“Are you ready for this?” Matt asks.

I chuckle because he’s more nervous than I am. In fact, I’m not nervous at all. But I am so excited I can’t hardly stand it.

“I’m absolutely ready, Matt. Your daughter will be thrilled, and you’ll do great. Don’t sweat it.” With a friendly clap on his shoulder, I walk around for the final check before the ladies return with my wife.

“Nothing’s out of place, Dad. I just checked.” Kyle walks up beside me and gives me a side-eye glance.

“I just want everything to be perfect for your mom. She deserves it.”

“She does. She’s been through so much, but she doesn’t let it get her down. Not that I’ve ever seen anyway. I just want the worst to be behind us now.”

“Never give up hope, son. Your mom won’t, and I won’t either. We may have setbacks now and then, but we’ll keep pushing forward. And during the times when she feels like she can’t take another step, I’ll carry her. For as long as she needs me to.”

He turns to face me. “Until the end of time?”

“Until the end of time.”

“How did we get stuck doing all this? We should’ve taken Grace out deep-sea fishing or something and let the women oversee this part of the plan,” Dad says as he walks up and slings his arm around my shoulders. “Did you volunteer us for this?”

“Wasn’t me. It was Kyle’s idea.” I laugh at the expression on Kyle’s face.

“Just throw me under the bus, Dad. Good job. Didn’t you raise him better than this, Pops?”

“There’s only so much parents can do, Kyle. The rest is up to the kid. We tried, though.”

The three of us laugh together, and I realize how incredibly fortunate I am to have so many people who love me. Everyone who matters to me is here to celebrate one of the many things I’ve always wanted to be able to give Grace but haven’t been able to until now. My family, friends who became family, and Grace’s family. We don’t have the huge extended family that some others do, but we’re blessed with who we do have.

Matt rejoins us, his nervous energy visible on his face. “Blake, can I talk to you alone for a minute?”

“Sure, Matt.”

We walk inside the empty banquet center we’ve reserved just for our small family. It’s the perfect setting for Grace’s surprise. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the wall facing the beach, giving the perfect view of the waves rolling in, the sun setting on the horizon, and backdrop for the family photoshoot wish Grace has on her Why Not list.

“Have a seat, Blake.”

I sit, but Matt paces back and forth in front of me. His gaze is trained on the floor just in front of his feet, and he repeatedly runs his fingers over his mustache, around his mouth, then down to his chin.

“Matt, take a deep breath, slow down, and tell me what’s on your mind. I feel like you’re about to start running laps around the room any second now.”

He turns on his heels and looks at me with a blank expression at first, then bursts out laughing at himself. “You’re right, I need to calm down. To be honest with you, I just don’t want to mess this up. We just got you, Grace, and Kyle back in our lives, and I don’t want to offend you and lose you again.”

“You’re not going to offend me, Matt. Whatever it is, we’ll talk through it like adults. We’re all in this together now. All three of us want it to stay that way.”

“I’m delighted to hear that. Gretchen and I have missed out on so much in your lives. That’s what prompted me to come up with this idea in the first place. Gretchen and I had a long talk before we left to come down here, and she is fully on board with this proposal.

“After Grace explained her diagnosis and prognosis, we did some research of our own. Then I talked to a few of my doctor friends on the golf course and got as much information from them as they could give me without actually seeing her medical records. This whole situation has gutted me and made me reevaluate almost everything in my life. I’ve given the board notice of my retirement at the end of the year. I’m leaving my position as CEO and President and will only be an active board member, so I’ll have more time away from work.

“In all frankness, we don’t know how much time Grace has before the tumors become unmanageable. I know something could happen to any of us at any time, but this is happening to my daughter right now, so that makes it much more real to me. I’ve tried to remain optimistic, but one nagging thought won’t leave me alone, Blake. This is where my concern of offending you comes in.”

“I’m listening, and I’m with you so far. What are you proposing?”

“Part of my executive package includes a hefty lump-sum compensation package when I retire, around $20 million. I want to give that money to you and Grace, so you both can quit your jobs and focus on her health and cross off every wish on your Why Not lists. Here’s the thing, I know the average family in your situation isn’t afforded this luxury. But I want to give this opportunity to my family because I’m able to, and it’s the only item on my Why Not list. What I’m really asking of you is to take care of my little girl for the rest of her life, however long that may be.”

“Matt, I’m floored, and I don’t know what to say. This isn’t at all what I expected when we walked in here to talk.”

“Say yes. Give an old man some peace of mind in his twilight years. My intentions are somewhat selfish, I’ll admit. The less time you two are at work, the more time we’ll have to erase the pains of the past and make the present an even happier place.”

