I can’t believe this is happening. I cannot believe this is happening!

“Cassie, stop fidgeting,” Leah says from the chair next to me. Us women are getting ready at Mom and Louis’s house while he and Damarian are at our apartment.

The makeup artist laughs. “That’s okay. Happens all the time.”

I wring my hands in my lap and force myself to hold still. But how can I when I’m getting married today? I know I shouldn’t feel this nervous because Damarian and I have been practically married for two years, but now we’re going to be husband and wife.

Since I was a kid, a part of me worried I would never reach this point. With Dad walking out on us and my mom staying single all those years, I thought guys were ruined for me. But now all my dreams are coming true.

The woman leans back and smiles. “Beautiful.”

Leah sticks her head in front of me. “Gorgeous!”

Mom bursts into the room, her hair in curls. “How is our bride doing?” She stops dead in her tracks. “Oh my…” Her eyes fill with tears. “My little girl. You’re beautiful.”

The pair of three eyes admiring me causes me to wring my fingers even more. “Stop. You’re all freaking me out.”

“I would hug you, but I don’t want to ruin your makeup,” Mom says. The tears continue gathering in your eyes. “I wish your father was here.”

I look down at my lap. “I wish he was here, too.”

Mom walks over to rub my shoulder. “I know he’ll be watching and will celebrate along with us.” She air kisses me. “I’m giving you a kiss for him.”

Holding back my tears, I say, “Thanks.”

“Oh, no. She’s going to ruin her makeup,” Leah says. “No sad talk!”

Mom wipes her eyes. “You’re right. Today is a happy day, one of the happiest of my life.” She gently takes hold of my chin and tilts my head so I look at her face. “I love you, Cassie. And I’m so proud of you.”

“Stop, you’re going to make me cry,” I say with a laugh.

A phone beeps.

“Is that mine?” I ask.

Mom walks over to the night table. “It’s mine. Louis just texted me. He and Damarian are all set and ready to go.”

Every part of me tenses up. “Oh my God. This is actually happening.”

Leah playfully slaps my arm. “I think you need to calm down so you can actually enjoy your own wedding.”

The door bursts open again and Ruthie runs inside. “I feel like a princess!”

“Look at you!” I say, scanning her pretty dress. It’s off-white with lace and flowers. “You definitely look like a princess.”

“But you’re going to look like a queen.” She hops over and jumps onto the vacant chair next to me. “Have you been dreaming about this your whole life? My best friend Chandra says that she knows exactly how she wants her wedding to be. But I don’t really think about it that much.”

“I didn’t think about it that much when I was a kid, but I knew I wanted a poofy wedding dress.”

“And you found it?” she asks with wide eyes.

I tap her nose. “I did.”

“Yay! You’re going to look so beautiful!”

“Thanks, sweetie.”

She hops back off the chair and twirls around. The door once again opens and Bobby walks in, dressed in an adorable dark gray suit and blue tie. He plays with it. “Do I really need to wear this thing?” he asks with a frown.

“Of course you do,” Mom says. “Your sister is getting married.”

He tugs on it. “I don’t get the point of weddings. Why does it have to be this huge thing? People get married all the time. It’s like buying clothes. We don’t have a celebration every time we buy clothes.”

The women in the room chuckle. “We’ll see how you feel when you’re madly in love,” I say.

He makes a face like the thinks that’ll never happen.

Ruthie jumps back on the chair. “Are you and Damian gonna kiss a lot? Because that’s totally gross. At my wedding, I’m not going to kiss him.”

Again, we laugh.

“And we’ll see how you feel when you’re madly in love,” I say to her.

She makes a face. “I’ll be in love, but I’m not gonna kiss him. Yuck!”

Mom looks at her watch. “We have forty five minutes until we need to be at the beach. Everyone who isn’t supposed to be here, please clear the room.”

“Aw,” Ruthie mumbles as Mom asks her and Bobby to leave. “I want to see Cassie get into her dress.”

The makeup artist does a few more touch ups before announcing that I look perfect. Then she starts working on Mom’s face while Leah gets my dress.

“I feel like I’m on autopilot,” I say as I slide off my robe.

