Three months later…
The wedding march starts, and turn to my friends, squeezing both their hands. I can’t believe this moment has come for me at last. These past few months have felt like a whirlwind of planning and meetings and everything to try and get it all arranged.
“Can you believe I’m the first one of us to get married?” I say, rubbing my belly.
“And have a baby,” Sarah says with a smile.
“And go skydiving!” Jen adds.
We’re at a skydiving place owned by one of Kane’s friends. When we first joked about an adrenaline filled wedding, I didn’t think we were going to go through with it, but it seemed fitting for what Kane did. And I’ve always wanted to skydive. It seems like the perfect way to start a new chapter in our lives, one of adventure together. The whole thing pulled together so quickly too. There was a nice big field for us to set up our tents in, and with a little help and a lot of flowers, we managed to transform a boring venue into a beautiful one.
When we first announced the news, I was certain that my parents would disapprove of the relationship. My dad recovered quickly to support me once he saw how happy I was, like he always does, but my mom took a bit of convincing. It probably helped to meet Amelia, my future stepdaughter. She’s really smart and she when she expressed interest in becoming a lawyer, mom was smitten. In her she found the daughter she’s always wanted I think. I’m okay with it. As long as I still have my family, that’s all that matters. And hopefully this will be a way for my mom and me to build a better relationship now that she’s not making me pick a career. I know exactly what I’m going to be: a mom.
“I think I’m up soon, we better go,” Sarah says.
The ceremony is small, with just over fifty guests. We did it this way because all we want to do is be married, not have a huge ceremony or party to plan for. It suits Kane and me perfectly.
“You look like a beautiful bride,” Jen whispers.
She carefully rearranges my veil. I’ve got half my hair swept up, the veil gently cascading down behind me. My dress is a mermaid dress, studded with crystals and lace. I feel like a princess in it.
“It’s your cue,” my wedding planner says, tapping Sarah’s arm.
She nods.
“You got this Penny,” she says, then turns to step through the flaps of the tent.
Next is Jen, and then finally dad and I. He links my arm through his and holds me tight.
“Sweetheart,” he says, “there’s still time to change your mind if you want to. You just say the word.”
I laugh.
“No thanks dad. I’m ready for this,” I say.
“Good. And the offer still stands, even if you are married you hear me? Don’t ever let the man treat you less than the best. I’ll always be here for you.”
“I know.” I give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for always supporting me.”
He holds open the flap, and slowly we walk through. All eyes are on me, but I’m focused on only one person: Kane. He looks so handsome today, just like a movie star in his tux and blue tie. His blonde hair is perfect, his smile big as he watches me come up the aisle. There’s even a glimmer in his eye.
“You take care of her,” my dad instructs in a low voice.
“I promise,” Kane says.
I let go of my dad and find his rough hands, holding tightly as we stand together to say our vows. I can’t remember our words, just the end, when I say “I do” to be Kane’s wife, and then the kiss when he pulls me to him and everyone cheers. I’m crying happy tears, everything else blurring but for my husband.
Then it’s time for our reception lunch, a simple picnic style affair that allows us to see all of our guests.
“And now everyone, I hope you’ll all stay and enjoy the party,” Kane says. “But it’s time for my bride and I to go on our honeymoon.”
Someone whistles in the back as Kane scoops me up and carries me out. I laugh, holding on tight, until we make it outside and he gently deposits me onto the ground.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” I whisper to Kane as we hold hands and walk towards the aircraft hangar.
“I can,” he says with a smile. “I always knew there was a wild streak in you.”
When we get inside, we’re directed to change. We’ve brought clothes of course, and our tux and dress will be returned to my mom for safekeeping. In keeping with the theme, I’ve got white jeans, boots, and a white blouse. Then it’s into the jumpsuits, and into the plane. My heart thuds as we taxi for takeoff.
“This is crazy,” I yell to Kane.
“It is, but once you get the adrenaline bug, it’s not going to be enough!”
“I hope so!” We’ve got a honeymoon in Thailand, filled with snorkeling and all kinds of activities that Kane planned for us.
Soon we’re high in the sky. Kane’s been certified as a skydiving instructor, so I don’t have to go with anyone but him. His friend points out the field, and a car waiting to take us to the airport immediately after. He pulls open the door for us, and I can hear the wind whipping by.
“Scared?” Kane shouts.
“Yes!”
“Don’t be,” he says, leaning close. “I’m right here.”
He works quickly, strapping us together. He finds my hand, squeezes it tight.
“Ready Penny?”
“Wait! If we both die, I want you to know that I love you more than anything.”
He leans toward me, kisses my cheek. We’re too tightly strapped for anything more, but I still feel better.
“You’re not going to die. I promise. You’re with me.”
And then we’re dropping out of the sky, air hurtling past me. Someone’s screaming, or maybe it’s me screaming. Everything is gone, and all I can think of is that I’m here, doing this with Kane. Adrenaline is pumping through me, making me almost giddy. With a jerk, our chute opens up, and we’re floating. The world lies stretched out all around us, and I feel like I can see forever into the distance. Everything is perfect, touched by the sun. The trees, the fields, it’s all perfect. And from here, 13,000 feet in the sky, somehow, I just know, our marriage will be too.
*****
Love my stories? Then don’t miss out on my next release. Sign up for my mailing list at
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my book, please leave a review and let me know!
Want to be an ARC reader? Apply at
Catch my book cover reveals, teasers, and more at