Epilogue
I’m living the dream. The one I’ve had since I was thirteen. Nothing in my teenaged imagination could have prepared me for the incredible experiences that real life had in store.
I stare out the window of our Upper West Side apartment for the billionth time, admiring the Manhattan skyline. The sidewalks below are a flurry of activity as pedestrians dart around like moving dots, all with their own individual destinations.
Together, amidst this wonderful chaos, Daniel and I have created a haven here — filled with laughter, unwavering trust, and appreciation of small, ordinary moments.
Manhattan may be where I live now, but my home - the place where my heart and love reside - is with Daniel.
As the day transitions into the evening, the city changes into a twinkling sea of lights, like Christmas every night. The sun slowly sinks down, painting the sky in vibrant pinks and oranges before it disappears to the opposite side of the world. In its absence, the familiar face of my old friend, the moon, graces the night with its comforting smile.
“I knew I’d find you here,” Daniel mutters in my ear as he wraps his arms around me.
His touch ignites a flurry of butterflies in my belly, and my heart skips a beat in response. I know that feeling will never change. “I can’t help myself. This view is everything.”
“Are you using me for the view?”
“I’m using you for the sex.”
“I can live with that.” With a playful kiss on my cheek, he shifts his attention to the sky. “Manchego.”
“Really? I was thinking Emmental.”
“Nah, the craters are too small.”
With a smirk, I concede, “Alright, I’ll defer to your expertise on this one. Manchego, it is. You are, after all, fluent in cheesy.”
With a chuckle, he draws me nearer, his arm casually wrapping around my shoulders. “It’s a talent I’ve acquired over the years,” he teases.
“You have many, many talents, Mr. Edwards.”
“Convincing you to say ‘yes’ is by far my greatest.”
“Speaking of saying yes… we have to finish packing,” I remind him. “Car service will be here at a disgusting five a.m. for the airport.”
“Pepto, gas meds, electrolyte powder, ibuprofen,” I say aloud as I go through my medicine bag checklist. “Am I forgetting anything?”
“Unless you want your legs covered with a towel again, make sure you pack enough sunscreen.”
I stop mid-pack and smile. “Are you finally coming clean and admitting that you’re my towel fairy?”
“Could have been Walter,” he says with a one shoulder shrug.
Liar.
“I don’t know why we’re packing any medicine at all. My mother will probably have a doomsday suitcase packed in case of any emergency she comes up with.”
He chuckles. “That’s a safe bet.”
Buzz. My cellphone sounds.
I take a quick peek at my phone lying on our bed and roll my eyes. “Speaking of…”
“If you ignore her, she’ll keep texting,” Daniel says.
“You want to answer it?” I plead.
“Not for a million bucks,” he answers. “Why is she texting you and not calling?”
My eyes briefly dart to the floor, trying to conceal my growing amusement, before quickly returning to meet his gaze. “I told her I already paused my domestic cell service while we’re away. She thinks she can only text. My dad knows he can call.”
“Why?”
“Because I’d be stuck on the phone all day with the nonsense swirling in her brain the day before we leave.”
He laughs. “That was brilliant.”
My phone buzzes again.
“Want to answer it now?” I ask, fluttering my lashes.
“Still no.”
I stick my tongue out at him and huff. “Fine.” I grab the phone and swipe it and her messages awake.
Mom
Are you ready for the big day?
Mom
I packed duct tape, so you don’t have to.
Why would I pack duct tape? Why would anyone?
Mom
You never know if you might need it.
For what? To kidnap someone?
The woman is nuts.
Mom
You don’t know until you do. Did you take your probiotics this week?
No.
Yes.
Mom
Good. Your stomach is prepared for anything.
Daniel is calling me. I have to go.
Daniel reads my message over my shoulder and chuckles. “She doesn’t care.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re her favorite.”
Daniel and my mother have developed a special bond. He finds her charming and entertaining. She thinks the sun shines out of his ass.
Mom
Better see what he needs.
“Told you,” I say with a chuckle.
My mother’s favorite things in order of importance are: Daniel. Probiotics. A colonoscopy. High-fiber foods. Then me and my father.
Mom
We’ll see you in sunny Mexico tomorrow.
Safe travels.
I close my messages and turn back to Daniel. “Are you sure you want to marry me? There’s no escaping her. This will be the rest of your life.”