“Just remember to breathe.” Leah pulls the dress over my shoulder. “And smile.” She pulls it over my other shoulder. “And enjoy the moment.”

“I’ll try.”

“Turn around.” She zips me up, then grabs hold of my shoulders and spins me around. “Hair done, makeup done, dress on. I think our bride is ready.”

“You forgot the veil,” Mom says.

“Oh, right.” She puts it on my head. “Now our bride is ready.”

I face the mirror. I can’t believe the woman staring back at me. She looks like me, but she can’t be me. Because she looks way too happy.

I shake my head. I am happy, and I have every right to be. I have to stop denying myself the one thing I want most—a happy ending. Maybe it’s because of all the obstacles Damarian and I had to climb over before we reached this point. But we have reached this point. That’s all that matters.

“Cassie…” Tears drip down Mom’s face. “My little girl…” She wipes her eyes. “I’m sorry. Just…she…” She shakes her head. “I think I need a minute before I can get my makeup done.”

The woman nods. “Take all the time you need. I’m going to step out for a moment.”

“Well, you don’t have all the time you need,” Leah says as she slides into her maroon-colored dress. “The wedding will start in half an hour.”

“Half an hour?” Mom nearly shouts. “Quick, get that woman back in here! I’m not at all ready.”

It would probably be best for me to make myself scarce so Mom won’t tear up every time she looks at me. I stop before the mirror in the hallway and do a small spin. I still can’t believe it. Only a few days ago, I thought I would lose Damarian forever. Now we’re getting married. Someone, please pinch me.

 “I was looking for you.” Leah stands near me and gazes at our reflections.” Daaaamn! We look good.”

Despite the humongous butterflies flapping around in my stomach, I laugh. “You look amazing, Leah.”

“No, you’re the one who looks amazing. Holy shit, Cass. You’re getting married.”

I laugh again. “Now it hits you?”

“Oh, I’ve been freaking out quietly since we got to your mom’s house. I was just holding it in not to freak you out. But now that we’re actually about to leave…holy shit.”

“Makes me wonder what a bundle of nerves you’ll be by your wedding.”

“If I ever will have one,” she mutters under her breath. I’m about to say something when she says, “It’s your wedding. You don’t need to make me feel better.” She slips her phone out of her bag. “Where is that boy?”

I take a peek at her phone. “So Armando does plan to show up?”

She chucks her phone into her bag. “Of course. He owes me for when he dragged me to a fund raiser his father threw last week.”

Ruthie runs over. “I can’t wait! I can’t wait.”

Bobby stomps toward us, still tugging on his tie. “You’ll ruin it,” I say.

He shrugs. “Maybe then I won’t have to wear it. Why do men have to wear these stupid things?”

“Because it makes you look so devilishly handsome.” I pinch his cheek.

He pulls away. “I’m too old for that.”

“You wish. My uncle Jim abused my cheeks until I was practically a teen.”

He rubs his cheeks. “Doesn’t mean you have to do that to me.”

Mom’s door opens and she steps out. She’s wearing a breathtaking light purple dress. “Mom, you look amazing.”

She holds out her arms and does a slow spin. “Who said women over forty can’t look good?”

“Um, no one?” Leah says.

“Forty is sooo old.” Ruthie spins. “I’m never going to be forty. It’s sooooo old.”

Mom gives her a mock glare. “Careful what you say or you might have to leave the wedding early.”

“No I won’t. I’m the flower girl.”

“Yes, but your services are only needed at the beginning of the wedding,” Mom continues to tease.

Ruthie pouts. “I’m sorry. Forty is soooo young. I can’t wait until I’m forty. It’s sooooo young.”

We laugh.

Then the butterflies start again. “Can we just get there already before I throw up?”

Mom takes my hand and leads me out of the door, with Ruthie and Bobby lifting the bottom of the dress. Leah hurries after with my bouquet. I don’t pay attention to my surroundings as Mom leads me to the beach. The sounds of traffic, people, the roar of the wind…it all disappears. The only thing on my mind is one thing: Damarian.

