Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
THREE MONTHS LATER
Raelyn
The day I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl is here. My wedding day.
Holt insisted we get married as soon as possible, but I persuaded him to give me three months to plan and prepare.
Standing on the balcony, I look out over the crystal blue ocean, as the warm breeze blows through my hair. My heart is content and full as I reflect back onto my life since Holt Hayes came crashing into it.
We decided to have a simple beach wedding, with our family and close friends, in the place where we confessed our love for each other; the beach house in Hawaii.
I wouldn’t have wanted it anywhere else. This place is so special to us for so many reasons.
The sun lowering in the afternoon sky tells me it’s almost time for the ceremony. I hear the door open and turn to face Holt’s mom.
“Oh, Raelyn, you’re breathtaking,” she gushes. “I prayed my boy would find a love like y’all’s. I want to think his dad, my angel above, placed you in his path.”
I see the emotion in her eyes as she talks about her late husband. My heart squeezes. “I wish I could have met him.”
“He would have adored you. I know he’s smiling down today,” she says, smiling as she places a box in my hand. “I have a gift for you.” She leans in, placing a kiss to my cheek, and then walks away.
I open the box to find a beautiful bracelet. A single pearl sits on a delicate gold chain, a note underneath.
I smile, already recognizing the handwriting. I will never get tired of Holt’s notes. They are timeless pieces I will cherish forever.
Something old. Years ago on a family beach trip here, Dad came across some oysters while snorkeling. We each collected one, all of which had pearls. He made a piece of jewelry for Mom with the pearl in his. I, however, held onto mine, not knowing what to do with it. Until now. This pearl is very special to me, and I couldn’t imagine it being anywhere else than on your wrist. A piece of history from our special place. I can’t wait until you are Mrs. Hayes.”
-Holt
My heart swells at the significance of this pearl.
As I place the bracelet on my wrist, the door opens again. This time it’s my mother.
“You look absolutely beautiful, my girl. Being in love looks good on you.” She smiles proudly. “I came to deliver another gift. I have to say, that future husband of yours is very thoughtful.”
She places the box in my hand, a kiss to my cheek, and then walks away.
I open the box to find a pair of my mother’s diamond earrings that I have always adored.
Something borrowed. Your mom told me you have always treasured these earrings your dad bought her for their wedding day. We both wanted you to have a piece of their love from their special day to share on ours.
-Holt
I smile, trying to keep the emotions at bay, as I put on the earrings.
A soft knock on the door reveals Luke.
“You make a stunning bride. I have a gift.” He smiles.
A soft smile touches my lips as he places a small box in my hand and then walks away.
Opening the box, I see a blue silk ribbon with a charm. Picking it up to examine it, my heart catches. The charm holds a picture of Jace.
Something blue. A perfect piece to wrap around the stem of your bouquet. I owe Jace everything for saving you, so it only seems fitting to remember him on such a significant day in our lives.
-Holt
Tears fill my eyes, as I wrap the ribbon around my bouquet.
Rylie comes through the door next. “No crying on your wedding day. Simon will kill you if you mess up your makeup,” she says, smiling.
I blot away the tears and smile, giving her a big hug.
She hands me a box. “Your final gift.”
I open it to find a stunning diamond necklace. Simple, yet beautiful.
Something new. I saw this the other day and couldn’t walk past it. It looked like you. This piece was named “forever love”. You, Raelyn Victoria Grace, are my forever love. I can’t wait to build this life with you.
-Holt
“Damn that man,” I say, fanning my eyes.
Rylie laughs, as she hands me a tissue. She places the necklace around my neck, securing it.
“I’m so happy for you, sis. Now let’s go get you married.”
Walking out onto the deck, I see Dad standing with his back to us.
He turns, hearing our steps, and smiles. “I can’t believe one of my girls is getting married. You look beautiful, sweetheart,” he says, his voice thick with emotion.
I kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“It seems like just yesterday you were riding the tractor with me as a little girl. It doesn’t seem like it should be time for your wedding yet.”
I link our arms together. “I’ll always be your little girl.”
He nods as he wipes away a tear. “I’m proud of you, baby girl, and I believe that boy’s a good one. Now let’s get you down there before he comes looking for you. Lord knows he will if you make him wait any longer.”
I laugh, holding onto his arm.
Soft music starts to fill the air and Simon turns to us, signaling we’re up. As we walk down the steps to the beach, my eyes find Holt. I take him in. He looks so handsome in his khaki tailored suit. His lips turn up in his signature breathtaking smile.
My heart gushes with love for this man. I’m one lucky woman.
The preacher starts welcoming the guests and begins the ceremony.
Holt steps forward to meet my dad, shaking his hand and then taking mine.
We stand hand in hand before our family and closest friends, witnesses to the beginning of our forever.
The preacher smiles at us. “We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together Holt and Raelyn in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted by God. Therefore, it is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this holy estate, these two persons present come now to be joined.”
The preacher continues through the ceremony, but I can’t concentrate on anything except my future husband.
After we exchange rings, I take Holt’s hand in mine as I begin my vows. “Holt Hayes, you are a force to reckoned with.”
His smile deepens as I hear laughter in the crowd. “I sure am glad I decided to gamble on a wildcard. I have never been more certain of a decision than I am now, wanting to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t remember a time when I’ve smiled more, or my heart has felt this full. I thank God every day for crossing our paths in life. Thank you for loving me the way you do.”
Holt watches me for a moment, love shining in his eyes. He then pulls a piece of paper from his pocket.
“Raelyn, I didn’t think I would ever find love until you walked into my life. You have this light to you that drew me in. I felt what it was like to not have that light; I was lost in the darkness. I can’t imagine a life without you. You are my person and my home. I promise to cherish and love you for the rest of our lives. You have my heart, forever and always. I love you.”
A tear falls down my cheek as I lunge at Holt, wrapping my arms around him and passionately kissing him. Everything and everyone around us is forgotten as we’re lost in the moment.
The preacher chuckles. “Well, I guess I don’t have to tell you to kiss the bride, now.
I break the kiss, smiling up at my new husband.
The preacher continues. “Holt and Raelyn, having witnessed your marriage vows in the eyes of God and before all who are assembled here, by the authority invested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Now I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Holt Hayes.”
Holt holds up our linked hands, as I laugh. My heart is overflowing with love as cheers and whistles ring out from our loved ones.
I pull his lips to mine. “I love you, Holt Hayes.”
“I love you, Raelyn Hayes. My pretty little poison.”
The end!