Since coming to Miami, our favorite time of day was sunset.
Lounging on the bow with a cocktail in one hand and Eddie holding the other, life was pretty perfect.
While we’d forever be Detroiter’s at heart, we settled in seamlessly.
As if Miami had been patiently waiting for us to get our shit together while offering us a place to start over.
It was beautiful here, full of diversity, sun, and new opportunities.
And flip-flops year-round, a definite bonus.
So, it only made sense that we re-new our vows on the dock where our boat floats.
By the way, I said yes only three days ago. Three. Eddie wanted this and he wanted it now before, and I quote, “You wise up and change your mind.”
Hours later, I was sliding my spaghetti strap, silk shift dress over my head, enjoying the material gliding over my skin, clinging perfectly in all the right places. Pinning my hair up and off my neck, I applied a light dusting of makeup and gloss before checking my reflection in the mirror.
Turning this way and that, I was stunned at how ethereal I looked.
I was...glowing.
Back were some of my curves I had lost during my divorce diet, fuller hips and breasts now adding to my healthy aura. My cheeks were no longer hollow, the skin under my eyes was no longer dark. Running my hands over my stomach and sides, my ribs were no longer prominent, my ass had even fluffed up a bit too. Thanks to Eddie’s culinary skills I was just a few pounds shy of my original weight, and I felt good in my skin. Though I enjoyed being thinner, I wasn’t meant to stay that way. So, I figured if I was going to work out anyway I may as well eat all his food without guilt too.
Shit, you only live once, right?
With ten minutes until go time, I left the condo to meet Eddie and the officiate we hired to marry us down below.
As I probably always would, I took to the stairs instead of the elevator.
Even with the progress I’d made with therapy I found safety and comfort in open spaces.
And hell, it was a great for my legs. Considering we lived on the ninth floor...
The moment I cleared the double doors and stepped into the humid night air, I saw twinkling lights, heard a cello playing and was greeted by two men I loved very much. Speechless, I stared at Griff extending his hand toward me.
Launching myself into his arms, I cried into his neck so fucking glad to see him.
Even though I saw him daily, the fact that he was here...
Kissing me on the temple, he whispered, “Gotta give my best girl away.”
Years ago, two kids ran to Las Vegas to get married on a whim and neither set of parents understood or agreed. And it’s not like Eddie didn’t try, because he did. However, they didn’t. I lost my parents not too long after we married, and they hadn’t gotten to know and love their son in law.
To this very day, Eddie’s parents didn’t recognize our relationship, and while it hurts it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as it used to.
So, having Griff here now was... perfect. After all, since losing my dad he stepped in and filled that void.
He filled it for Eddie too.
God, I loved him very much.
In my ear, he said, “Glad to see you listened to me, superstar.”
And I had too. I didn’t let hate win. Instead, I let love in.
“Shall we?” he said leading the way.
Arm in arm, we took our time, small steps, each one bringing me closer to Eddie.
When we turned the corner, and I saw the dock filled with everyone I loved most in my life, I almost broke free to tackle every single soul here. Score one for Eddie and his ability to constantly surprise me. I was so alive in my skin, my heart was so full, I yanked Griff along, eager to get to my husband.
Just a few steps shy of my goal, I sailed at Eddie and distantly heard Griff say, “She never has been patient.” And Brenda answered, “Love isn’t fond of waiting, I suppose.”
Both were right.
Our vows were simple with a lot of kisses and smiles shared between us.
There was no pronouncing us man and wife because we’d already ran that play.
But Eddie, like always, surprised me with his own vows.
Cupping my cheek, he said just for me to hear, “Eleven years ago, I promised to love you for as long as we both shall live. I never imagined that I would face losing you or the depths of despair I would feel when I did. Until the day I die, I will make loving me worth it, superstar.”
Sealing his mouth over mine, the clapping and cheers barely registered.
Because in that moment, it was just us.
Eddie with his black eye and me in my white dress with sweat running down my crack.