My heart hasn’t stopped pumping violently. I’m pretty sure the hand clasped in Mom’s is beyond drenched. Mom keeps patting it, sending me smiles and holding back tears. When we reach the entrance to the beach, I spot Syren, Kiandra, Doria, Kytero, and Kyle.

“Oh, great,” Leah mutters before making herself scarce.

Kiandra flings her arms around me. “You look exquisite.” She kisses both my cheeks.

“Thanks. And thanks so much for coming.” My eyes sweep over their outfits. “You guys look amazing.” Kiandra and Doria are dressed in pretty dresses and the men have suits on.

Syren, Doria, and Kytero give me hugs and kisses, too. “The fry, Ryter, Flora, Kiander, Fiske, and Shoney are watching from a distance.” Syren nods toward the ocean. “They send their best wishes as well.”

“I’m so glad they’re celebrating with us.” Thanks to their merpeople eyes and ears, they’ll be able to see and hear everything as though they’re on land with us.

“Cassie.” Kyle gives me a quick hug and a grin. “You look gorgeous.”

“Thanks.”

His eyes skim around, and I see the question in his eyes. He’s looking for Leah. But when he sees me watching him, he forces a smile and gives me another quick hug. “I’m so happy for you and Damarian. Really. I wish only the best for you.”

“Thanks. And I hope you meet the right one soon.”

“Me, too.”

As soon as he and the other merpeople walk back into the beach, Leah appears with a tall man hanging onto her arm. None other than Armando. I have to admit that he’s one smoking hot guy. Olive skinned with the darkest hair I’ve ever seen—even darker than the merpeople of the Emerald clan. Striking blue eyes and an amazing physique. Definitely the right material for a fling, but not for a long-term boyfriend.

“My congrats to the bride,” he says.

“Thanks.”

Leah’s looking around—two guesses for who? I try not to grit my teeth. This is my wedding day and I will not play matchmaker. I crane my neck to get a glimpse of the setup. Mom and Leah took care of everything. From what I can see back here, it looks amazing.

Mom steps before me, rests her hands on my shoulders, and looks into my eyes. “Are you ready?”

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m ready.”

She turns to the kids. “Do you have the rings, Bobby?”

“Yep.”

“Your basket’s all ready, Ruthie?”

“Yeah, I’m so excited!”

“And I’ll make sure they do their jobs,” Leah promises.

Mom tucks my hand in her arm. “I guess I’m ready to give my daughter away.”

I know it’s traditional for the father to walk the bride down the aisle, but obviously we can’t do that. Louis or Uncle Jim would have been great, but I really wanted my mom. It’s been the two of us for so long. She sacrificed so much for me, gave me everything she could. I can never repay her for any of that. But one thing I can do is give her the chance to share one of the most special moments in my life.

The next part passes in a blur. I see familiar faces as Mom and I make our way down the aisle, specifically Damarian’s family, but I can’t see, hear, or even think past the hammering in my heart. I see Kytero standing down there, since he is the best man.

Then I see Damarian, dressed in a crisp black tuxedo, his long hair hanging loosely over his shoulders. As soon as his ocean-blue eyes meet mine, the air gets knocked out of me and I momentarily freeze in place. Mom’s forced to give me a slight nudge. I can’t breathe. I think I might die.

“Breathe, honey,” Mom whispers to me. “Just remember that today marks the beginning of the rest of your lives. Revel in the moment, Cassie. This day is all about you and Damarian.”

Damarian’s eyes soften and shower me with nothing but aching love. My body starts to relax. In just a few minutes, I will be forever bound to that wonderful merman, the guy who stole my heart the moment he washed up on shore, the guy who opened my heart to love and made me realize that dreams can come true and that anyone, no matter who they are and what they’ve been through, can have their happily ever after. This is the guy who’s shown me what it’s like to be truly and deliriously happy.

Ruthie is totally basking in her moment. She takes baby steps and drops a petal every five seconds. But no one seems to care because she’s so adorable. I’m glad for the extra seconds because I can make sense of my thoughts. Or at least try to.

Somehow, Mom and I make it to Damarian. He takes my hands and we stand before Barry, the man who is going to marry us. He’s a good friend of Louis.

