I sit back down and rest my head on the back of the chair. “I wish I could have met my baby.”
After a few minutes of silence, I stand and kiss my fingers before setting them on the cold marble. I stuff my hands in my pockets and walk to my car. Once inside, I rest my head on the steering wheel, taking big breaths to calm myself before I drive back home.
“Hey, you okay?”
I look up and see Char, beautiful but worried. Her mouth is tight and her eyebrows squish together. I’ve been sitting in my car in front of my apartment for a few minutes.
I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m alright.”
She squats down and places her hands on my arm. “It’s okay, Travis. You don't have to be strong all the time.”
“It sucks not knowing. I hate that I never got to meet my kid.”
Her small hand lightly rubs up and down my arm, relaxing me and releasing tension.
“I’m sorry.”
I put my hand on top of hers. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart.”
“I know, but I hate that there’s nothing I can do.”
I turn in my seat and rest my forehead on hers. “Just being with you makes it better.”
* * *
Charlotte
“I’m freaking out. I don't want to do it.” I squeeze Travis’ hand, and he laughs at me.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. You’ll be fine.”
Ignoring his reassurances, I clamp my eyes closed and grip the rope in my other hand. My fingers are becoming numb, but I don’t care.
“Ready?” the guy on the boat shouts.
“No!”
“Yeah, man. Let’s do it!” Travis yells after my protest.
“Holy crap!” I squeal when my feet are no longer on the back of the boat.
“Open your eyes.”
“No.” I shake my head and maintain a firm grip on the rope.
“We’re as high up as we’re gonna go. You’re not gonna fall.”
I squint one eye open, and when I see the water hundreds of feet below me, I scream and shut it again.
“You’re the one who said you wanted to go parasailing again,” he teases.
“I know, but I forgot how high up you go. I wasn’t this scared last time.”
“Char, look. It’s beautiful.”
Very slowly, I open my eyes and take everything in. He’s right; it is pretty.
“Wow.”
Everything else below looks so small, and I don’t even feel like I’m moving. It’s like I’m sitting on a chair in the middle of the sky. Releasing his hand, I point at the flock of birds in front of us. The sun on my face warms me, and I kick my feet side to side, leaning back a bit. When I feel his lips on my cheek, I smile and look over.
“It’s pretty neat, huh,” he asks.
“Yeah, I didn't go up this high the first time.”
“Who went with you?”
“My mom.” I smile at the memory, one of the happier times I had before my dad died.
She was the one who was freaking out, so I tried to stay calm for her. I didn't have time to be scared.
“Let’s get married.”
I shake my head at his humor. “We are.”
“I know. But I want to do it soon. Like this weekend?” His smile is infectious.
“We got engaged a week ago.”
“So.”
“So? I don’t have a dress.”
“Okay, go buy a dress. It can’t take that long.”
“You’re crazy!” Next week is way too soon. I want to marry him and spend the rest of my life knowing he’s mine, but it seems too fast.
“Fine. Next month, then?”
“Okay.” The word comes out before I have time to think.
He pulls his head back, shocked at my answer. “Really?”
“Yeah. Really. That’ll give me enough time to get a dress. And since it’ll be September, the weather should be nice enough to have a wedding outside.” I clap my hands in excitement. “Yeah! Let’s do it!”
* * *
“Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod,” I chant and lean on the car for support. Nausea coils in my gut, and I take deep breaths.
“What are you freaking out about?” Meara asks.
“I’m getting married in five minutes!” I yell, throwing my hands in the air.
“I’m aware of that. Even though, I must say, this is rather fast. Are you sure you want to do this?” She puts her hands on her hips and tilts her head, trying not to smile. She looks beautiful in her strapless tan dress holding a bouquet of blue hydrangeas.
“I’ve already moved in with him. I’ve loved him forever.” I flatten out my lacy white dress with sweaty palms. “Yes. I’m sure.”
“Then let’s go get your prince.”
I watch her walk away toward the beach. Pacing by myself, I look at the sky, wishing my parents and Caroline were here. Since my dad is the only man I would ever want to give me away, I’m walking alone. A breeze picks up and my dress flows in the air. I bend at the waist to push it down, and when I stand straight, three feathers twirl in front of me.
I swallow a cry and reach for them. My hands shaky, I grasp them tight and hold them to my chest. Tears moisten my eyes, but not because I’m sad. Because I know they’re with me.
I tuck the feathers in my bouquet, take a deep breath, and walk down the path of blue rose petals leading to my favorite place.
I nearly trip when I see my future husband standing on the rock. He looks amazing with khaki pants, a white button-down shirt, and a baby blue tie. His hair has grown out a little, so it’s spiked on top, and he’s smiling at me, showing his dimple.
I quicken my pace and take his hand when he reaches down to help me on the rock.
“Hi, sweetheart. You’re so beautiful.” He leans down to kiss me, and catcalls ring out from the crowd. I blush and pull away, handing my bouquet to Meara.
Brandon nods at me as I stand in front of the officiant, holding hands with Travis. We smile at each other, then laugh when asked if it’s okay to start, or if we’d like a few more minutes. We repeat vows and exchange rings. I lose the battle and cry when he kisses my hand and slides the band on.
“I now pronounce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Travis Parker!” Cheers erupt. Travis presses his lips to mine, and I squeal when he lifts me up.
The kiss starts out innocent enough but quickly escalates. His tongue licks the seam of my lips, and I nip at it before sucking it into my mouth. He lets out a possessive growl while sliding a hand down to cup my butt. I moan and grab the back of his head, holding it in place.
Our bubble is burst when Brandon says, “Dude, chill. Everyone’s watching you dry hump your wife.”
I pull back and bury my head in his shoulder, silently laughing and embarrassed that I forgot we had an audience.
“I should care, but I really don’t,” Travis says, and kisses me one more time.
Travis
I watch my wife dance with her cousin and Mary. Never in my life have I felt more pride. Not even when I graduated from the academy. The fact she chose me to spend the rest of her life with, makes me the happiest motherfucker in the world. I want, no, I need to get her alone. I push off the bar, but a hand squeezing my shoulder halts me. I turn and see Declan, Char’s oldest cousin.