“Did you see him?” Sam asked hoarsely.
“Of course I did. You don’t think I’d miss doing a shot with Joe do you?”
“Nick, did you see Nick?” Sam clarified.
“Oh…” Mallory’s smile got even wider. “Prince charming is waiting and he looks absolutely swoon worthy. I mean panty dropping to a whole new level.” She exclaimed and shook her hand as if she was scorched for a dramatic effect to her words.
“Panty dropping?” Deb asked confused.
“What’s panty dropping, Cara?” Ava looked up at her with questioning eyes.
“Nothing, sweetheart.” Cara said and silently hoped for Luke’s sanity, she didn’t repeat the question. Ever.
“I’m ready.” Sam said and pressed a hand to her slightly rounded belly.
*
Nick stood beside the priest as the organ sounded with some whimsical music. He removed his hands from his pockets and dropped them to his side. Phillip groaned beside him as the sun beat down on them. He slipped his sunglasses on and Nick held back a chuckle. He looked around the few rows of white chairs that surrounded the gazebo on the sand. He nodded towards his mother, who smiled in return. His heart warmed, a foreign thing, when it came to his own mother. Then he lifted his gaze and watched Luke walk his mother down the aisle. Deb held onto her son for dear life as she cried uncontrollably. Nick smiled at her, warmly. That woman would always be a mother to him. Christ, he really was a lucky guy.
Luke bent down and pressed a kiss to his mother’s cheek before he took his place next to Nick. They watched as Mallory made her way down the aisle. Her hair was pulled up in a twist and the short lilac dress flowed around her knees, the wind hiking it just a bit. Phillip shook his head.
“Scandalous, even at a wedding.” He muttered under his breath as she took her place across from the men. Nick smiled at her and then he felt Luke go tense beside him. He glanced at his friend and watched as he swallowed. His eyes fixated on the end of the aisle. Nick turned and saw Cara. Her hair was swept up in curls, her dress the same as Mallory’s. She clutched her bouquet with one hand and her other hand held Ava’s. The two girls looked at each other and smiled before they walked down the aisle.
Luke’s face broke out into a smile as they moved closer. Ava blew a kiss to her dad before sitting beside her grandmother. Cara’s eyes found his and he winked at her.
“You’re beautiful.” He mouthed.
“Thank you.” She whispered back.
Nick cleared his throat. Luke elbowed him. Cara laughed. The music changed, and the wedding march began. The guest stood from their seats all turning towards the aisle to catch their first glimpse of the bride. Joe and Sam rounded the corner, standing at the end of the aisle. She lifted her eyes and though they were shielded by her veil, they found Nick’s.
Nick inhaled sharply. She smiled at him and his heart clenched. There was nothing more beautiful in the world, than the woman that stood just a tad out of his reach. She began to make her way towards him, and his throat closed. Nick’s eyes never left those blue eyes that began to shed tears of happiness. His smile blossomed and he took a step out of the gazebo. The years flashed before him, remembering her as just a girl he knew, and how that girl became the woman he loved with all his heart. Sure, it took a while, but right then and there he looked into her eyes and he knew his search was over. She was with him all the while, maybe always just a tad out of his reach, but never to be again.
Joe and Sam stopped at the gazebo and Nick’s eyes diverted to Joe. He watched as the man cried while lifting his daughter’s veil. He pressed his lips to her cheek and Sam leaned into him, cementing the feel of her father’s lips to her cheek. She would never forget that moment, not as long as she lived and she was sure neither would her father.
“I love you, Samantha.” Joe croaked taking her hand he turned to Nick. Nick nodded as Joe took his hand with his free one. He joined Nick and Sam’s hands together and squeezed them lightly.
“Who gives this woman’s hand in marriage?” The priest asked.
“I do.” Joe said hoarsely. Nick held Sam’s hand and wrapped his free arm around Joe. He hugged the only man who was ever really a father to him.
“Thank you, Joe.” He whispered.
*
“The rings?” The priest prompted and Luke quickly reached into his pocket and handed the rings over to the priest for him to bless. Once the blessings of the rings, was complete he handed Sam’s eternity band to Nick. He slipped the ring onto her finger and smiled up at her.
“It is my understanding you’ve chosen to say your own vows. Nick?”