Damarian rubs both my hands with his thumbs. I see his sapphire bracelet sticking out of his sleeve. I glance down at mine and smile, my chest feeling warm. “You look so beautiful, my sweet, amazing Cassie,” he says. “I love you so much.”

“And you look so handsome, Damarian. I love—”

Barry clears his throat. “Perhaps we should save that for the vows.”

Some members of the audience laugh. I force my eyes away from Damarian and look out at them. I catch Damarian’s family and Kyle, each of them looking beyond joyous. Kiandra has tears in her eyes, which seems to surprise her a little because she normally doesn’t see her tears. My eyes move to my friends and coworkers, Uncle Jim and his family, other relatives, Leah’s parents and siblings, and then Timmy and his parents. He waves enthusiastically.

Then my eyes drift over to the ocean. I can’t see any heads sticking out of the surface, but I know the rest of Damarian’s family and our sharks are there. I can sense them. They’re far enough for people on the beach not to spot them but close enough to see and hear every word. I can’t feel Shoney’s emotions completely since I’m in my human form, but I get a taste of happiness and pride.

“Are we ready?” Barry asks.

And so it begins. I don’t pay attention to much of the words because I’m once again lost in Damarian’s gaze, but when it’s time to exchange vows, I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. I don’t know why this part of the wedding has me all bent out of shape.

“Damian,” Barry says.

Damarian nods before squeezing my hands. “Cassie Price. You are the most amazing person in the entire world. I truly believe fate brought us together. I loved you the moment I first saw you and my love has only grown over the past two years. And it will continue to grow in the years to come. It is limitless, like the abyss of the ocean. When I look at you, at your expressive beautiful brown eyes and loving face, I know I can do anything. You inspire me to be the best person I can be. You have a heart of gold, are loyal to those you love, and always strive to do the right thing. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you. I am so happy I washed up on shore that day two years ago. I’m so happy you were the one who found me. I didn’t realize then that my life would forever change. I didn’t know I could have the dream I’ve always wanted.”

He swallows. “I vow to you on this day, my love, that I will love you for all eternity. Nothing and no one will come in the way of our happiness. I have fought for it many times in the past and I will continue to fight. Because the bond we share is rare and special, even from where I come from. I will love you until there is no more air in my lungs, when my hearts stops pumping, when I am at death’s doorstep. And I vow to always make you happy, to never hurt you, to always put a smile on your face. I vow to be the best mate—sorry, husband—in the entire world.”

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Though I don’t know how I can’t when it looks like Damarian is fighting his own tears.

Now it’s my turn. I take a deep breath. “For many years, I didn’t think I could ever find true love. I thought it was something that happened to other people, or something that only happened in movies and fairytales. But then you washed into my life. A man like no other, claiming my heart, my body, and soul. You have taught me so much, opened my heart to a love I thought I could only have in my dreams. But I don’t need to dream anymore. It’s time I wake up, because what’s going on right here and now is not a dream but a reality. My reality. I also vow to love you with my very last breath. I can’t wait to start our next chapter. And I don’t need to be scared, because I have you in my life. I don’t need anything else, as long as you are by my side.”

Damarian’s tears break through and gush down his cheeks. That causes my tears to fall, too. I hear a few sniffs from the audience.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Barry announces. “And now you may kiss your bride.”

Damarian gathers me to his chest, dips me a bit, and slowly, antagonizing slowly, brings his lips toward mine. I swear a space shuttle can get launched in the time it takes for our lips to make contact. But when they do, I am engulfed with so many emotions that I don’t know what to do with myself. Our lips come together in harmonious bliss, moving as one, because we are now bonded as humans. Our lips don’t leave each other’s, not even to breathe. The audience goes crazy with applause, but I tune it all out and just focus on kissing Damarian and showing him how much he means to me. It holds an extra meaning, because we were so close to losing each other again. This kiss symbolizes the power of our love. We will fight for it as long as we live.

When we break apart, the audience once again erupts in cheers. Damarian spins me around and holds me close to his chest.

“Can the mother of the bride squeeze in a hug?” Mom asks.

Damarian reluctantly releases me. “I do not wish to ever let her go.”

