25. Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Five
Licia
Kevin proposed in the most magical way ever. Tears kept streaming down my face uncontrollably, falling freely like a rainstorm I couldn’t contain.
It felt like I was living in a dream, a fantasy spun from the deepest corners of my heart—but then I realized this was my reality. My heart swelled with gratitude that I hadn’t given up on love, hadn’t given up on Kevin.
Now, it was settled. I was getting married to my one true love. Was it worth the wait and the tears? The joy welling up inside me far outweighed any pain I had suffered before. Every trial, every moment of doubt had led me here, to this perfect moment.
Everyone was on deck for the wedding planning. Joey, Melony, Lorenzo, and even Avery, who almost declined the invitation because he didn’t want things to be awkward with Kevin. Their first encounter had been far from friendly.
But then came the grand planner, Lexie. You would think she was planning her wedding! She was on the phone every minute, ensuring nothing was missed—from the concept to every event leading up to the big day. Her enthusiasm was infectious, pulling everyone into the whirlwind of preparations.
I also asked Dr. Shepherd to walk me down the aisle. I knew it would be an honor to have him by my side, but I wasn’t sure if he would agree. To my surprise, not only did he agree, but he also insisted that I be relieved of all hospital duties until the wedding was over. I protested at first, but he simply waved his hand and said, “Consider it the father card, Licia.” And I couldn’t escape it any longer.
“Licia, you can't be late for the gown fitting,” Lexie chided, stomping into the room with a fierce determination in her step. “Jackson is waiting downstairs, and the designer has been blowing up my phone with incessant calls.”
“Exactly what I was just telling her,” Joey chimed in, her voice filled with mock exasperation. “At this rate, I have a feeling she might be late on her wedding day.”
“Dark,” Lexie sniggered, exchanging a conspiratorial glance with Joey.
“But she is never late for work,” Melony added with a playful grin.
“So true,” Joey agreed, and they both burst into a fit of laughter.
“Even you, Mel? I am so heartbroken right now,” I said, scrunching up my face in mock pain, though I could barely keep from smiling.
“You don't fool me. Not one bit, so quit the act and finish up,” Melony teased.
“Fine, I'm ready,” I announced, grabbing my purse from the dressing table and leading the way, my maids of honor trailing behind in a cacophony of chatter and giggles.
The fitting was quicker than I expected. We barely spent three hours at the bridal shop before heading out to pick up some items for the bachelorette party that was happening in two nights.
“Don't forget the lingerie we talked about earlier,” Melony reminded Joey as we browsed through the racks.
“The ones you showed me on your phone?” Joey asked for clarification.
“Yes, those.”
“Most certainly, I won't forget. I am sure Kevin would give anything to see Licia in them,” Joey said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
“And to think that I almost hated the dude for his unbearable attitude,” Melony giggled, shaking her head.
Joey grinned. “I heard about that.”
“Um, I’m standing right here, you know,” I interjected, waving my hand in front of them, but they ignored me.
Melony pretended to look around, “Joey, are you seeing another person with us?”
Joey played along, “I really can't. I thought we were alone.”
I sighed dramatically. “I am not going to give you two the satisfaction of wearing me out.”
“Speaking of wearing you out, Joey, how about we hire some male strippers to entertain our bride-to-be?” Melony suggested with a sly grin.
“You are joking, right?” I asked, horrified. I had envisioned a calm, stress-free bachelorette party.
“I am not. They’re a blast, trust me,” she insisted, her grin widening.
“Jo, please tell her I am not interested in such lechery,” I pleaded, feeling a mix of amusement and embarrassment.
“My dear, I’m not sure you have a say in this. If Melony says we’re getting them, then we are. I have no issue with that whatsoever,” Joey said, throwing me a cheeky smile.
I knew Joey was a bit wild, but Melony was proving to be twice as mischievous. Still, I loved how invested they were in making my bachelorette party memorable. However, I stood my ground… No strippers!
***
The Wedding Day !
Finally, the long-awaited day arrived, and it was perfect. It was my wedding day. The sun was smiling down on us, casting a warm, golden-yellow glow over the vast expanse of the ocean. The gentle waves lapped against the shore, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound that seemed to wash away any lingering nerves.
I had always dreamed of a beach wedding, and now it is happening. I felt like an island princess in my flowing white gown, adorned with pearls and a wreath of flowers on my head. I wanted everything to feel natural, connected to the elements that bore witness to our love.
As Dr. Shepherd walked me down the rose-petal-strewn aisle, a soft bridal melody playing in the background, I felt a rush of emotion. The nerves returned, but they were good nerves. He squeezed my hand, offering a reassuring smile. “Just relax and walk with me,” he whispered.
