A bright light of burnt orange painted the world a glimmering gold, as the sun slowly sank beneath the horizon, painting the clear, Barbadian sky shades of red and pink. The colorful beaming rays seemed to warm and caress James’s face. His heart pounded like a drum. He had been waiting for this moment his whole life: the day when he would solidify his commitment and declare his love for Olivia had finally arrived.

As a seagull flew over his shoulder, James pushed up the sleeve of his beige jacket and checked his watch. Hooking her arm into Gina’s arm, Olivia appeared at the end of the aisle. She looked stunning in her white, ruffled organza, wedding dress. James could feel the blissful smile behind Olivia’s veil that showed in her eyes. Gina settled her gaze on him, a relaxed look on her face, as they walked down the aisle. Holding her bouquet of lilies low, Olivia glanced around at the crowd and then out at the sun, as her slow footsteps brought her closer and closer to James. Just when the two friends stopped at the front of the aisle, Gina averted her gaze from the groom. She raised her arm to Olivia’s face and lifted her veil, exposing her glorious face, before bending her head down to her. As Olivia handed the bouquet over to her, Gina kissed her on the cheek.

“You look fantastic,” James complimented Olivia, as Gina gave her friend away.

“Thank you,” Olivia chirped, rolling to the left to face him, as Gina brushed past her.

“Let us begin,” Reverend Fredericks started. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. Ancient philosophers, men of the clergy, as well as great thinkers of the past have tried to solve the puzzle of true love. Few of them were able to, and even fewer were fortunate enough to experience this kind of pure, unconditional love. Should any one of you venture a guess as to what this feeling is, then all you need to do is remember the look in James’s and Olivia’s eyes. Let us proceed to the vows. Olivia?”

“Oh, God…” Olivia’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, as she took a deep, cleansing breath. “James, ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been wondering if I would ever find my prince; my soul mate. Then, four months ago, you saved my life. As crazy as it may sound, you did a lot more than just that. You showered me with love. And now, here we are. Our future lies before us. I only want to spend it with you: my soul mate; my prince; my friend.”

“James?”

“Olivia…” James croaked, blinking back tears. “You said I saved your life. I don’t think so. You saved mine. You see, I was lost when you found me: faithless; clinging to the past; angry at the world. You showed me…” he faltered, as a tear streamed down Olivia’s cheek. “You showed me how to love again. You breathed fire into me. You’ve been my muse, since the moment I saw you. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“James, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife; love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her, until death parts you?”

“I do.” James gave an emphatic nod.

“Olivia, do you take this man to be your wedded husband; love him, comfort him, honor him and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him, until death parts you?”

“I do.” Olivia uttered.

“May I have the rings, please?” Father Fredericks requested, looking down at Helen. She pulled a blue box out of her purse and handed it over to him. The Father opened it and held it low in front of him. “Olivia, place this ring on James’s finger, as a symbol of your eternal love.” Olivia took a ring out of the box, as James held out his hand, hand outward. She put the ring on his finger, gazing deep into his eyes. “James, place this ring on Olivia’s hand, as a symbol of the love that will encircle you always.” Olivia offered him her left hand, as he pulled the ring out of the box. He slid it down her finger, as his smile turned into a huge, happy grin.

“By the powers vested in me by her majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, I now pronounce you ‘husband’ and ‘wife’. You may kiss the bride.” Father Fredericks said, as Michelle put her fingers over the piano keys.

James leaned in towards her, feeling his heart thumping in his chest, as the piano introduction of Bon Jovi’s “Thank you for loving me” filled the air. Closing his eyes, he wrapped his arms around her back, as Olivia lifted both hands to his face. Their lips locked in a sweet, tender kiss, as a light breeze blew through their hair. Each and every guest burst into loud, warm applause, as James held her tighter and tighter in his arms. He landed one last kiss on her nose, opening his eyes, as he pressed his forehead onto hers.

“I love you…” He whispered. “You’re never going to regret this.”

“I know.” She said, her voice barely audible, as the applause became louder. “I love you, too.”

Unable to hold back her tears, Helen clapped frantically, at the same time wondering about Gina’s reaction. She turned to face her, only to discover that Olivia’s maid of honor had been crying as well. The whites of her eyes had turned pink. Gina applauded politely, as a single tear raced down her left cheek.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you cry.” Helen confessed, raising her tone.

“You should have, Shandaken girl.” Gina used an emphatic voice. “Olivia’s been my friend my whole life.”

Helen pondered response, but, before she could come up with a rebuttal, she noticed something else, out of the corner of her eye: A large, young man, in a black, leather outfit, on the road above the beach. The sun was reflecting off his sunglasses. He was sitting on his dark-blue, Harley Davidson, smiling down at her. His thick, black hair fell down the sides of his face, brushing his short beard, as he also clapped his hands.

“Any idea about who the mystery man is?” Helen wondered, glancing up towards him.

“I’ve never seen him before.” Gina declared, looking up at him over her left shoulder. “Judging by his attire, he’s not been invited.”