Aaron, however, wanted to have a wedding with approximately eight-thousand guests. So we compromised and decided to get married in the Dominican Republic, on a beach close to where Martina grew up, with our closest family and friends.

But right now, even thinking of our fifty-something guests is making me nervous.

“Of course, mi amor,” Martina says with a pat of the skin under her eyes. “I can’t start crying now.”

Just then, a knock comes from the door.

“It’s time,” my almost mother-in-law says as she gets up and claps her hands. “You are going to be wonderful. I’m sure Aaron will die when he sees you.”

Fighting to keep my giddiness from coming out of my every pore, I hug her and accept her kiss on my cheek. Then I wait as she opens the door to leave, letting Dennis in.

Aaron’s father never fully recovered from his stroke. He can say or write a few words from time to time, but overall, our communication has been limited. Still, I feel like he’s one of the members of this family who understands me the most.

We exchange a glance, and the smile he gives me makes me take in a deep breath. It’s time.

I nod, then start out the room with him. Our walk to where the ceremony takes place is short, the thick humidity already making the hairs curl at the nape of my neck. Thank goodness we waited for the sun to start setting before the ceremony. Above us, exotic birds sing while large palm trees surround the alley that leads us to the alcove where our guests are sitting.

When I start to see water and white chairs on the horizon, I stop, then turn to Dennis. His hair has grayed a lot since I met him, yet he looks younger somehow. Most importantly, he looks so much happier.

“I never thought I’d get married, but even in my wildest dreams, I didn’t think I’d have anyone by my side to walk me down the aisle if it happened. So… Thank you. I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”

Dennis’s gaze becomes watery before he opens his mouth. A few sounds come out, but none what he wants to say. I wait patiently until the word he was looking for comes out.

“Honor.”

Keep it together, Wren.

He must be having the same thought as I am because we simultaneously turn toward the beach. Then, without another word, we start walking.

The music soon reaches our ears, a bridal march played by a string trio, so beautiful. And when we get close enough, everyone rises.