Brin

One year later...

"Kim..."

My low, warning tone was still not enough to dissuade my best friend from continuing her vendetta. Against what, I wasn't sure. She just kept fiddling with the skirt of my dress, the beading, whatever she could get her little fiddling hands on. It seemed like she was more nervous than I was, and I figured it must be the mountain air getting to her head.

Kim continued smoothing the fabric under my bodice, keeping her eyes low. "I'm sorry," she said. "I just—I just want this to be perfect."

"Geez," I said, rolling my eyes. "You'd think you were the one getting married today."

"Can you blame me for wanting my best friend's special day to be perfect?"

"Kim," I said, resting a hand on hers. Her gaze rose to meet mine. "It already is."

Hell, what day wasn't perfect when you traveled the world with the man you loved, having adventures and sucking the marrow from life? One of the best parts of today, ironically enough, was going to be spending time with my best friend, who I hadn't seen much in the past six months. Between my new modeling contract and Chad and I's constant traveling, I'd barely had time for everything to sink in. I had a feeling today would be another one of those moments, and I wouldn't realize that I was even married until a week from now when I caught a flash of my ring in the mirror or something like that.

Even though things were a little crazy, I was happy. So happy I could barely contain it at times.

I pulled Kim into a hug and squeezed. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Where even is here?" she joked. "I still don't understand why you chose this place to get married. Your nuptials will be the most exciting thing to happen here since the last goat stampede."

I laughed and released her, poking her nose. Kim would always be a Vegas girl, even if it was rough and tough at times. The more of the world I explored, the less I felt like returning to the place I'd once called home. Now I saw it for what it had been—a refuge. From my past, and from any semblance of a future too.

Sure, getting married in the Nepalese mountains with only some goats, a couple of locals, and Kim as witnesses wasn't the glamorous white wedding I pictured when I was a little girl, but that dream had been the kind you have before you figure out what you want in life. A pre-fab fantasy for those who haven't lived to find their genuine passion.

My true passions were springing up all over the place, but it was my love for Chad that had eventually thrown that old desire to the wind. All that mattered was that I was with him. This far from society there was no phone signal, no disturbances, and no audience. It was perfect.

"We should get you out there." Kim sniffed. "They'll think I tossed you out the back window and made a run for it."

We both glanced at the crooked window of the hut. I laughed at the mental image of Kim and I racing down the hillside, arms pinwheeling at our sides and my veil flying behind me like a kite.

"Yeah, let's do it."

She offered me her arm, and I threaded mine through it. The door squealed as we pulled it open, announcing our exit to the ragtag wedding party.

Chad stood twenty feet ahead of me, wearing an elegant tuxedo that stood out from the otherwise pastoral setting. We'd picked out the perfect cliff ledge, from beyond which stretched a vista like none other. Jagged mountain peaks rose in the distance, clouds hanging low around their base like fluffy snow. The air was chilly and light, layered with the fresh scent of mountain grass.

Kim dropped my arm halfway, and I approached Chad alone. The priest stood just off to the side. He hadn't wanted to get too close to the ledge.

Chad looked the most handsome I'd ever seen him. His tawny hair was combed neatly back from his forehead, not a piece out of place. His full mouth curved more with every step I took, and I nearly got lost in his eyes and walked straight to my doom.

I stopped when I reached him, beaming from ear to ear.

"That's a steep drop," I commented.

He laughed and looked down. "Yeah, it reminds me of our first adventure together."

"I hope you're not thinking of jumping."

Chad met my eyes with vibrant intensity. "Not a chance in the world, beautiful."

My heart fluttered in my chest.

"Are we ready?" asked the priest.

We both nodded, and the priest stepped over.

Oh, we were ready, alright.

Ready for the next adventure.