Karas smiles. “It’s our pleasure. Holly would’ve never let me say anything but yes.”

“We appreciate it, and I’m sure Whitney will be thrilled to meet her.”

Fifty-Five

Whitney

I should have known that it would be perfect. Absolutely and completely perfect. Lincoln wouldn’t allow anything else for our wedding.

Correction, our double wedding.

The rainbow of glass shimmers like multicolored gems beneath our feet as Cricket and I each hold Asa by the arm and walk toward the men we love.

My simple white dress blows in the breeze, and I’m overwhelmed with pure joy as I stare at Lincoln’s smiling face waiting a few yards away.

When we stop before the grooms, Asa kisses Cricket on the forehead first, and Hunter takes her hand. If not for Lincoln’s wide grin, I would have said Hunter looked to be the most excited groom on the planet.

Then Asa turns to me and squeezes both my hands. “I know when to admit that I was wrong, and I hope you’ll forgive me. I just want you to be happy, Whit. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

“There’s nothing to be forgiven. Not anymore. I love you, Asa.”

My brother kisses my forehead and then looks to Lincoln. “This is how it was always supposed to be. Take care of her.”

“Until my dying breath,” Lincoln replies.

Asa gives us both a nod and steps back to join the small group of guests standing on the beach watching our wedding. McKinley Riscoff shifts nervously next to him.

Interesting . . .

Instead of the huge affair that Mrs. Havalin had pushed for, Cricket and I agreed that we wanted something very intimate and private, and no one was going to bulldoze us.

Asa, Commodore, McKinley, Magnus, Karma and the girls, as well as Hunter’s parents and our hosts—Creighton and Holly Karas—stand witness to the ceremony, and it’s absolutely perfect.

We say our vows as the sun goes down, and Lincoln freezes when the preacher asks if anyone has any objections.

Everyone laughs.

“No objections to this union. Not from a single one of us,” Commodore says, his voice booming over the crashing of the waves. “This is the beginning of a new era for both our families. The best is yet to come.”

And it is a beautiful new beginning. When Lincoln’s lips brush mine to seal our vows with a kiss, I feel lighter and more at peace than I ever have in my entire life.

This is everything.

When he pulls back, he looks down at me. “Just wait until you see what we’re having to eat for the reception. Then you’ll really be impressed.”

“What?”

“Torchy’s Tacos. We flew them in, just for you.”

My cheeks already ache from smiling, but my lips curve up even harder.

“Best. Wedding. Ever. And not just because of the tacos.”

Epilogue

Two years later

The lawn of the Riscoff estate is packed with people—friends, family, business acquaintances, and everyone in between. We started a new tradition last Fourth of July, and I think it’s safe to say that it’ll continue for many years to come. Kids run by with sparklers, and I look for my wife.