“I can’t believe it’s happening,” I whispered back, my voice barely audible over the music.
“Yes, it is. And we’re all here for you,” he replied, his eyes warm with affection.
Kevin was already waiting at the altar with the officiating priest, looking every bit like a model from a magazine cover. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he smiled at me. As I drew nearer, I saw a tear escape and roll down his cheek, which he quickly wiped away with a handkerchief.
“You look breathtaking, Licia,” he whispered, taking my hand from Dr. Shepherd’s, who gave me a quick nod before retreating to the front row to sit with Melony and Joey.
“Thank you,” I managed to say, my cheeks flushing with warmth. I could feel a fresh wave of emotions crashing over me, stronger than any I’d ever felt before.
The priest called for everyone’s attention and began the ceremony, but I wasn’t listening. My focus was entirely on Kevin. How was he so handsome? I felt like I was falling in love all over again.
Our gazes locked, and in that moment, no words were needed to express what we felt. It was as if time had stopped, and it was just the two of us, alone in the universe.
I wished the priest could skip ahead to the part where he declared us husband and wife. Wild thoughts swirled in my mind, and I had to bite my lip to keep them from spilling out.
When it was time for the vows, I had them memorized, but when I tried to speak, I was overcome with emotion. Tears flowed freely, and all I could manage was a choked, “I love you.”
Kevin’s vows were just as heartfelt, and when he finished, the priest continued, “With these words, you have declared your love and commitment to each other…”
I held my breath, waiting for the next part.
“With the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife,” the priest said with a warm smile. Then, turning to Kevin, he added, “You may now kiss the bride.”
Fireworks wouldn’t begin to describe the sensation. This wasn’t our first kiss, but it felt like the world had tilted on its axis. I was floating, weightless, in a space where gravity didn’t exist.
The cheers from our friends and family were deafening, each one adding to the exuberance that filled the air. Everyone who knew our story, who knew what the last thirteen years had been like, understood the joy we felt in this moment. I saw Lexie and Noah clapping enthusiastically, Kevin’s parents smiling in approval.
It couldn’t have been more perfect.
***
Kevin
The tent for the reception was filled with guests, especially staff from the hospital, all finely dressed and sharing in our joy. The grandiose setting seemed to flow with the energy of the moment. Waiters moved seamlessly through the throng of guests, trays balanced skillfully at their fingertips as they served drinks.
My heart was beating in sync with the cheerful music playing in the background. I still hadn’t come to grips with the fact that Licia was now mine. It felt surreal. Looking down, I realized I hadn’t let go of her hand since we took our seats. I was never going to let go. We had survived so much and come out stronger.
Dad stood up and asked for the microphone. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. May I have your attention, please?”
Everyone turned to him, eager for his announcement.
“I would like to propose a toast to this power couple.” He smiled at the tag. “We have seen them grow, fall apart, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes, becoming better at living and understanding each other. So, please, let's raise our glasses and toast to many more years of love and unity. They have proven once again that love can withstand even the fiercest storms. To the bride and groom!” he roared proudly.
“To the bride and groom,” the guests chorused in unison, raising their glasses.
“Mrs. Brown?” I whispered to Licia, just loud enough for her to hear.
She smiled broadly. “I love the sound of that. Say it one more time,” she requested.
“Mrs. Licia Brown… you are perfect, and I’m so glad that you’re mine.”
“I am just as glad. I had my doubts, but believe me when I say there are none left now.”
I gently pulled her face closer and kissed her slowly, yet passionately. There was no rush. She was all mine, and no one else's.
The evening was going better than I imagined. Everyone was having a blast, enjoying the meal and each other’s company, while Licia and I were in our own little world.
The MC called for the couple’s dance. I rose, straightened my shirt, and extended my hand to Licia. “May I have the honor of this dance, my wife?”
She took my hand and gracefully rose from her seat. We walked to the dance floor, and I was excited to dance with her, even more thrilled that I could do so on my own two feet.
I had never really seen Licia dance before, but she was pretty good, with moves that left me in awe. I thought I could outdance her, but I was having a hard time keeping up.
“Honey, how about a private party later tonight?” I asked, mischief dancing in my eyes. I had a lot planned.
Her brows arched playfully. “Where?”
“Where else?” I winked. “Just the two of us, in our royal quarters, mi lady.”
“That, my dear sire, would be my utmost pleasure.” She curtsied.
I held her waist, staring dreamily into her eyes. “I love you, Licia, and I will spend every day of my life proving that to you.”
I meant every word. It was my lifelong mission—to make Licia the happiest woman to ever walk the earth.
“Forever and always, Kevin.”
“Forever and always,” I repeated.
THE END.