He snakes his arm around my waist, pulls me to him, and kisses me. “Absolutely.”
“First class? You upgraded our tickets?” My eyes widen with astonishment as I gaze at the image of my boarding pass on my cellphone. “You didn’t have to do this.”
But holy hell, I’m thrilled he did.
“It’s our wedding.” Daniel shrugs. “You deserve the best.”
“I already have the best,” I say honestly as we make the short journey to row four.
“You mispronounced…” he shakes his head and smirks. “Nah, you got it right. I am the best.”
“And so humble,” I add with an eye roll.
My heart races as we settle into our roomy leather seats. I watch other passengers bump into the sides of chairs and protruding elbows as they make their way to the economy section.
Daniel takes hold of my hand and squeezes it. I gaze down at our interlocked fingers and smile. This metal tube that soars through the sky is where our story began. Maybe with a little turbulence in the beginning, but it’s the prologue to where strangers became friends. Then friends turned into lovers.
And we became each other’s happily ever after.
The engines roar to life, vibrating through the floor beneath us as the plane leaves the gate.
“Ready to make it legal, Contessa?”
“I’m so ready.”
As soon as I step foot in the resort, I feel the stress melting away. I gaze up at the ceiling, captivated by the intricate, dark forged iron chandeliers that hang in the open-air lobby. As I turn my head from side to side, my eyes catch the sight of the lush, vibrant plants housed in Talavera pots. The welcoming aroma of the lobby instantly transports me back to my first time here.
There’s a deep sense of peace settling within me. Yes. We’re exactly where we should be.
Despite our friends and family finding it strange that we’d choose the place where I was supposed to marry someone else, it holds a special significance for us. My Crummymoon ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. Here is where Daniel and my story began, where memories were created that belong to us alone.
Our first dance. Our first kiss. Our first time.
This resort is where we both found closure. And the possibility of discovering love again.
This isn’t a place to forget memories, it’s where they began.
It’s our place.
As we approach an open desk for check-in, I spot a familiar face and grin.
“Se?orita Harper,” Jorge greets me warmly, extending his hand and motioning for me to take a seat in one of the chairs across from his polished mahogany desk. “It’s good to see you again.”
“You remember me?” I ask, as I take a quick sip of my welcome champagne cocktail.
“Of course,” he says, like he’s talking to an old friend. He turns to Daniel. “Buenos días, se?or Edwards. Please have a seat.”
“Jorge, your memory is impressive,” Daniel comments as he settles into the chair.
“I always remember our best guests,” Jorge tells us, his voice warm.
“I bet you say that to all your guests,” I say, a playful tone in my voice.
“Sí,” he says with a grin. “They’re all the best.”
I take in a deep breath, the familiar scent filling the air. “It still smells wonderful here,” I remark.
“Love is always in the air at El Corazón del Sol,” Jorge says.
Daniel and I exchange glances, a shared smile passing between us. “Yes,” Daniel says, his hand reaching for mine and intertwining our fingers. “It is.”
“There’s a note on your reservation that you requested room three twenty-two.”
“I know you can’t guarantee it, but I was hoping. It was my room last time,” I explain.
He taps the bell on his desk, summoning the bellhop. “Habitación tres veintidós,” he tells him.
“Yay!” I clap my hands and bounce in my seat, excitement evident in my voice. “Thank you.”
“Your mother made a call the other day,” Jorge says cautiously. The poor man. Being on Louise Harper’s radar is not for the faint of heart. “She is very…” he pauses. Searching for the right word, his gaze shifting towards the ceiling.
“Crazy? Nuts? Loca en la cabeza?” I suggest.
“Persistent,” Jorge finishes his thought with his customary display of professionalism.
“That she is,” Daniel says with a smile, his voice filled with genuine affection.
“Well, thank you for accommodating us. And her. It means a lot,” I say sincerely.
“De nada,” Jorge says, his voice reassuring. “Your wedding planner will get in touch with you this afternoon.”
“Okay, great. Thank you,” I reply, a sense of relief washing over me.
Angel, my wedding planner, has truly lived up to her name. She’s a godsend. With her calm demeanor and organizational skills, she’s a natural at calming nervous brides. And their mothers.
