by Silla Webb
Chapter 30
Hebrews 6:19-Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
I take one last glance in the mirror and smile at the reflection. The empire silhouette dress is a soft ivory chiffon, falling at the top of my knees with Swarovski crystal embellishments on the center tie. My dark caramel waves are pinned up loosely framing my face.
“Sweets, are you ready?” Momma asks from the doorway. Pulling in a calming breath, I pad out of the room and begin my descent down to the beach where our wedding ceremony is set to take place. Reaching the top of the dunes I pause taking in the beauty before me. Savannah walks slowly up the aisle and turns when she reaches the altar. Her turquoise dress has a sweet heart neckline and falls from her hips with a slight flare. Braden runs across the sand nearly tackling Savannah when he reaches her side, burying his face in her stomach. Heidi Jo and Brailee are wearing turquoise sundresses with their curls bouncing across the nape of their necks. They carry a basket together, littering the ground with hibiscus petals as A Thousand Years by Christina Perri bellows softly in the background. My heart stills hearing the words to this song. I will my feet to move, but they stay firmly seated in the warm sand. I am in awe of the scene before me.
“Beauts, you gonna walk?” Luke asks leaning into me. I look up at him with my mouth parted, my breath caught between my lungs and my heart. Nodding my head, he lightly tugs on my arm and I begin to walk down the aisle. I lock eyes with Colton and the closer I get to him the quicker my feet move. He’s standing with his back to the ocean wearing a white button down shirt, khaki pants, bare-feet in the white sand. His smile is brighter than the sinking sun. Luke stops just feet away from Colton, waiting for the cue to release me. Anxiety builds up in my chest in this short time, just inches away from Colton as the pastor, Danny, begins the ceremony with a word of prayer.
“Who gives this woman to marry this man?” Danny questions.
Luke presses his cheek to mine and whispers, “Through the storm,” before laying a soft kiss to my cheek. “Her best friend,” he replies. Placing my hand in Colton’s, Luke turns and takes his spot next to him. Danny gives a short speech on the definition of marriage and the solemn vows we are making before our family and friends to cherish each other with an ever-lasting love. Turning to Colton he signals him to give his vows.
Colton steps forward and cups my face in his hands, softly brushing the pads of his thumbs over my cheeks as he speaks. “Darlin’, I knew the first time my lips encased yours that you were the other half of my heart. I knew that when God created me, he took a rib from my side for good keepin’ until it was time to create you. Our past was shaken, pullin’ our worlds apart and we were lost to each other. I died during those seven years, but by the grace of God you wandered home and made my heart whole again.” He drops his chin to his chest as his hands fall from my face to the sides of my stomach. He looks back up at me with tear glazed eyes as he caresses my stomach. “I’ll live each moment of my life to see you smile; and I’ll love you ‘til my dyin’ breath leaves my body.”
Danny turns to me, silently asking me to say my vows. The breath that I was holding releases slowly and I close the distance between Colton and me, linking our hands together to rest on my belly. My heart thunders against my chest and the anxiety that rushes up my back, blanketing my face with heat is welcomed.
“You extinguish my fears, giving me strength to hold on through all the things that terrify me. I know that you’ll always be there lifting me up, protecting me through whatever I face. You never gave up on me, through everything we’ve been through, together and apart. Our hearts are anchored together, through hope and love. Our hearts always beat in sync and I know that’s because they beat as one. You are the perfection to my every flaw. Time brought your heart to me and I’ll never let it go for as long as I live. I love you, Colton.” Tears flood over my lids and Colton swipes my cheek with his calloused thumb and winks.
The pastor motions for Braden to step forward and removes the rings from the small turquoise pillow. Turning to me Colton takes my left hand in his and repeats after the pastor, “With this ring I thee wed and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, till death do us part.” He slips the white gold band on my ring finger, then softly kisses the top of my hand. I take his ring from the pastor’s hand and repeat his words to Colton, slipping the matching white gold band on his ring finger. He links our left hands together and before Danny can prompt him, he lifts me up in his arms capturing my lips between his.
