Reed's Reckoning

“Told you, Angel, every diamond—tenfold.” He whispers.

The ring I slide onto his hand is much more understated, but he wanted plain. Just when I think we are done, Reed and the minister exchange a glance and Reed’s grip on my hands tightens.

“Arianna, I wanted to say a few words to you today in front of our family and friends to express how lucky I am to have you. Finding you after all those years was the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. I spent some time with Katy when I knew I was going to ask you to marry me.” The room is absolutely still; waiting to hear what he is going to say. We agreed no sad tears today. I hold my breath waiting for his next statement.

“Even though she knew I loved you, she wasn’t convinced I deserved you. I told her that there was nothing in this world I wouldn’t do to provide a wonderful life for you and our children. I explained that I loved you enough to cover every heartache, deception, and misunderstanding. Your heartbeat is the bloodline to mine. I may have lived without you, but I never, ever knew love without you. There is no doubt in the world, I don’t deserve you, but I promise every day on this earth, you will never doubt how cherished you are.”

Sniffles and sighs fill the room, and I let my tears fall. I want to say something but I’m too overcome with emotion. I glance away from his stare for a second and see Luke smiling widely with a sheen in his own eyes.

Reed wipes my tears away and moves in to kiss me but the minister clears his throat loudly. We look at him and he looks at me with a questioning glance. I shake my head.

When he finally announces husband and wife, a loud chorus of cheers breaks out behind us. I don’t look anywhere but in the crystal blue depths of my future and seal my lips to his.

Our kiss is sweet and slow but takes a new direction when he pulls me close and grips my head. His tongue dances with mine and we breathe each other’s air to continue. My body melds to his and I run my hands up his torso until I reach his neck and hold on for life. The kiss turns passionate and needy and I pour everything I feel into it.

The cheers continue but I don’t stop kissing my husband until there’s a tugging on my gown. I nip at his lips and turn to see Davis staring at me with huge eyes. He doesn’t understand the magnitude of what just happened. He simply reaches up for me to lift him. I bend down but Reed stops me and picks him up instead. We turn to the small galley and see flashes all around us. Sophie hands me my bouquet and we walk outside to thunderous applause.

Once we get outside, I’m surprised to see a small bar set up with drinks and a sitting area lined in fans. The South Georgia heat is extreme and the people flock out behind us to the coolness and open bar. Shani brings me water with a koozie while I wait for pictures to begin.

I laugh out loud when I read the caption on the koozie; ‘Operation Matthews’. Reed gives me a sly smile and leads us back to the chapel for the remaining pictures.

An hour later, we are on the ferry heading to our reception. Reed got a special permit to have a bar on the boat so we can mingle intimately and enjoy the small group of guests. Cara is sitting alone on a bench looking silently at the water.

“Did you help with all this?” I motion to the bar behind me.

“A little.” She smiles shyly.

“Come here!” I open my arms for a hug and she flies into me. I hold her tight and she freely melts into my shoulder.

“Care Bear, are you mauling my wife?” Reed interrupts and wraps his arms around both of us.

I see the happiness in her face that his nickname has returned. We all hug for a few more seconds before Davis blows in insisting Cara go look for dolphins with him. We watch them walk away and I feel at peace.

When we get to the dock, loads of black extended SUV limos are waiting for us. I look at Reed in confusion and he shrugs, and each of the drivers stand with the names of their occupants. Reed helps me into ours and I notice a car seat in the middle. I grin and look back at Connor who is watching me closely. I wave and blow him a kiss, which causes a groan from Reed.

We arrive at the Ritz with a huge reception waiting for us. Amy and Cara take Davis and give us a few minutes alone before they announce us.