Jorge stands from his desk and hands the bellhop our keycards. Then redirects his attention back to us. “Que tengan una hermosa vida juntos.”
“Gracias,” Daniel answers, as we both rise from our chairs.
“What did he say?” I ask.
“He said I’m a catch,” Daniel replies with a hint of mischief.
Shooting Daniel a skeptical look, I raise an eyebrow. “He did not.”
He tilts his head from side to side, a mischievous smirk on his face. “It may have been implied.”
“Jorge, what did you really say?”
Jorge chuckles in amusement. “May you have a beautiful life together.”
Daniel walks behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and planting a gentle kiss on my cheek. “That’s the plan.”
“Thank you,” I tell Jorge. “That was very sweet.”
He smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and gives a quick nod to the bellhop, who loads our suitcases and my garment bag carrying my wedding dress onto the rolling luggage cart, the wheels gliding smoothly over the polished floor.
“Ready?” Daniel asks me eagerly.
“So ready,” I tell him, my voice brimming with excitement, before turning back to Jorge. “Well, thanks again for everything.”
“My pleasure,” Jorge says.
“I guess we’ll see you around,” I tell him, as Daniel and I follow the bellhop and make our way to our room.
“Oh, se?or y se?orita?” Jorge calls out.
We come to a stop and pivot our gaze towards him, our eyes meeting his.
“Yes?” I answer.
A kind smile graces his face, his eyes shining with sincerity. “Welcome home.”
“How does it feel being back at the scene of the crime?” Daniel jokes, his fingers deftly buttoning his shirt as he gazes at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
“I thought it might feel weird, but it’s perfect,” I admit as I apply mascara to my lashes.
After visiting the local clinic for the medical tests required to make our wedding legal and making sure our paperwork was in order, we spent most of the day meticulously going over the final arrangements with our wedding planner, ensuring that every little detail was perfectly in place for our ceremony in just four days.
Late in the afternoon was the calm before the storm. We deliberately kept a low profile, savoring these moments of solitude before days of family togetherness overwhelm us. But they’re here now and the festivities are about to begin.
“I know this is going to sound crazy, but when we were walking back from the beach before, I could have sworn I saw…” Daniel’s words trail off, as I interrupt him with a sudden outburst.
“Oh my God.” With a tight grip, I grab Daniel’s arm, my fingers digging into his skin. “I thought I saw him, too. He’s still rocking the bullseye of horrors,” I exclaim, with a mix of disbelief and amusement.
“If that really was Walter, I’m inviting him to the ceremony,” Daniel says with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I nod, unable to contain my laughter. “Deal.”
As I catch his eyes in the mirror’s reflection, a sense of warmth envelopes the room. His demeanor changes and his smile transforms, becoming tender and sincere, sending a surge of electricity straight to my heart.
“What are you smiling at?” I ask.
“You,” his voice filled with adoration.
“What about me?”
“You’re so beautiful. And when you laugh…” he pauses, shaking his head in awe. “I love you, Tess.”
A blush rises to my cheeks, its warmth spreading like a flame. “I love you too,” I tell him, a soft tremor in my voice. “So much.”
He turns towards me, his arms encircling my waist, and his lips meet mine in a gentle, tender kiss. The world fades into insignificance. I feel his love. Straight to my soul, I feel it.
Sometimes he surprises me with these declarations. He always wants me to know I’m loved. To feel it all the time. And I do. I never doubt him. Daniel may have an occasional sharp tongue, but when it comes to me… his heart is soft.
“We have to leave,” I whisper against his lips. “Our families will be waiting for us.”
He pulls me into another kiss, deeper and more sensual than before, making me melt into his embrace.
Hey, Houston… remember that problem? Still happening.
“I think we might run a little late,” he murmurs against my neck, his lips leaving a trail of delicate kisses along my skin.
A soft moan escapes my lips as I try to resist his advances. “Daniel, we can’t.”
“Do you want me to stop?” he murmurs. His teeth gently nibble on my earlobe, while his hand cups my breast through my top, his thumb grazing my hardened nipple.
“Only if you want to die.” I inhale a deep breath and… Why does he have to smell so good?
Okay, I’m not trying too hard to resist. Or at all, actually.
He chuckles as he nibbles on my lobe again. “Are you wet for me, Tess?”