“I give you Mr. and Mrs. Colton Weston.” Cheers and tears burst from our loved ones and Colton spins me around in the air, peppering small kisses all over my face before placing my feet against the soft sand. Heidi Jo runs over and throws her arms around our waists laughter bursting from her chest.
Seven years felt like a thousand with the heartache I endured. Every promise he just made, I know without a doubt he’ll hold true to. Our lives are forever changed, beautifully merged as one.
Colton spins me beneath the moonlight, capturing me in his arms as we dance our first dance as a husband and wife to Who I Am With You by Chris Young. I left the music up to him, but he couldn’t have selected a better song for this moment. We’ve overcome so many things in out relationship; heartache, lies and betrayal. This song speaks volumes to the changes Colton’s made to becoming a better man.
“You make me the happiest man in the world, darlin’. I’m so happy you’re finally mine.”
“I’ve always been yours baby. Always will be.” Tipping up on my toes I pull his lips between mine, kissing him passionately.
We dance through a few more songs before my feet have had all they can handle. Traipsing off to the tent I relax into my seat watching Colton spin Heidi Jo around. My heart is so overcome with joy that it could burst at any minute. A year ago, if you’d asked me if I’d ever found love, the only response I could have mustered would have been “Lost it already.” But Colton has renewed my hope for a happily ever after.
“Beauts, did you save a dance for me?” Luke asks extending his hand to me. I give him a small smile, placing my hand in his as he helps me up from my seat. He stretches him arms around my belly, placing them on my hips and begins to slowly sway me to the music. “You look beautiful tonight, Carly.”
“Thank you, Luke. You’re the best friend a gal could ask for.” Guilt twinges my heart when I hear Kenny Chesney sing the chorus of Anything But Mine; Luke’s silent way of telling me that I may not be his, but I’ll forever be in his heart. I falter momentarily biting my lip hard, trying to stop the rush of tears that flood my eyes. He doesn’t pay any mind as he hums the song, smiling happily as we dance together.
“Alright, Ashton. Hands off my woman. You’ve had one dance too many, asshole.” Colton says nudging Luke’s shoulder as the song nearly ends.
“I’ve only had one dance, prick.” Luke laughs.
“My point exactly. So unless you wanna be shark bait, hands off my wife.”
“Alright you two, that’s enough. Damn it, I ain’t dancin’ with either of you baboons. I’m gonna go plant my thick ass in that chair and cool off. Dance with each other or something.” I throw my hands up in the air and stomp off. “Sheesh y’all drive me insane with your He-Man bullshit.” I can hear them laughing behind me, cuttin’ up with each other and probably making fun of my ass bouncing as I waddle away towards the tent. But I’m too tired to care.
I grab a plate of food and go sit with Savannah who’s flicking macaroni salad from one side of her plate to the next. “Why the long face, sweets?”
“Oh, I didn’t see ya!” She shouts, shuddering in surprise. “The wedding was beautiful. I didn’t cry that hard at my own wedding.” She smiles and her dim hazel eyes glisten with unshed tears.
“Sis, don’t cry. It’s a happy night. Go dance with the boys and have fun.”
“Nah, I have two left fe
et, you know that. Are you all packed up to drive down to St. Johns Island?” She asks, mindfully changing the subject. Colton and I are leaving shortly to our beach house for a short honeymoon. Heidi Jo will be staying behind with Emma and Bill here in Myrtle Beach for a few more days before heading back home to Kentucky.
“Tahoe’s loaded up now. What day are you going home?”
“Ha! Never.” She throws her head back laughing.
“Atta girl. Leave Kentucky in the wind and call Myrtle Beach home. What else do you have to look back for, Savannah?”
She huffs sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Gotta play house.” She shrugs, looking off into the distance. Luke looks up from the beach and smiles at us. Savannah smiles for a second before dropping her chin to her chest, hiding her face. I hate knowing she carries so many burdens on her shoulders, but I can only hold her hand when she’s ready to walk away.
“Momma, you didn’t dance with me. Come on, we gotta show Daddy and Uncle Luke how ya shake it.” Heidi Jo giggles.
