We didn’t invite a lot of people to the wedding–just our closest friends and family.
The sea breeze was soft, the sun was bright, and I walked barefoot on warm sand in my white gown. Fordy stood up ahead, his white suit fluttering in the wind, holding a bouquet of white roses.
The way he looked at me–it was like he never stopped looking, not once.
The officiant asked, “Do you promise to love him for the rest of your life, to stay by his side no matter what–rich or poor, sick or well?”
I looked at Fordy, my eyes already starting to tear up, but I smiled and nodded. “I do.“}
Then it was Fordy’s turn.”
He looked at me, his voice softer than the breeze. “I’ve waited years for you. Thought about you for even longer… But from today on, I don’t have to wait anymore. No matter what comes next, I’m never letting go of your hand again.”>
We exchanged rings and held each other. In the distance, the waves rolled in like they were blessing us.
After the wedding, we moved into a little house by the sea–the same place we loved visiting as kids. We fixed it up ourselves and planted morning glories and a peach tree in the yard.}
Fordy said, “Next spring, we’ll watch the peach blossoms bloom together.”}
One lazy afternoon, I was by the window sorting through books when I noticed our cat had chewed up the corner of the couch again. Snowball!” I frowned and marched over, but the fluffy little menace jumped up to the windowsill and flicked her tail at me like she was taunting me.
Fordy heard the commotion and came out of the study, scooped her up, and patted her head. “She’s still a baby. Don’t be mad.”}
I gave him the side eye. “You said that last time. She’s already destroyed three pairs of my pants.“>
Fordy grinned and leaned in. “Then I’ll buy you ten new ones.”}
“I don’t want new ones. I want you to sew the old ones back.”
“Guess I better learn how to sew then.“}
“Fordy!“}
He pulled me into a hug, kissed my forehead, and laughed. “Even when you’re mad, you’re cute.”}
I puffed my cheeks, ready to snap back, but when he smiled like that, I couldn’t help it. I smiled too.
We adopted Snowball the year I got sick. I found her behind the hospital, curled up in a cardboard box, shaking all over.
She was tiny and terrified. Fordy insisted we keep her, saying she reminded him of me–nervous, fragile, but fighting so hard to survive.} Now she’s a chubby little puffball, always bouncing around the house.”
Fordy said, “That’s what love does. We gave her our love, and now she lives like she knows she’s safe.“}
And honestly, that’s kind of how it was for me too.
I used to be like that cat–trapped, anxious, hiding in corners. Until someone came along, picked me up, and said, “It’s okay now. You don’t have to hide anymore. I’ve got you.”
That night, we sat on the beach, wrapped in a light blanket, watching the
“Do you remember picking shells here when we were kids?” I asked.
moon rise.
“Of course,” he said, kissing my ear. “You said you’d use the biggest shell as a ring for your future husband.”
I laughed. “Then I went and ate it.”
“You cried for hours,” he smiled. “Said you couldn’t get married without it.”
“Well, now I’m married. Do you regret it?”
He looked at me, eyes sparkling like stars. “Too late for that now.”
I leaned into his shoulder, closed my eyes, and breathed him in–woodsy and clean, mixed with that salty ocean air. It felt like home. ‘There’s been so much loss, so many twists and turns. But somehow, I still found my way to you. Thank you for waiting. Thank you for not giving up.”
The breeze played with the shells on the sand. The shore was warm, waves lapping gently.
Snowball rolled around behind us. Everything felt quiet and peaceful.§
And at that moment, I thought to myself, I do deserve this. I do deserve this happiness. (The End)