Damn him. This man can go from obnoxious to loving to downright filthy in an instant. He knows exactly how his touch affects me. Yeah, I’m wet. Everything below my waist is begging to skip the dinner obligations.
“What are we going to tell everyone when we’re late to our own dinner party?” I breathe out, trying to regain some semblance of control.
“Tell them,” he mutters darkly, slowly sliding a strap of my top down my arm, “I wanted to fuck my wife.”
Technically, we’re not married yet, but Daniel has recently discovered two things about my libido. Calling me his wife is the ultimate love bomb. I get hearts-in-my-eyes loved-up weak.
And curse words will get me naked faster than my clothes bursting into flames.
“Okay,” I concede, pressing my lips to his, our tongues entwining in a passionate dance. “But you’ll have to be the one to explain why we’re late.”
“Why are you late?” my mother asks, her brows creased with worry. “I texted you. You didn’t answer. I was about to go knocking on your door.”
That would have been mortifying.
“Sorry. That’s my fault,” Daniel apologizes, as he gives her a quick hello kiss on the cheek. “I had the restaurants mixed up and thought we were meeting at the French one.”
“That’s alright, dear. We all make mistakes,” she says, her voice soothing and understanding. “The French restaurant is tomorrow night’s dinner.”
My eyes widen and my mouth hangs open in disbelief. This is so typical.
If I said I got the restaurants mixed up, I’d get a scolding lecture about the importance of being organized and having emergency physical copies of our itinerary always on hand.
Then she’d give me another sermon on making my poor father wait for his dinner—even though he’s already digging into his chicken mole appetizer because my father’s appetite waits for no one.
But since Daniel took the blame… when the sun shines out your ass, the only thing coming up are compliments.
“I’ll remember that,” he says, his voice filled with fake remorse, shooting a playfully sexy glance my way.
“Why didn’t you answer my texts?” she asks with an undertone of accusation in her voice.
I pull out my phone and swipe it awake—the screen illuminating with a soft glow. “I don’t have any messages,” I lie, my heart pounding in my chest as I look at the four waiting messages on my screen. “The Wi-Fi is super spotty here.”
“Sweetheart, you look flushed. Did you get too much sun today?” Daniel’s mom, Carol, asks, her voice filled with genuine concern.
If by too much sun she’s referring to her son…
I got p-l-e-n-t-y.
“I’m fine. Thanks,” I say, trying to shut down this conversation as quickly as I can.
We make our way around the table, greeting each family member. Along with my mom and dad, there’s Daniel’s two sets of parents, his older sister, Sarah, and her husband, Bill.
Before booking this resort for our wedding, we double-checked with Sarah to make sure she’d be okay with the no children policy, since this is an adults-only resort. She laughed and laughed… noting she loves her kids, but they’re too young to remember the trip and the thought of a few days alone with her husband in sunny Mexico sounded perfect.
As we sit down at the table, the pitcher of margaritas in the center catches my eye. I grab the pitcher and pour myself a glass. I quickly take a sip, the tart lime and the smooth kick of tequila easing the rough start to the evening.
Sarah leans into the table. “Hey, Blue Eyes,” she whispers to Daniel, her voice barely audible over the other chatter in the restaurant.
“What’s up, Skies?” he asks, taking a sip of beer from his pilsner.
Blue Eyes and Blue Skies. Their childhood nicknames.
“Your buttons are off by one.” Discreetly, she points to his chest and raises a sly brow.
He glances down at his shirt and chuckles. I’m glad one of us finds this funny. We got re-dressed so quickly, he misbuttoned his shirt. Without drawing attention to himself, he stealthily fixes his shirt.
“French restaurant, my ass,” Sarah teases, her words dripping with sarcasm. “Can’t the two of you wait for the honeymoon?”
My face reddens. You could probably cook an enchilada off the heat it’s radiating. There’s no question Daniel and Sarah are related. Blue eyes and blue skies share identical snarky personalities.
I sneak a glance at the table to make sure no one overheard, but luckily, most of the older generation are busy reminiscing about the good old days. And my mother is busy questioning our server about whether they filter the water they wash the vegetables in… and when the last time the filter was changed.
“What can I say?” Daniel says with a mischievous grin, his words accompanied by a playful glint in his eyes. “She can’t keep her hands off me. I’m irresistible.”