How can I argue with that?

“All right, Matt. My answer is yes. Don’t think I won’t use all the guilt trips you just laid on me to convince Grace, though. She loves her job, so getting her to agree to quit won’t be all that easy. You may have noticed she’s also fiercely independent.”

Matt smiles, and there’s no hint of nervousness left in the man. “I have a feeling you’ll be able to persuade her.”

“I’ll do my best. It’s a little scary how you were able to push all the right buttons in me to get what you wanted, especially in such a short conversation.”

“Son, I haven’t been the CEO of a Fortune 100 company for the last thirty-five years without learning to read people and negotiate to get what I want.” The smile that now covers his face is the one I imagine his business opponents see when they learn they’ve been bested by him. It’s one of pure victory.

In this case, I’m more than willing to say I’ve been defeated.

“Dad, it’s almost time. Let’s go change clothes.” Kyle leans into the room, his hand gripping the doorknob and the urgency in his voice making his tone rise an octave.

“Sounds like it’s just about show time, Matt.”

---

With the makeup crisis over, Mom leads our expedition on to the next adventure. We walk through the double French doors into a beautiful sunroom filled with enough green and flowering plants to make any gardener envious. The white, wrought-iron patio tables and chairs have the perfect balance of decoration to make the place settings stand out. The room simultaneously screams luxury and whispers relaxation. The all-glass walls provide an unobstructed view of the professionally manicured grounds and the tropical pools.

“This is beautiful,” I gasp. “Think I can have a room like this built on to my house?”

“In Vermont? I don’t think the view would quite match this one.” Leigh laughs. “Maybe we should move somewhere warmer in the winter, join the snowbird movement.”

“That wouldn’t be so bad, would it?”

“Not so bad at all.”

“Are you two ready for a quick bite to eat before we head back to the hotel? There’s no telling what those men have been up to without chaperones for so long.” Anna steps up beside me, admiring the view with us for a moment. “You’re doing a good thing, Grace. Forgiving your mom and spending time with her now. You’re a good daughter.”

“It feels good to let go of everything and start over. You know I’ve always thought of you as my mom, too, right? Maybe I never told you outright, but I love you, and I’m lucky to have you in my life.”

She raises her hand to cover her mouth, the emotions she can’t voice swimming in her eyes. Then she grabs me in a full embrace, and the memories of the nights she held me while I cried over the broken relationship with my parents crop up in my mind. The pain I felt back then can’t hurt me now, but my love for this wonderful woman increases every day. She took me in as a homeless, pregnant teenager and treated me like one of her own children. I’ll never be able to repay her for that kindness.

“You’ve always been the daughter I never had, Grace. I’ve never seen you as anything different.” When she releases me, she grabs a napkin and dabs her eyes. “Now stop trying to ruin my makeup. I know that’s what you’re trying to do.”

“You’re onto me. I want you all to have black mascara all over your faces. My new eyelashes would never betray me like that.”

We’re still giggling when we take our seats, order our meals, and enjoy the delicious food and company. Everyone but me has mimosas—chemotherapy drugs and alcohol don’t play nice together. Those small concessions don’t bother me, though. In the grand scheme of importance, it doesn’t even rank. This trip has already been the best vacation of my life, and we’re only on the second day. I’m mentally adding a few more entries on my Why Not list—activities that will be fun to do with Kyle while we’re here.

“Grace?”

I look up to find three sets of eyes staring at me intently. “What? What’d I miss?”

“You were a million miles away just now. Where’d you go?” Mom asks.

“I was riding Jet Skis with Kyle in the Gulf of Mexico.”

“Adding on to your Why Not list, huh?”

“Exactly. We should all go together tomorrow. It’ll be fun.”

“Can we finish what we have planned for today first?” Mom stands and holds out her hand. I take it and stand with her. “The last stop on our spa excursion is the best. And it’s time. Come with me, sweetheart.”

Anna and Leigh get up and follow us out of the sunroom café. Their uncontained giggles and loud whispers of excitement fuel my curiosity. What could be better than what we’ve already experienced today?

Two staff members stand in the hallway in front of the double doors leading into our private dressing room. Their broad smiles and eager observations match my family’s excitement. They’re so genuine I can’t help but return the sentiments. Then they open both the doors at the same time—and I’m stunned speechless. My smile drops along with my bottom jaw, which is now touching the floor at my feet. Without even thinking about it, I cover my heart with my hand and feel it pounding inside my chest. Warm hands touch my back and gently push me forward since my feet and legs have forgotten how to walk.

