Reed's Reckoning

Sophie and Cara helped me get ready so now I’m just waiting for Amy to return and then take our pictures.

“Get away from that window!” Sophie snaps at me. “You aren’t allowed to see Reed and he’ll be back any second.”

“I can’t help it; the butterflies in my stomach have butterflies.”

“Come here, baby.” Grandma’s arms engulf me. “This is meant to be, nerves are normal.” I look around and realize I imagined that. But it felt so real, I know in my heart Katy is here with me today.

“I think it’s funny as hell Reed chose an island. Even if you wanted to run, you’d have to swim to get away from him.” Sophie laughs and I join her.

“Not that I want to run, but you’re right. He made sure I would have a hard time escaping.”

We talk a few more minutes about nothing important until Davis busts through the door with excitement. His little tux is adorable.

“Mommy! Mommy! Daddy told me to give this to you.” He hands me a slip of paper.

I unfold it and gasp. Inside is the most beautiful sketch of my name with today’s date. Underneath it, Reed wrote ‘the ink is dry’ on a pink post-it.

“Is that more Reed speak? What the hell does it mean?” Sophie asks over my shoulder.

“It means Reed tattooed this on his body.”

“Is he always this cheesy?”

“No! He’s romantic and loving. This is the most beautiful gift he’s ever given me.” I stare back at her with narrowed eyes challenging her.

“I think the term is p-u-s-s-y-w-h-i-p-p-e-d, not romantic. And I’d take the quarter mil diamond over ink.”

I shoot daggers at her.

“Jeez, Ari, calm down. I’m only kidding. He’s so totally gone for you and you’re perfect together. It’s what girls like me dream about.” She smiles and pulls me into a hug.

“Honey, you ready to go? Luke and Jack had to hold Reed back to keep him from barging up here. We need to get you out of here and get your pictures before he goes crazy.” Amy walks in.

I nod, take Davis’s hand, and follow her out to the waiting car. Luke joins us and we head to the other side of the island. I look at his watch, ninety more minutes until I become Mrs. Reed Matthews.

“You look beautiful,” Luke tells me as we stand outside the small chapel waiting for him to walk me down the aisle.

“Thank you.” I run my sweaty palm down the lace of my dress and take deep breaths. I chose an A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline in the shade of pearl. The lace overlay hangs back with a small train, which is tucked in my elbow until we get into the chapel.

“You know this is meant to be right? I’d never wish the devastation you experienced on anyone, but Reed’s going to make your forever amazing.

“If your parents were here, they would be happy Arianna—happy that you have another man in your life that will always love you.”

Emotions start to take over; tears sting my eyes and I blink rapidly to push them back. One of the two photographers comes out and motions to us it’s time.

Luke leads me to the doors and when they open, I lose it. My beautiful little boy is standing there with his hand extended to help walk me down the aisle. This was not rehearsed and when I look at Luke, he has a sly smirk on his face. I wipe my cheeks and take his little hand in mine then finally look up.

When I do, my heart stops. At the front of the small chapel is the love of my life staring at me with raw emotion. His eyes are glassy and his mouth tight. I can see him trying to hold back his own tears. We walk slowly towards him and I never take my eyes off his.

Sophie, Jack, and Luke are the only ones in our wedding party. Reed reaches down and leads Davis to stand beside him then turns to me. Luke places my hand in his and an electrical current runs between us. Suddenly, all I hear is the beating of my own heart and the clicks of cameras.

Luke breaks me out of my haze by kissing me on the cheek and moving to his spot. The minister starts talking about joining together and the love between two people being the catalyst for a relationship. When he says something about heartaches, I giggle. He has no idea of our history, but we’ve had enough heartaches for a lifetime. Reed smiles with me knowing what I’m thinking.

We say the traditional vows and then the ring exchange. When Reed slips my ring onto my finger, my eyes bulge and I inhale loudly. There are a few chuckles behind us. He chose a wrap-around diamond band that compliments my engagement ring perfectly.