“You mispronounced impossible,” I correct, with a playful grin of my own. “Irritating would be an acceptable substitution.”
“I knew I liked you, Tess,” Sarah says to me with a laugh.
Opening my sleepy eyes, I turn to my side to find Daniel, nestled comfortably under the blanket, gazing back at me. The soft morning light filters through a small gap in the curtains, casting a gentle ray of sunlight on his face.
“Hi,” he greets me with a smile, his finger tenderly brushing away a stray strand of hair from my face.
“Hi,” I reply, my hand instinctively reaching out to hold his in place.
“Ready to get married?” he asks.
“Oh, is that today?” I tease, a mischievous twinkle in my eyes.
“I’ll double-check your mother’s itinerary. She sent me five copies in case I lost one, but I’m pretty sure today’s the day,” he jokes.
“I can’t believe we’re finally here. And we managed to survive these past few days with our families without losing our sanity.”
“The near brawl your mother set off yesterday when she removed the towels from an entire row of saved loungers was one for the record books,” Daniel reminisces fondly.
“Don’t act so innocent. You egged her on.”
“They were unattended for two hours. I hate that shit.”
“I thought they were going to deport all of us when she pulled the duct tape out of her beach bag and threatened to tape that loud guy’s mouth shut,” I recall with a chuckle.
Daniel’s laughter fills the air, and I can’t help but join in.
“Are you absolutely sure you want this craziness for the rest of your life?” I ask.
He pulls me closer, enveloping me in his warm embrace, his arm encircling me. “I do.”
“Oh sweetheart, you look absolutely beautiful,” my mother gushes, her voice trembling with emotion as she dabs away her tears with a tissue.
I got dressed in my parents’ room. I’m not superstitious, but I wanted to experience that moment. The moment when Daniel first sees me in my wedding dress. I glance at myself in the full-length mirror and smile. My dress is a simple, flowy white lace gown. The delicate fabric cascades down to the floor, swaying gently with every movement. It’s perfect for twirling under the moonlight and sharing our first kiss as a married couple.
There’s a knock on the door that jolts me out of my matrimonial daydreams.
“Are you decent in there?” my father’s voice calls out.
“Yes, Dad. You can come in.”
The door slowly opens, and my father steps into the room, his eyes welling up with tears as he takes in the sight before him. His face softens with a tender smile.
I tilt my head and smile back. “Dad? Are you okay?”
“Oh, sweetheart. You look so happy,” he says, with a crack in his voice.
“I am.”
My parents witnessed me falling apart during the darkest times of my life. Their unwavering love helped me through the ugly parts. And now they get to see the full circle of my journey… the part that’s filled with beauty and hope for the future.
My father walks towards me, his eyes brimming with love, and gently kisses my cheek. “Daniel’s a lucky man,” he whispers.
“I know. I remind him every day,” I reply, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.
“You’re lucky too. Daniel is a good man,” my mother chimes in…because his sunshine is still shooting.
“He is,” I say with humor. “He’ll be the first to tell you that, too.”
“Where’s your veil?” my mother asks, her eyes scanning the bed for it.
“I didn’t bring it,” I say, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. I know she’s going to freak out that I’m not doing the whole bride get-up thing, but I have my reasons for forgoing it.
“Why not?” Her eyebrows furrow in confusion.
“I don’t want anything blurring my view,” my voice goes quiet. Quickly, I glance at the floor before looking back at them. “I want to see Daniel at the end of the aisle. You know? I just need to see him there.”
As my parents lock eyes, a wordless understanding passes between them, resulting in a simultaneous smile.
“Okay,” my mom says. “That’s a great reason.”
Well, that was way easier than I expected.
“Ready to get hitched?” my dad asks, his voice filled with excitement.
“Absolutely.”
“Bride and Dad. Are you ready?” Angel asks, her fingers smoothing out the wrinkles on the back of my dress.
I look to the end of the aisle and spot Daniel placating my mother, who’s adjusting his boutonniere. “Can you get the crazy lady off my fiancé first?”
“She means well, sweetheart,” my dad says with a look of exasperation.
“I know,” I chuckle. “Oh, forget it. Daniel handled it. She’s sitting now. I’m ready.”
Daniel adjusts his position, aligning himself next to our officiant, Carlos. His gaze turns outward, and he catches sight of me.