Mom wraps her arms around me. “She’s not going anywhere, Damarian.” She presses a million tiny kisses on my face. “I love you so much, honey. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve grown up to be.”

I give her a wry smile. “You’re proud of every part of me? Every part?”

She plays with my veil. “I don’t love that part of you, but I know it’s made you a stronger person and a happier person. Damarian is the right man for you, and I know how happy he makes you.”

“Beyond happy.”

“That is all a mother can ask for.” She kisses my forehead. “Just please no more sea serpents or broken bonds.”

“We’ll try our hardest.”

Louis gives me a strong hug, almost crushing my lungs. When he pulls back, he’s got tears in his eyes. “I’m so proud of you, too. I know I’ve only been in your life for a short while, but I truly feel like you’re my daughter.”

“Thanks.”

“I know I can never replace your father, and I sure as hell would never try to. But I hope you see me as a father figure and can come to me if you ever need help or advice.”

I put my arms around him. “I told you at your own wedding that I do see you as a father figure and that I will definitely come to you if I need to.”

“I know. I just want to remind you.”

I kiss his cheek.

Louis shakes Damarian’s hand. “You are a great young man. Now that you two are married, I see you as my son. I want you also to know that you can come to me with whatever you need. Even for money problems. Don’t be ashamed.”

“Many thanks, Louis. May I hug you?”

“Of course!”

Damarian envelops him in a huge hug, even lifting him a few inches off the ground.

“Give me a ride!” Ruthie squeals.

“And me!” Bobby says.

“No, you’ll ruin your clothes,” Mom says.

I hug Ruthie. “Thanks so much for being my flower girl. You did an amazing job.”

“Really? Because Bobby said I went too slow and held back the whole wedding.”

I give my brother a look. “Now why would you say that to your sister?”

He shrugs. “Because it’s my job?” He looks out in the distance and his face lights up. “There’s Timmy. Later.” He runs off.

“Wait for me!” Ruthie calls as she races after him.

The merpeople and Kyle step up, each giving Damarian and me hugs, kisses, and well wishes. I hold onto Kiandra and Syren for a few minutes, so thankful they’re here and are able to share in our celebration.

I notice Kyle’s eyes move to someone to the left. When I follow his gaze, I spot Leah and Armando chatting, with Leah laughing a little too loudly. Her eyes dart in Kyle’s direction every so often.

I shake my head but keep my lips sealed.

“Hey, Cassie?” Kyle rubs the back of his head. “That guy Leah’s with…”

“Not serious,” I say.

“He’s good looking.”

“So are you.”

He snorts.

“Dude, you’re a merman.”

He removes his gaze from her. “Not everyone finds them as irresistible as you.” He forces a smile. “Congratulations. And may you enjoy many, many moons together.” He lowers his head and walks away.

“Perhaps I do not understand human ways,” Damarian says. “But is Leah fond of Kyle and is he fond of her?”

“I think they both are but are too scared to admit it.”

“That is not only the ways of humans,” Kiandra points out, stealing a glance at her husband. He gives her a warm smile. She’s referring to their own journey of love. They grew up side by side and both had feelings for each other. But both were too scared to admit it. Syren finally did when Kiandra’s father suggested another merman to her.

Damarian slowly nods. “I see. But if Kyle—”

“There’s my girl!” Uncle Jim yanks me in for a hug. “She can be stubborn at times and maybe a little irresponsible—especially when it comes to showing up for a surfing class—but damn it if we don’t love her to death.”

My aunt and cousins each take a turn hugging me. I can’t breathe until I’ve received one from every one of the guests.

Timmy skips up to me. “Hi, Cassie and Damian! Thanks so much for inviting me to your wedding. I don’t usually get invited because I’m a kid. It’s so cool that it’s on the beach.”

I ruffle his hair. “I like to think so.”

“But when are we going to eat?” His eyes jet to the area few feet away, to where tables and a buffet are set up. “I’m starving!”

“Soon,” I promise.

“Cool. I’m going to catch up with Bobby and Ruthie.”

Timmy’s parents wish us congratulation as well and thank me for being supportive to Timmy.

