Forty-two
Lily
My eyes trace every delicate detail of the vintage-inspired, light purple dress. Its intricate botanical motif flows seamlessly into a Regency-core corset bodice and then cascades into a romantic tulle skirt. I turn slowly, admiring how it catches the light.
Sam finished doing my makeup, keeping it light and natural, enhancing my features without overshadowing the dress. My favorite little stud earrings are already in.
“Knock, knock,” Mom’s voice travels through the wood door.
I glance up, catching her reflection in the mirror standing in the doorway. She looks lovely in her flowy, flower-patterned purple dress, paired with simple white sandals.
Her hands fly to her mouth. “Oh, Lily,” she breathes. “You look so beautiful, my darling girl.”
I offer her a soft, heartfelt smile. “Thank you, Mom.”
Mom steps fully into the room, followed by Sam, Ebony, and Erica.
Maddy follows behind, her own glittery tulle fit-and-flare dress shimmering with every step. She looks absolutely radiant.
“Oh, honey,” I coo. She stands before me, her own eyes welling up. “You look gorgeous, sweet pea.” I flatten a stray wisp of her hair that’s fallen from the half-up style.
“You look like an angel, Mom,” Maddy whispers.
“Oh, Lily. You make the most beautiful bride,” Erica chimes in, her voice warm as she discreetly wipes a tear from her cheek.
“Thank you, Erica.”
Ebony steps toward me, her eyes already shimmering. She grabs my hands in hers, her voice thick with emotion. “Lily, oh my God, you look stunning.”
“Thanks, Eb,” I say, giving her a quick once-over. “You look amazing, too.”
She’s wearing a sleek, sleeveless V-neck that fits her perfectly, and her braids are swept up into an elegant updo.
“Mom?” Maddie asks.
I look over at her.
“Ollie is getting anxious,” she reports.
That makes all of us laugh.
“Are you ready to get married again, Lily?” Erica asks.
I look back up at her and without hesitation I say, “Yes. I’m more than ready. I’m so ready.”
“Wait, Mom.” Maddy suddenly stops me, a confused wrinkle between her brows. “What about your shoes?” She glances down at my bare feet, then back up to my face.
“I’m not going to wear any,” I reply.
She slants her head. “You’re not?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I love the feel of the sand against my skin.”
That feeling always brings me back to the moments I shared with Ethan. It kept me grounded through so many moments we spent apart. I thought it would be perfect to go without shoes today.
“Besides,” I add with a wink, “I already wore shoes in the first round. This time, our marriage is starting anew. A fresh new beginning.”
“Then so be it,” Mom says. “Neither will we.” She removes her own sandals and tosses them to the side of the room. One by one, Sam, Ebony, Maddy, and Erica follow suit, their bare feet joining mine, and my smile widens.
“Now,” Mom says, holding out my beautiful bouquet of roses and lilies. “Now we’re ready.”
We walk out to where my father, bathed in the soft sunlight, waits for me. Emotion swirls in his eyes as he takes me in, full of paternal love and pride. “Oh, Lily. My baby girl,” he chokes out.
“Don’t make me cry, Dad,” I half-laugh and half-cry, my own eyes welling up with happy tears.
I loop my arm through his, his presence giving me strength and comfort. The double doors open wide, revealing a runner. We slowly begin our journey down to the beach.
Ollie looks adorable in his tux, holding the satin pillow with our rings. “Mama!” he exclaims, his eyes wide. “So pretty, like a princess.”
“Thank you, my handsome little guy,” I whisper, leaning down slightly.
He pecks my lips with his own, a quick, sweet kiss, and turns back toward the path. He walks with purpose for a few steps, then, overcome with excitement, starts to skip.
“Mama is coming!” he calls out, making the crowd laugh with delight at his cuteness.
And then, as if time itself slows, Ethan comes into view.
My heart doesn’t just skip a beat; it soars.
He looks so incredibly handsome, so sexy, in his white linen button-up shirt, a few buttons open, just enough to show off his tan chest. The light purple rose pinned to his shirt matches my bouquet perfectly, and his toned legs look fantastic in his white shorts and matching sandals.
And when our eyes finally meet, the shadows that had lingered in the corners from our past vanish. Instead, in their place is a love that never died, a trust rebuilt, and a faith that our love is now stronger than ever before.
We are Ethan and Lily once again, and this time, it feels like forever.