“Blake came to see your daddy and me not long ago, and we had a long talk. He shared a lot with us—his past mistakes, his desire to atone for those mistakes, and his unconditional and unwavering love for you. This week is all about what he has always wanted to give you, but was never able to until now.

“He planned every step of it, Grace, and asked all of us to help him make it come true. When you shared your Why Not list with him, he said he knew fate put you two together and kept you together. This one item on your wish list spoke to his heart more than you know, but I think maybe now you have an idea of just how much.”

“Oh my God,” I gasp and attempt to move past the shock so my brain can absorb the sight in front of me.

Three walls of lockers are covered by one wedding dress after another. Some are as extravagant as what I’d picture true royalty wearing—dresses made for a princess with miles of silk, tulle, and jeweled bodices. Others are made with a simpler pattern and a more modern and chic impression, but no less beautiful. The other dresses fall in between the wide spectrum of possibilities of everything I could ever imagine.

“He wants you to pick out the wedding dress you like the best. He hasn’t seen any of them, so whichever one you choose will be a surprise. You two will renew your vows tonight with the big wedding you always dreamed of having.” Mom walks around the room, looking at each style, wiping one tear after another from her eyes. “We’ll all be there with you this time.”

“I have one thing to say about this,” Leigh chimes in as she examines one of the dresses. “Alex better step up his game—and fast.”

Leave it to my best friend to bring levity to this emotional experience. God, I love her.

“What time is my wedding?”

“Late this afternoon, but before sunset. Blake was concerned about sun sensitivity with your chemo medications,” Anna says.

“Get naked, woman. You have a bazillion dresses to try on before we choose one.”

“Before we choose?” I ask, lifting one fake eyebrow.

“Did I stutter? I don’t think I did. Yes, we. That’s what bridesmaids are for.” Leigh picks up one of the dresses and holds it out toward me. “Try this one on first.”

Dress after dress is thrust at me to try on. The ones we decide against are quickly taken away by the spa staff members. Finally, we’ve whittled down the vast amount to the final two contestants—and the cuts and patterns are complete opposites. One is a princess gown with a sweetheart neckline and ruched back and crisscrossing pleats across the bust. The layered tulle skirt is full and has a court train extending off the back. The other is a halter-style top with a soft, lightweight fabric skirt that would flow easily in the breeze.

I stand back and stare at the two dresses, my eyes darting back and forth while I try to make a decision.

“You want my opinion?” Leigh asks.

“Yes.”

“The beach dress is beautiful and elegant. You looked so vibrant in it, prancing around the room and watching the skirt move with ease. I loved it. But it was never your dream dress, Grace. Don’t settle. Not for this special occasion. Not ever again.”

Decision made.

---

“Wait here. Do not peek.” Anna’s eyebrows draw downward in a stern, motherly threat.

“No peeking. I promise.”

After a couple of minutes, she returns with a huge clump of tissues in her hand. She gives half of them to my mother. “You’ll need these. Come with me.” Turning her gaze to me, she continues. “Grace, your escort will be here any second now. You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

After Mom and Anna walk out, Dad walks in—and stops dead in his tracks. I’ve never seen my dad cry…until now.

“Grace, when you were little, I always dreaded the day I’d have to give you away to another man. I’ll deliver you to your husband today, but now I know you’ll always be my little girl.”

“Oh, Daddy.” That’s all I can muster before the tears well up in my eyes and blur my vision.

He moves to stand in front of me while I whisk the tears away, and I realize he has a box in his hands.

“What’s that?”

“This is something I had made specially for you. Since we can’t pin your veil to your head, I thought you may want to wear this instead.”

I pull the lid off the box and find myself stunned speechless once again by the thoughtfulness of my family. “Daddy, it’s gorgeous.”

The flower crown is made of huge, exotic flowers in varying hues of pink, purple, and white, with underlying greenery and baby’s breath to complete the look. The veil is sewn into the rim of the flower crown, securing it in place and covering the top of my head at the same time. It’s perfect. And beautiful. And more than completes my dream of having the perfect wedding ensemble.

“You’re gorgeous, precious. I wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world. Are you ready to go see Blake?”

“I’m ready.”

Daddy leads me through the winding walkway toward the beach, and that’s when I see what they’ve been up to while we were at the spa. A pergola has been transformed into a wedding chapel. The wood structure is completely covered in flowers that match the flower crown on my head. Ropes of flowers are attached to the guest chairs lining the aisle. Faces I don’t recognize fill the seats, and I realize my family must have invited the other guests and beachgoers to join our festivities.

