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Elaine shakes her head as she smooths my hair back. “I’m not sure you’re going to be happy with these wedding photos in a year.”

“I’m already happier than I can ever say.”

* * *

At the front of our line, Kenny holds Slayde’s arm. He’s in a dark blue suit that makes his eyes glow silver. Behind them, Mariska holds Stuart’s arm. He’s in his dress whites, which I now know means white pants, belt, and hat. The coat is the traditional deep navy with red piping. He looks amazing, and my breath catches in my throat imagining how my Marine will look.

Behind them, Elaine absolutely glows in her sparkling dress. Patrick is more formal than I’ve ever seen him in his Guard uniform. Navy coat and pants, gold stripes down the legs, gold crest on his sleeves and hat. Gorgeous.

Edward Merritt, my best friend’s dad, takes my arm. “Your father would be very proud,” he says, and I glance up at his salt and pepper hair, remembering a time when everyone imagined I’d be with Marcus.

“I appreciate you doing this,” I say softly. “I can’t imagine anyone else escorting me.”

He gives me a warm smile that crinkles the corners of his green eyes. Elaine looks so much like him. “You’re a beautiful, accomplished woman, Melissa. I’m proud to represent your father.”

Squeezing his arm, I put my head briefly against his shoulder. “Thank you.”

My cousin Ryan appears in a navy suit to escort Mom to her place in the front. He’s a cute college guy with messy blonde hair. Mom takes his arm and kisses his cheek before the two head out toward the front.

The strains of Pachelbel’s Canon drift to us, and it’s time to move. Kenny and Slayde begin the procession, and my chest clenches. Mariska and Stuart are next. I don’t miss the warm look that passes between them, and the idea they have a secret only briefly enters my mind before Elaine and Patrick start walking. Butterflies fill my stomach, and I feel like I’ll laugh and cry at the same time.

The music gradually builds, but I can’t see him yet. Our witnesses all stand by their small white chairs arranged in two sections on the sand. Friends and relatives smile as I pass. A few cover their mouths, and some dab their eyes.

Damn this flat sand. I grip Edward’s arm, trying to see him when the procession opens before me. Dex is the first one I see in his little navy suit. He points at once and shouts, “May!” which makes everyone laugh. He starts to run to me, but Mom catches him in her arms. I blow him a little kiss before looking up again.

In a flash, I pan across the groomsmen—Slayde looking like a rockstar, Patrick looking like a model, of course he gives me a wink. Stuart is completely intimidating, but his eyes are on the beautiful girl in ocean-blue chiffon standing with my bridesmaids.

When at last I see Derek, my breath catches. Under the black brim of his white cap, his steel-grey eyes fix on mine. It’s as if he s

ees all the way to my soul, and I feel it catch fire inside me. My vision tunnels. I don’t even hear the words of Edward giving me away. I only know I’m drawn to this man watching me with such intensity.

A flash of timidity tightens my stomach as I reach out to take his white-gloved hand, but the moment he pulls me close, all fear melts away. We’re facing each other, and I can only gaze at him with all the love expanding in my chest.

The minister leads us through our vows. Everything is very traditional.

For better or worse...

For richer or poorer...

In sickness and in health...

The words are a promise from the bottom of my heart. Derek removes his glove as we exchange rings. Shining, thick gold bands for each of us. Finally we’ve made it to the part I’ve been waiting for.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the man says. “You may kiss the bride.”

My lip catches in my teeth, and Derek reaches up to touch it with his thumb. “That’s for me to do,” he whispers before sliding his hand behind my neck and covering my mouth with his.

Of all the times we’ve kissed each other, this kiss outshines every one. His warm lips move mine apart, and with the gentle taste of his tongue, my head grows light. I’m afraid I’ll faint, but his strong arms hold me. It’s amazing and passionate, and I never want to let him go. Until I realize our friends are clapping and a loud whistle slices the air.

He smiles against my mouth and lifts his head a fraction. “It seems we have an audience.”

My dazed eyes open and I laugh, cupping his cheek. “I almost forgot.”

We turn as the minister calls over the noise, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Derek Alexander.”

The applause grows louder, and Stuart steps forward, giving a low command. He and their fellow Marines form a line of crossed swords, and we pass under the gleaming arch. Mom releases Dex, and he baby-runs to us. Derek catches him, lifting him on his arm. I turn and face my guys, and in that moment everything in my life is complete.

* * *