the sun begins its descent toward the horizon, casting a stunning golden glow over the beach as we complete our vows, exchanging promises of love and commitment that feel unbreakable.

“I promise to stand by you through all the twists and turns of life,”I say.

“And I promise to support you in all your endeavors, to be your partner in joy and in sorrow,”Emilee responds.

As I slide the ring onto Emilee’s finger, I can feel the slight tremor in her hand, and I squeeze gently, reassuring her. Our eyes lock, and in that moment, there’s no one else in my universe but her.

The pastor smiles warmly at us. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

With a surge of happiness that threatens to overwhelm me, I lean in and press my lips against hers. The world seems to pause as we share our first kiss as husband and wife, sealing our union with a tenderness that speaks volumes.

When we break apart, laughter and applause pervade the air, mingling with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and a burst of vibrant music from the band, infusing the air with infectious rhythm and joy.

“Congratulations.”Shaun claps me on the back.

Marika steps forward, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “You two are perfect for each other.”She envelopes us in a hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

Emilee gazes up at me, and I can just drown in the sea of love I see in her eyes. “I can’t believe we’re finally here,”she says softly, her voice carrying a sense of wonder.

My heart overflows with emotion. “I know, it feels like a dream.”

“I have to say,”my father says, raising his glass in a toast during dinner, “this is one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever attended.”

I look around the table at all our friends and family gathered, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have every one of them in my life. We clink our glasses together, the sound ringing out into the darkness.

As we hold one another under the starlit sky, Emilee whispers in my ear, “I love you so much, Max. I can’t even imagine the rest of my life without you in it.”

The evening stretches out before us, a celebration that will forever be etched into my memories. As we dance under the stars, surrounded by those we hold dear, I know that this moment and all the great memories we’ll make on Summer Island will be ones we treasure for the rest of our lives.

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