“Sweetie, Momma’s feet are tired.” I whine, but she’s relentless, grabbing my hand and trying to pull my ass out of the chair. To keep from squashin’ my dear child, I stand up quickly and follow her out to the beach. Savannah follows behind me, already laughing as Wobble by V.I.C. blasts from the speakers. I know this is just a sick joke for their laughing enjoyment, but who gives a damn; this is my night.
My hips move from side to side with the thumping rhythm, my ass droppin’ low on each four count. “Wobble, Momma!” Heidi Jo calls over Savannah’s roaring laughter. Colton’s hands find my hips, pulling me back against him and I shriek in surprise at his hardened erection pressing into my ass cheek.
“You better be ready to go, ‘cause I’m ‘bout to blow,” he hums, trailing his tongue against my flush neck. Swatting at his hand, I grind my ass against his hips just to tease him more.
“Not just yet, darlin’!” I say leaning my head back against his chest. I can feel his chest rattle, vibrating against my back and it only excites me more. Damn, didn’t think I could get a rise outta him just by shakin’ my ass. Literally.
The song switches to Dance by Jennifer Lopez and I let the music carry me away, completely drunk on a lust induced high. Taking full advantage of this moment, I turn around to face him and glide my hands up his thighs gripping his cock tightly. His eyes roll back in his head as he swallows a lump in his throat. I let my hands roam up his chest and over his neck as I capture his lips in mine, but I pull away quickly before he can deepen the kiss. I swing back around, pressing my ass against his cock and sway to the beat of the song. “You’re evil.” He mutters against my neck, digging his fingers into my hips trying to grind against me harder. I throw my hands up in the air laughing as I wriggle from his hold, twisting my hips as I dance towards Heidi Jo. Luke drops his chin to his chest, shaking his head laughing at a stunned Colton.
I dance one more song with Heidi Jo and Brailee before Colton all but drags me back up to the tent to cut the cake. The three tier cake is small, yet elegant with ivory buttercream icing and turquoise fondant hibiscus flowers to match the bouquets and boutonnieres. After cutting two small slivers of cake, Colton links his arm in mine, bringing his hand up to my mouth to feed me and I mimic his movement. He opens his mouth taking a bite and I follow, but instead of putting the cake in my mouth he smashes it against my cheek.
“CAKED!” Savannah bellows out, doubling over in a fit of laughter as she tries to snap pictures.
“That’s just a piece of your punishment for bein’ so damn evil on the beach.” Colton chuckles in my ear, licking the cake from my face.
“Don’t tease me with a good time.” I giggle against his lips.
After changing clothes, we say goodbyes to our families. The drive to St. John’s Island is only about two hours from Myrtle Beach, but it’s already late and I’m exhausted. I recline my seat and kick my legs up on the dash and drift off to sleep.
“Wake up, Mrs. Weston. You’re home.” Rubbing my sleepy eyes I yawn, stretching my arms up high above my head before Colton helps me down out of the SUV and leads me up the small pea-rock driveway. Unlocking the front door he pushes it open before wrapping his arm under my knees and cradling me to his chest to cross the threshold. He places a swift kiss to my lips as he places my feet gently on the floor; his lips smiling against mine.
“Sit tight, let me grab our luggage, darlin’.”
I wander through the house, double checking that the management company had cleaned and groceries were delivered as I had arranged. I haven’t been here in ten years; everything looks different, yet the same.
Making my way upstairs, I open the french doors to the master bedroom balcony. The sweet, salty air breezes past me as I step outside and take in the beauty of the moon hanging low over the ocean. No matter how many times I see it, my breath is always taken away. I feel warm, corded arms circle my stomach, as Colton pulls me against his chest. He nestles his face in my hair as he trails the tip of his nose along the side of my throat. “Damn, woman. You are so perfect.” He whispers as he presses delicate kisses to my pulse point. I sigh quietly and my knees tremble.
He turns me in his arms and threads his fingers through my hair, capturing my lips between his. His kiss is ever so tender and gentle that warm tingles crawl up my spine. I melt into his touch, my mind cloudy and lust filled. His lips never leave mine as he walks me backwards into the bedroom. He pulls away briefly, slipping the dress from my shoulders before hooking his thumbs in my panties and sliding them down my legs. He undresses, keeping his eyes on mine and an ever present smirk firmly in place.