When our eyes meet, his smile lights up his entire face, radiating warmth and happiness, and I can’t help but mirror his joy with my own beaming grin.
In his beige linen pants and white button-down shirt, he looks incredibly handsome. I have no doubts about the man waiting for me under the driftwood arch. He was a thousand percent right—He’s my happy ending.
And my happier beginning.
“Ready?” my dad asks, his eyes filled with emotion.
“I’m so ready,” I answer. The sun casts a warm golden glow on the sandy path as we make our way towards Daniel. I pass our family members, their radiant smiles and teary eyes reflecting the love in the air.
My father and I reach the end of the aisle and pause as my wedding march, the sound of the ocean waves caressing the shore, fills the air. He leans in to give me a kiss on the cheek. “I love you, sweetheart,” he says with a raspy voice.
“I love you too, Dad,” I say, my voice quivering with emotion, as tears well up in my eyes.
Walking towards us, Daniel extends his hand and shakes my father’s.
“You take it from here,” my dad tells Daniel, giving him a reassuring squeeze of the hand before joining my mother in the front row, where her tearful sobs fill the air.
“Thank you, Joe.” Daniel gently touches the small of my back, leans close to my ear, and whispers, “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“So do you,” I whisper back. It’s the truth. He pulls off the casual groom look flawlessly.
Together, Daniel and I step under the hibiscus-adorned arch, joining our officiant. I toss my simple bouquet of white roses to my mother. She sobs another sob.
Daniel’s family, their hands intertwined, beam with happiness. I’m grateful we kept our ceremony intimate with just the few of us. There’s a lot of love on this beach.
The sweet scent of fresh hibiscus flowers weaved on the driftwood arch mingles with the saltiness of the ocean. The gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the surrounding palm trees, adding a soothing melody. Everything is perfect.
Carlos, dressed in all white, exudes authority as he greets us with a nod and a warm expression. “You are a beautiful couple,” he says with a gorgeous Spanish accent.
“Thank you,” Daniel and I answer in unison.
He looks out at our family and speaks, “Buenas días. Welcome to the celebration of the joining of Tess and Daniel in matrimony on this beautiful sunny day in Mexico. Before we get to your vows, I’d like to impart to you some wisdom about marriage.”
His voice resonates with conviction as he continues, “Marriage is respecting each other’s individuality, and not losing sight of who you are. Your unique qualities attracted you to each other. It’s important to nurture them, even as you build a life together. Grow together while encouraging each other’s dreams and goals. By doing that, your bond will remain strong and the spark alive.
“In a true partnership, love and passion form the foundation, but equally important is the unwavering support and affection shared in both the highs and lows of life. It’s about knowing that the person you’ve committed to will never take your love for granted. Cherish and protect it as the precious gift it is.
“For a successful marriage to thrive, you’ll need a few things: the strength to weather storms, forgiveness without strings, patience when you think you ran out, and something I know you both possess… a great sense of humor.”
As he glances at us, a twinkle in his eyes, we share a chuckle.
“Treasure every moment, whether big or small. Each smile, each fit of laughter, and even every tear signifies the profound connection within your lifelong bond.
“We like to say that Love is always in the air at El Corazón del Sol, and if you embrace these principles, the love you found here will accompany you wherever life takes you.
“Tess and Daniel have written their own vows. They asked me to emphasize that this will be short and sweet, as they’re eager to get right to the food and party.”
“There’s a tray of chilaquiles waiting for her,” Daniel says aloud.
“I call first dibs,” I add with humor.
Laughter erupts from our family, their joy joining with ours. Daniel and I turn to face each other, our hands joined.
“Tess, you go ahead,” Carlos says, clearly amused by our outburst.
Drawing in a deep breath, I feel a sense of calm wash over me, the weight of the moment grounding me in its significance.
“Daniel, thank you for being my friend when I needed one the most. And for making me laugh, when I didn’t have much to laugh about.”
A smile graces my lips as I reflect on the journey that led us here.
“Thank you for helping me close one door so that I could open this one. Because this is a really great door.
“Since we never got around to those Spanish lessons you promised, I took it upon myself to surprise you by incorporating some of my vows in Spanish.”
“Really?” he says, lifting a curious brow.