All eyes are on me.

They’re all smiling at me.

I’m trying to take it all in and focus at the same time, but it’s difficult because so many emotions fly through me at once. Then my gaze lands on Blake. Beside him, as his best man, is our son. Then my erratic thoughts calm, and I can focus on what’s most important.

My whole world waits for me at the end of the aisle.

When we reach Blake and Kyle, Daddy turns to me and kisses my cheek. “I love you, precious. No matter how old you are, you’ll always be my baby girl. But this time, I’m doing what I should have done in the first place and trusting Blake to love you, care for you, and cherish you every day for the rest of his life. I have faith in him, Grace. He won’t let you or me down.”

Daddy steps back and takes his seat, then Blake lifts my hands to his lips. He places soft, reverent kisses along my knuckles. “I love you,” he whispers.

Before I can reply, he turns to the crowd that’s gathered to watch us.

“Grace and I have been married for eighteen years. Ideally, I would’ve preferred to renew our vows on our wedding anniversary, but today is another anniversary of a very special day.”

He turns to look at me, his dazzling smile melting my heart all over again, and he continues. “Today is the anniversary of our first date twenty years ago. Grace was a junior, and I was a senior in high school. The first time I saw her, I was a goner. She stole my heart and my breath. When she agreed to marry me, I thought I was the luckiest guy alive. Now that I’m older and I realize marriage licenses don’t have an expiration date, I know I’m the luckiest man alive. Otherwise, she may have just let it lapse and gotten rid of me.”

The crowd chuckles along with us as I shake my head from side to side, but I notice a few of the girls wiping their eyes through their smiles.

“Grace and I are renewing our vows and our commitments to each other because we’ve recently learned the hard way what a precious gift time is. That’s why we don’t have a preacher or anyone to officiate—I’ve written my own vows for my wife.”

A moment of panic hits me because I haven’t written any vows. I didn’t know I was supposed to write them. Then I take a deep breath and remember this is my Blake standing beside me. My vows come from my heart, not my head.

“Grace, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you until the day I die. There will never be another woman for me as long as I live. Every day, I will remind you of my love for you and only you. The only tears I’ll cause you to shed will be tears of happiness. For the rest of my days, I’ll never hurt you or leave you. I promise to take care of you when you’re sick, to reassure you when you’re insecure, and to comfort you when you’re scared.

“If I ever wake up alone and have to face the rest my days without you by my side, I’ll carry your memory in my heart and in my mind. Your love, generosity, and kindness are unmatched by anyone else in this world. You’ll always be the first and last person I think of every day, and the only woman who will ever own my heart.”

He drops down to one knee, removes the single gold band that has served as my wedding band for the last eighteen years, and hands it to Kyle. Then he takes a black velvet box from Kyle’s hand and lifts his eyes to meet mine.

“I’ve had these for a while now. They were originally meant to be a Christmas present, but you weren’t ready to accept them at that time. I hope you are ready for them now.”

He opens the box to show me the most beautiful set of wedding rings I’ve ever laid eyes on. He holds the diamond circled wedding band up first.

“This circle represents my unending love for you. There’s no beginning and no end—it’s eternal.”

Then he presents the engagement ring.

“This ring represents our past, present, and future. The past is behind us, but it serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come together. Our present is our now—where we live, love, and play. Where we talk, share, and laugh. Where we grow closer, grow old together, and face every obstacle as one. Our future only holds happiness, regardless of what may come, only made possible because of our past and present.”

He slides the rings onto my finger, and they fit perfectly. As if they were made just for me.

“I didn’t give my wife any advance notice of what I had planned, so you’ll have to forgive her for not having any vows to recite back to me. She only needs to answer my questions with one correct answer, though.”

“Grace, do you promise to love, honor, and cherish me for the rest of your life? Do you promise to help me every day to be a better man, to be more like you? Do you promise to walk beside me, no matter how hard the road is, regardless of how trying the days are, and allow me to carry you when your burdens are too heavy? Do you promise to take all of my love with you wherever you go?”

“I do.”

Blake stands and crushes his mouth to mine, pouring his love into me with every swipe of his tongue against mine. Telling me how much he loves me with each second that passes. Showing the world how much I mean to him with the lengths he’s gone to to make this day extra special for me.

“You’ve made me the happiest woman alive, Blake. I love you so much.”

He shakes his head lightly. “You healed my broken soul, Grace. You saved me from myself. You showed me what real love is, what real strength is, and what real family is. I would be nothing without you, and I’ll never let you go. You’re my saving grace.”