He lays me back gently against the bed, then hovers over my side carefully. Grazing his calloused finger tips over my heated flesh, my lips part forming an “O” as my eyes flutter closed. His mouth crashes down onto mine as he swallows my sigh, gently scraping his teeth over my bottom lip. He trails feather-light kisses down my cheek and across my shoulder. His touch is ever so soft and gentle that a shiver snakes up my spine. He caresses my body tenderly, not one inch of my skin untouched.
I can faintly hear the lyrics of I Melt by Rascal Flatts through the sound of the ocean kissing the shoreline. Tangled in his arms, he pours all his love into me passionately, until the morning sun rises.
Chapter 31
“Get outta the boat, darlin’.”
“Hell, NO.” I argue, laughing nervously as I grip the ladder in my fist.
“Carly Jo, have I ever let anything happen to ya?” I shake my head from side to side as I roll my lip between my teeth. “No. Now get your cute little ass in the water now.” He says firmly. Wrapping his arm around my waist, I squeal loudly as he pulls me towards him, falling back into the ocean. “See, darlin’. Told ya you ain’t got nothin’ to be worried ‘bout. The sea is calm this evenin’.”
“I love the beach, Colton. But I’m nervous as hell in the ocean. I can’t see the frickin’ shore!” Burying my face in his chest, I keep a firm grip around his neck as we tread water lazily. We’ve been out to sea for a few hours. Colton fished, while I laid under the sweltering sun, reading. Moving closer inland, Colton swore he saw dolphins and got the hankerin’ to go for a swim.
“Darlin’, how many times can you say you swam with dolphins in your life?”
“None?” My voice shakes.
“Exactly, just enjoy it. We’ll get back on the boat in a few minutes. Just wrap your legs around me and relax.” Just as I begin to argue, Colton presses two fingers to my lips as he cocks an eyebrow up at me. “Ah-ah. Calm down. Have a little faith.”
Doing as he says, my breathing skitters through my chest with trepidation. I’ve never been so far out in the ocean. Being surrounded by water as far as the eye can see causes my heart to leap into my throat with fear. But I know that I’m safe with Colton, so I try to free my inhibitions and enjoy the moment. Just as he promised, we swim with the dolphins. Well, dolphins swim around us, and beneath us, but the experience itself is simply ama
zing. Being in their habitat, experiencing the world from their view, is beyond breath taking.
Colton helps me back up the ladder, watching each slippery step carefully. Climbing onboard, he dries off and changes into dry clothes before starting the engine and cruising back to shore. The evening sun is fading into the distance, and beautiful hues of pink, orange and yellow blanket the sky. The breeze is cool, and I wrap myself in a towel securely as my sun kissed skin begins to shiver. Colton takes the rolling waves with ease, maneuvering us safely from the ocean waters to the inlets. When land falls within my vision, I breathe a little easier than I have all day.
My shoulders slump and I relax into the captain seat as a soothing calm washes over me and I begin to reflect the last few days. Our honeymoon has been amazingly blissful. We spent the first day in bed, passionately devouring each other relentlessly. The next couple days we laid on the beach, just relaxing and enjoying the sun. Colton has been itching to deep sea fish, but it took me all week to work up the courage to get on the boat. Thousands of negative thoughts filled my mind. What if I get sea sick? What if the boat runs outta gas? What if the boat capsizes? After days of pouting and some devious persuasion, I finally gave in and climbed aboard.
I won’t lie, watching the land fade into the distance behind me nearly caused a coronary. My chest swelled with anxiety and I think I held my breath for a few seconds. Once we were at sea, and I realized the waters were calm and gentle I let my guard down momentarily and enjoyed the day. I was fine as long as my feet were firmly planted on the dock of the boat. I would have never got in the ocean had Colton not dragged me in, but I put my faith in him, and together we experienced a beautiful moment that we will never forget. We’ve only been married for five days, but our love has grown by leaps and bounds in those few short days.
