Page 36 of Hidden Harbor (Evergreen Rescue #1)

D rew steadied our kayak at the dock, helping me step inside before pushing away.

Water lapped at our boat, the gentle slap of waves a peaceful soundtrack.

I inhaled, dragging the sea scents deep into my lungs, letting the embrace of nightfall calm the frenetic energy from our day.

We’d taken all the wedding photos Drew and I could handle earlier, leaving tonight for just us, dressed comfortably for our adventure.

The rest of our wedding party launched a few minutes later, joining us on the water.

Drew’s parents shared a kayak, paddling with the ease of experience.

Their synchronized strokes made it easy to picture Drew and me, decades from now.

Our friends ranged around us in a fleet of singles and double kayaks.

Gran and her boyfriend, Ollie, bickered quietly about who should sit in front, launching last. Predictably, Gran got her way.

I hid a smile. We’d done everything just a little bit backwards, but I wouldn’t change a minute of it. From waking in Drew’s arms at our house, to a garden party reception at the farm, the entire day had been glorious—full of laughter and fun.

A sunset toast at Lime Kiln to our new life together had capped a brilliant wedding day. But the best was yet to come.

We dipped our paddles, slicing through the water, the moon and stars our only light.

The wind blew gently, giving us a tiny push toward our destination.

Beneath us, the Salish Sea was pure magic, glittering with bioluminescent plankton, a carpet of stardust welcoming us into our future.

Brilliant blue light scattered beneath us, arcing in flashing waves as the plankton rolled toward shore like the tiniest of surfers.

Awe kept me quiet. I felt full to bursting, happiness making me giddy.

Of all the gifts the wedding universe could give us, a bioluminescent ceremony topped my list. Drew and I had built a new life together over the last year, finding our rhythm as a couple.

The shimmering, watery celebration felt like the universe’s final blessing.

Whispers and laughter accompanied our journey, along with a few choice cusswords when Gran’s craft collided with Zach and Rae’s.

We paddled around the point, waves of brilliant blue pushing us toward the protected bay.

Drew and I paddled in sync, riding the waves. A light breeze and the briny scents of the sea welcomed us.

When we reached the protected shallows, Drew stowed his paddle, swiveling his seat so we could face each other. Gentle waves pushed our kayaks together. Our small fleet rafted up, tossing lines to keep us from floating apart.

From the kayak next to us, Drew’s dad cleared his throat. The ripples of our family and friends’ chatter faded away, all attention turning to us.

“Tonight, I have the pleasure of officiating as Andrew Garrison Fenwick and Anya Phoenix Rose officially unite in marriage.”

Drew’s hands gripped mine, our fingers intertwined. The glow from the water below and the stars above cast a soft light over his handsome features. What I saw there nearly stopped my heart.

The love.

The acceptance.

My future.

Drew was my everything. Day by day, minute by minute, he was the man I wanted by my side. My love.

“Do you, Drew Fenwick, take Anya Rose to be your lawful wife? To love and honor her, in sickness and health, through all the challenges you may face in your lives together?”

“I do.”

Drew said it with his full chest. Deep and powerful, as if daring anyone to object.

We’d already faced my worst nightmares and triumphed. Nothing floating in the bay with us tonight could come close to what we’d already overcome together.

Gary turned his gentle smile on me, soft approval shining in dark eyes so like his son’s. “And do you, Anya Rose, take Drew Fenwick as your husband? To love and honor him, in sickness and in health, through all the challenges you may face in your lives together?”

“I do.” My voice rang clear and true, strong with conviction.

“Then I am pleased to pronounce you husband and wife.”

A cheer went up from our friends.

Drew leaned across the distance between us, eyes twinkling. “I love you, Mrs. Fenwick.” His mouth grazed mine, butterfly-soft, before we melted together in a kiss that deepened with every missed breath.

“Nudus currere et loqui sordida! Nudus currere et loqui sordida!” Gran’s chant started off quiet, but built steam as our friends picked up the cry, tapping their oars against the side of their kayaks in time with each syllable. “Nudus currere et loqui sordida!”

Drew’s lips tilted to one side in a rakish grin as we parted, the twinkle in his eyes my only warning. “You did say you wanted to go skinny-dipping…” he trailed off.

“Nice try, Fenwick. Let’s save the running naked and talking dirty for when we get home.”

He brushed my mouth in a kiss that was gentle, hinting at banked heat. “If you say so, Mrs. Fenwick.”