Epilogue
The day couldn’t have been more perfect.
Garrett and I stood with our families surrounding us on the shore outside the La Amory resort.
St. Thomas…
Where we shared our first kiss.
Where there was no turning back.
Where lies met truth.
Where I found love and my happily ever after.
I hadn’t wanted Garrett to see me before the ceremony, and when I walked down the aisle amidst the white wooden chairs lined up on the beach, his expression was something I’d never forget.
I’d never seen Garrett cry—not that I’d ever wanted to; seeing him like that would bring me to my knees. But, the moment he saw me, he grinned wide, and I saw the mist in his eyes. They raked over the plunging sweetheart neckline of the light champagne lace and chiffon gown that hugged my body like an hourglass.
He looked stunning wearing a black tux with a black bow tie, and he was completely mine.
Mom dabbed the corners of her eyes with a tissue, and Greta gently patted her hand as my dad gave me over to Garrett.
His hand held mine tightly. “Almost Mrs. Mitchell. Almost all mine.”
The pastor cleared his throat, smiling, and recited a few verses and prayers before announcing, “At this time, the bride and groom have elected to recite their own vows.”
I went first. “On this day, I give you my heart. I promise to love you, be patient with you, and hold and honor you. On this day, I give you my sincere promise to love you every day of the rest of my life. I can’t promise it will be easy. I can’t promise to always be perfect, but I can promise to love you and only you—always.”
A small tear caught in his lashes, and one rolled through mine onto my cheek as he began.
“You’re perfect in every way. You taught me to love, taught me to be me, taught me to be patient. I promise to always be faithful, honest, and trusting. I promise to stand by you, respect you, and cook for you.”
I pulled in my lips to keep from laughing aloud along with our family members. He squeezed my hands tighter and rubbed his thumbs along my skin.
The pastor stepped forward to finish, but I intervened, “Hold on, I have more. I feel like everything in my life led me to you—even the bad choices. The things that brought us together weren’t necessarily the best circumstances, but since those decisions led you to me and me to you, I’m forever grateful. If any one thing had been different, we might not be standing here today as one. I love you, Garrett.”
“I love you, Brooke.”
The pastor cleared his throat once more. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
He pulled me into his arms and kissed me like only he could. “Finally.” He let out a sigh against my mouth.
The reception and partying lasted a few hours inside a small elegant room whose windows and large terrace faced the tropical waters. Inside, bright flowers adorned each table as music played.
“I have a surprise for you,” Garrett whispered in my ear as we danced our first dance.
“I have one for you too.”
“You first.”
“I’m not wearing a thing underneath this dress.”
His eyes darkened, and his fingertips trailed down the open back of the gown.
“I think I like your surprise better.”
“Let me be the judge of that. What’s yours?”
“I want to witness your surprise as soon as this song is over.” He smiled.
“Tell me what your surprise is.” I stopped moving my feet.
He smiled a playful grin. “The island…I bought it, but instead of having to build a shelter, I had a house built. Greta and your mother helped with decorations since I figured you wouldn’t like masculine décor.”
What?
I lit up in pure disbelief, reeling with happiness.
“We’re going to the island for our honeymoon?”
“Is that okay with you?”
“Are you kidding? It’s better than okay! Oh…my…God—you actually bought it? We’ll have full access any time we want?”
“Any time we want, with an unlimited supply of razors.”
Flashbacks of the lagoon swept through my mind, and my body sizzled.
“Are you flying us?”
“Yes, but I promise to get us there in one piece, baby. My personal engine inspector has checked out the plane and gave it a full endorsement.”
I circled my arms around his neck. “I love you so much. This is the best present ever.”
“I love you more than life. You’re my favorite present of all time, Brooke.”
“Forever.” I pressed my mouth against his.
“Forever,” he said back before kissing me. “Now let’s get the hell out of here and start our honeymoon.”
I’d found my brand of wicked true love when I wasn’t even looking. In the lies and deception, fate had brought us together, and I smiled through the happy, happy tears as my husband wrapped me in his arms and circled me around and around the dance floor.