Kennedy opens the door and ushers everyone out. “Let’s go. So far, we’ve evaded any possible press, so let’s get you out to sea before that changes.” When we don’t move fast enough she claps her hands. “I’m not kidding ladies, let’s move your butts.”
We all glance at each other, and I stifle a laugh.
Once safely aboard, we head to the first level, where there’s a plush living room type area. The boat is magnificent. It has a dining area with a dance floor, a bathroom that doesn’t make me cringe, and even a few bedrooms. It’s basically a miniature cruise ship.
“Do you think he’s nervous?” I ask the girls.
“I’m sure he’s being restrained by Randy so he can’t come find you.” Savannah laughs. “Eli isn’t known for his patience.”
“No shit,” Nicole agrees. “Who the hell plans a wedding before asking the bride?”
“I think it’s romantic.” Kristin grins.
I agree with Kristin. On one hand, he’s crazy, but on the other, he’s sweet. “Well, he does leave for filming soon, so we either did it now or waited a few months.”
After a bit, Kennedy comes in and instructs us where to go. She fusses over each of my girls, getting their dresses perfect.
Nicole turns to me and pulls me close. “He’s the one, Heather. The one who deserves you.” She pulls a note from her freaking cleavage, and I know what that is. “I wanted to do this before we left, but I forgot until now. Stephanie said this was only to be given to you on your wedding day to a man who truly deserved you.”
My hand reaches out, shaking as I take the paper. “I can’t read this,” I admit.
“Do you want me to read it to you?”
“No,” I sigh. “I just mean I’m going to lose it.”
She touches my hand. “I’ll hold Kennedy back. Take your time.”
Nicole makes good on her promise, informing Kennedy that she’ll make her walk the plank if she comes in here. I sit on the chair and open the note. My sister is always with me, and today has been tough, but I pray this won’t wreck me.
Heather,
I really hope you get to read this, and for real, don’t cry!
You were meant to be loved by someone special. You have given yourself to everyone around you, and I hope you’ve found a man who will finally fill you up. I don’t remember Mom and Dad’s marriage like you do, but from what you’ve told me, I pray you’ve found that kind of love. I hope the other half of your soul is a fraction as wonderful as you are.
While I can’t be there, know that when you finally open this note, I’m smiling down on you. If it’s sunny, it’s because I’m shining. If it’s raining, it’s because I wanted to make your makeup run, because that’s what sisters do. However, if it’s a hurricane, then Daddy is probably trying to send you a message or you just have really shitty luck.
I hope you’re happy today. I want you to smile all day, even when you miss me. I’m never far from you because you’re a part of me. I love you so much. I wish I could tell you how special and beautiful you are right now, but this letter will have to do.
Last, let him know if he messes up, I probably have other ghost friends by now, and I’ll make sure he never sleeps again.
I love you.
Stephanie
P.S. You get the next letter when you either have a kid or turn fifty. Either way, I’ll be back . . .
I tuck the letter into my bouquet of flowers so she’s with me down the aisle and look out at the now coral-and-purple sky with a smile. She’s such a turd, even from the grave she still messes with me.
My sister would’ve loved this. I can imagine her giving me crap about the color dresses, the flavor of cake, and pretty much anything else she could make a fuss about. The way she would’ve gone to war with Kennedy and then with Nicole. She would’ve loved Eli. They only met a few times, and I know she’d be completely on his side. He has this way about him that she wouldn’t have been able to resist. It’s annoying how charming he is.
There’s a soft knock on the door, and I open it.
“Ready?” Brody asks with a smile.
“I’m ready.” I loop my arm in his.
Brody kisses my cheek, and we start to walk. “I’m happy for you. Eli’s a good dude.”
I chuckle. “He is.”
“You doing okay after the letter?”
“I actually am. I miss her. I miss her so much, but she’s with me all the time.”
Brody stops me at the bottom of the stairs. “She would be so proud of you.”
Now the tears start to come. I look up, fanning my eyes and hoping to keep them until at least the vows. “Damn it.” I laugh. “No more talking. I’m not crying before the wedding.”
“All right, let’s focus on you not tripping.”
“Agreed.”
We make it to the upper deck, and nerves have me gripping Brody’s elbow a bit tighter. I think about how different my life is. I’m not afraid anymore, and that’s all thanks to Eli. I don’t sit and wait for the floor to drop out, I dance on it, enjoying what we do have. He’s been there each step of the way, always holding out a hand for me to hold. When he wanted to leave his show, we talked about it. He wanted me to quit my job, and we talked through my staying. I’m there by his side at his doctor appointments, but I’m not the one running it all. There may come a time when things will change for us, but that’s okay. If it does, we’ll do it together.
Kennedy makes her way over and fixes my veil. “Here we go.”
The double doors open, and I continue to cling to Brody’s arm so I don’t falter in my steps. The space is more stunning than I could have imagined. There are blue and green flowers, beautiful white chairs, and twinkling lights fill the space. It’s absolutely perfect.
The music cues, and the room no longer is what I see. The man I love more than life comes into view, and I melt. His black tuxedo frames his body, showing off his broad shoulders and trim waist. Our eyes connect, and he smiles. My chest clenches, and I fight the urge to run toward him. Suddenly, I can’t wait.
I start to move, but Brody holds me steady.
Each step I take eases the tightness around my ribs. The closer we get, the easier I can breathe.
We reach the end, and Brody places my hand in Eli’s as a tear falls. I look at my best friend who has been a brother to me. He winks and kisses my cheek. “You have a new partner now.”
Another tear drops, and I nod. “Thank you.”
“Be good to her,” Brody says as Eli shakes his hand.
“Always.”
The minister calls attention to us all, and I feel the greatest sense of calm. Here, surrounded by our family and friends, we confess our love. Eli slips a diamond eternity band on my finger, and I place a titanium ring on his. When we picked out our rings, Eli said my ring was to be wrapped with no break in stones. I chose one that was the strongest metal.
“Ellington and Heather have decided to write their own vows,” the minister explains. “Heather, you’re first.”
I take a deep breath and confess what’s in my heart. “I never believed in fate. My world was exactly what I made it to be. I felt that by believing there was something else controlling the things around me, it meant I wasn’t worthy of much because my life was a mess. Therefore, I controlled anything possible. And then I met you. A day that was a way for my friends to force me out of the house for a good time, became my future. I didn’t know that one instant could alter everything I ever believed in, but you did that. You showed me that it was okay to take chances. You gave me a safe haven through the storm. You give me the ability and the strength to believe in tomorrow.” A tear rolls down his face, and I swipe it away like he’s done for me so many times. I take his hand in mine and squeeze hard. I want him to know how much I believe in us. “I promise that I’ll never run from you, not even if you push me outside my comfort zone. I promise that even when our lives feel like they’re crumbling, I’ll stand beside you. I will be your strength when you need it. I promise you will never have to wonder if I love you because I’ll show you in every way. You are the other half of me. You are my belief in fate. You’re my reason for going on. You’re my salvation, and I love you so much. I give you my heart, my soul, and my life from this day forward.”