We all head over to the reception area. The little kids waste no time grabbing plates and forks and piling mountains of food on their plates. Mom calls for attention. “Now Mr. and Mrs. Sapphire will have their first dance together as husband and wife.”

Mr. and Mrs. Sapphire. Husband and wife. Someone please pinch me.

Damarian offers me his hand. “My love, will you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

I place my hand in his. “Nothing would bring me a greater pleasure.”

Damarian and I have danced together many times, but that was when I wasn’t wearing a poofy dress that drags the sand around. I laugh as he trips over my dress. “Somehow, I find this even more romantic.”

He leans forward to whisper in my ear, “You are the most exquisite being I have ever laid eyes upon. When you walked down the aisle, I thought I was experiencing the most wonderful dream. But like you said during our vows, this is not a dream. You are here dancing with me with the largest smile I have ever seen on your face. All I wish is to make you happy.”

“You don’t have to wish it. You’re doing a damn good job.”

He dips me, then straightens me. “I am so glad we have many supportive friends and family.” He stares out toward the ocean. “I cannot see the rest of my family and friends, but I know they are there and that they are celebrating with us.”

“And they couldn’t be more thrilled.” I lock my arms around his neck and gaze into his eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”

“Me either, Mrs. Sapphire.”

That sends butterflies into my stomach. “I can get used to that.”

More couples have joined us in dancing, including Leah and Armando. Kyle stares at them with a frown. I sigh. “Excuse me for a second, Damarian.” I walk up to Leah, take her arm, and drag her away from Armando.

“Hey, what the heck!”

I fold my arms over my chest. “What are you doing?”

She raises an eyebrow. “Celebrating in your wedding?”

“No, I mean with him.” I nod toward Armando.

“Um, dancing with my date?”

“Are you trying to get Kyle jealous?”

“Kyle? Oh, he’s here?” She stretches her neck and turns her head in different directions. “Didn’t see him.”

I tap my foot. “Nice try. You’re totally trying to get him jealous. First of all, that’s not cool to Armando. And second of all, you’re messing with Kyle.”

“I don’t give a damn about Kyle,” she says through clenched teeth.

“I think you should talk to him. He’s been glaring at Armando since he got here.”

“Well, that’s his problem. Now, if you excuse me.”

I grab her arm before she can scurry away. “Oh no you don’t. You are going to walk right up to Kyle and talk to him.”

She yanks her arm away. “I will do no such thing!”

“Please, Leah. I don’t know if he’ll ever be on land again. You guys really need to talk.”

“Good, he shouldn’t come back to land again. Let him drown in the ocean for all I care!”

She said that too loud because some of the nearby people gape at us.

“Keep your voice down,” I hiss.

“I would if you’d stop telling me to talk to that jerkwad.”

I fold my arms again. “It’s my wedding and I want you to talk to Kyle.”

Now she folds her arms. “What, it’s your wedding so all your requests have to be fulfilled?”

“Yes.”

She presses her lips together.

“Come on, Leah,” I beg. “You guys just left each other with no conclusion. Neither of you will move on if you don’t talk. Do you want to spend your days hooking up with guys like Armando or do you want a real relationship?”

“A real relationship with Kyle? Hello, do you want me to grow a tail?”

I throw my hands up. “I don’t know! But you two clearly have feelings for each other—”

“I don’t have any feelings for that fish.”

“—and you need to figure it out.”

She tightens her arms on her chest. “I’m not going and you can’t make me.”

“Please.” I clasp my hands in a begging gesture. “Just do it for me.”

She narrows her eyes, then groans. “Fine! Only because it’s your wedding.”

“That’s all I ask.”

Louis dances with me, followed by Uncle Jim and Timmy. I have to force Bobby to dance with me for at least five minutes. I peek at Leah and Kyle, who are sitting alone at a table, deep in discussion. Armando is flirting with another girl.

Soon, I am back in Damarian’s arms. I squeeze myself against him and sigh in content. “It feels so good to be in your arms again.”

He strokes my cheek. “My beautiful Cassie. We are now mated as humans.”

I touch his cheek. “Now, we are finally complete.”