Total pages in book: 235
Estimated words: 227851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1139(@200wpm)___ 911(@250wpm)___ 760(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 227851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1139(@200wpm)___ 911(@250wpm)___ 760(@300wpm)
He nods, accepting, and goes after his parents as mine pull up, John driving them. The big man gets out, and I’m surprised to see him in some linen trousers and a shirt. Both cream.
“Nice,” I muse as he looks over his glasses at me.
“Motherfucker,” he breathes, and I laugh, walking on bare feet to the car and opening the door for Mum, helping her out.
She gives me an accusing eye. “Your father’s been splashing some cash.”
“He has?” I ask, innocent, as she holds out her wrist. “Ooh, fancy.” I take in the delicate piece. “You look lovely, Mum.”
“And you look . . . not ready.” She takes in my white shorts as John chuckles.
“I’m ready,” I assure her.
“For what, a swim?”
“Maybe,” I muse.
Confused and perhaps a little exasperated by me, she hands over the flower as Dad moves in for a hug.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Ready, son?”
“For Ava?” I ask. “Never.”
He laughs and releases me, holding the tops of my arms, looking at me. Studying me. I let him have his moment as John leads Mum around the side of the villa toward the beach. Dad doesn’t say anything else. He inhales, squeezes my arms, then moves in and kisses my forehead. “Good luck, son.” Releasing me, he wanders off, and I watch him go until he rounds the corner.
A deep breath.
Complete.
I go inside and trim the stem of the flower, tucking it in the back of my shorts, then fetch Ava’s dress, my timing perfect. She’s at the wardrobe when I enter the bedroom. “I’ve picked something.”
She looks back, taking me in first before the dress. Her hands move away from the rails. “It’s a bit short, isn’t it?”
“I’ll make an exception,” I say nonchalantly, going to her and helping her into it. I zip her up and take her in. “Cute.” I look out past the billowing voile drapes, hoping everyone is in place as I claim Ava’s hand.
“I need shoes.” She laughs as I pull her to the doors.
“We’re paddling,” I say over my shoulder, walking us around the pool to the gate that leads to the beach. I see everyone in the distance and look back at Ava to see if she’s spotted them. No. Her eyes are on me.
“Can we paddle on our backs?” she asks.
“Pregnancy does wonderful things to you, Mrs. Ward.”
“I always want you this much.”
“I know you do.” I stop us at the gate and spend a short while taking her in. Glorious. “You’re missing something.” I pull the calla from the back of my shorts and tuck it behind her ear, fixing her air around it. “Much better.”
She smiles as I lean in and kiss her cheek before walking us on. “Watch that piece of splintered wood,” I warn, stepping across the old sleepers. “Careful.”
“You should have let me put some shoes on, then.” She leaps across the wooden planks.
“Ava, no jumping,” I yell. “You’ll shake the babies up.”
She laughs, totally ignoring me, and leaps the rest of the way down to the sand. “Come on,” she calls, breaking out into a jog but soon slowing again. I smile as she comes to a gradual stop, taking in the row of people before her. All smiling. Our family. All people who love us.
It’s a delayed reaction, but she gasps and faces me. “What are they doing here?”
“They’re here to witness me marrying you.”
“But we’re already married.” A huge frown creeps onto her forehead. “We are, aren’t we?”
I laugh. “Yes, we are.” I look up to Mum and Dad. Old, glassy eyes look back at me. Yes, this is for Ava. But it’s mostly for me and for them. I don’t mind admitting that. And, bonus, I get to marry my wife again. With all of my family. Just how it should have been.
That’s one lesson I’ve learned.
It’s not too late to do things the right way.
“But my mum and dad missed our day,” I say, giving my attention back to Ava before I let my emotions take over. “And we should have done it this way before.”
I walk us through our family to the registrar by the shore, and turn Ava to face me, holding her hands with both of mine.
“We are gathered here today,” the registrar begins as Ava looks up at me, a small smile on her face, her bewilderment clear. I hold her hands tighter, watching her mouth move, her eyes shine.
“Will you love him, cherish him, honor, and obey him?” she’s asked, “for as long as you both shall live?”
I raise my brows as Ava’s smile becomes knowing. “Well?” I ask.
“I will,” she says quietly as I move in closer, bringing her hands to my mouth. And now it’s my turn.
“I love you,” I say quietly, tilting my head when she tilts hers. Watching her closely. I thought I’d known peace. Ava’s trampled all over that. “An eternity with you wouldn’t be enough, Ava.” I smile as her lip begins to tremble, feel my throat getting thicker. “From the moment I saw you, I knew things would change for me.” She breathes in, and I definitely hear a collection of emotional whimpers from the crowd. I can’t look, especially at Mum and Dad.