With a smile on my face, I nod. “Here goes,” I say, my voice laced with affection as I squeeze his hand gently. “Daniel, you are el-wonderful-o, el-kind-o, and el- the love of my life-o.”
He shakes his head with a chuckle. “I’ll google those translations later.”
Returning his warm gaze, I continue, my voice trembling with emotion. “Oh, there’s one more term I’ve learned… Te amo.” A shaky breath escapes me as tears well up in my eyes, and I squeeze his hand tighter. “Te amo mucho.”
His smile grows, radiant and tender, as he gently wipes away the tears from my cheek with his thumb. “Te amo, Tess.”
“I promise to laugh at all of your jokes, even the ones that make me roll my eyes,” I say, raising an amused eyebrow. “And I’ll hold your hand when you’re quiet, rare as it may be. Thank you for giving me your love and showing me, every day, that I can trust that love. Thank you for choosing me as your partner in life. Oh, and one more thing. You were right about something…”
“I’ll remind you that you said that,” he says with humor.
I can’t help but chuckle. “You once said, when you find the right love,” I softly squeeze his hand, “the rewards are immeasurable. And it is. Your love is a gift. And my love for you is infinite. Forever, Daniel. Forever, I’m yours.”
The intensity of his gaze, brimming with love and adoration, threatens to unravel me completely.
“Daniel, it’s your turn,” Carlos says, redirecting his attention.
Daniel smiles warmly at me, holding my gaze, and gives my hand a gentle squeeze.
“Who would have thought that a plane ride to Mexico would lead me to my future? You didn’t like me much then…,” he says with humor.
“I didn’t like you at all,” I tease back.
He chuckles. “But without us knowing it, and maybe a little against our wills, fate’s plan was for us to find each other.
“You’re beautiful, Tess. Inside and out. The greatest joy I’ve ever known is loving you and being loved by you. Your smile is the best part of my day, and the sound of your laughter is the greatest gift in the world.
“You will never face this world alone. Whatever comes our way, I’m in. I’m in all the way,” he says softly, his voice filled with sincerity, “I want to spend the rest of my sunrises with you.”
A mischievous smile tugs at his lips. “Also, I will prioritize your gut health,” he says, his tone playful, “as per your mother’s request.”
A chuckle escapes as I catch my mother vigorously nodding.
“Sometimes,” he continues, “you stumble upon the perfect words that express exactly what you’re feeling better than you can say yourself.” He pauses, a smile forming on his lips. “So, to quote one of the great literary masterpieces of all time, Wicked Temptation…”
My smirk mirrors his, and we share a moment of amusement.
“I want you,” he murmurs, placing my hand over his heart, making me swoon, “to want this.”
Tears well up in my eyes as I gaze at him, overwhelmed by the memories of our beginning and our love today. “Always,” I reply softly.
“I love you, Tess,” he says, his words wrapping around us like a gentle embrace. “With a million expectations, I love you.”
My mother sobs once more, causing us to lock eyes and break out into laughter again.
“The rings, please,” Carlos asks, looking out at our family.
Daniel’s father rises from his seat and joins us. He gives Carlos our rings, then gives Daniel a few proud taps on his shoulder.
“Excellent job, dad,” Daniel jokes.
“You mispronounced exquisite,” his father answers with a quick wink as he rejoins his wife in his chair.
Yeah, it’s a family thing.
“Okay,” Carlos says with a chuckle. “Daniel, do you take Contessa to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?
“I do,” he says as he slips on my wedding band.
“Contessa, do you take Daniel to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”
“I do,” I say softly, as I slip on his ring.
“By promising before your family to love each other faithfully for the rest of your lives, and by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
With gentle hands, Daniel cups my face, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss. With another kiss, he dips me and flashes a contagious grin, then effortlessly lifts me up and joyfully twirls me around.
“Que su futuro esté lleno de amor y felicidad,” Carlos says with a beaming grin.
“What did he say?” I ask.
“He said you’re a catch.”
“He’s not wrong.”
Daniel laughs. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
My mother was right. The hard days passed.
And I got a new one. And each one got better.
Daniel once said to me, “Give me your heart, and I’ll give you mine.”
Without a backward glance, that’s just what we did.
And as long as we’re together…
Love will always be in the air.
Coco and Lily have their own tales of love from their Mexican adventures.