by Lena Malick
When they got to where the dirt turned to sand, they parked the truck. There were a lot of other cars and motorcycles parked along the path that lead to the house.
When she got out of the truck, Vicky stood, taking it all in. It was late afternoon. The sun lit the ocean surface in shimmering patches. The sand on the beach was so white it looked like pure sugar.
Nik and Carmine had recently painted Nik’s house a pale blue with yellow trim. The pier that led off the back deck of the house had Nik’s sailboat moored at the end. The dive sanctuary buildings looked finished, all designed and painted to blend perfectly into the surrounding environment. A white arbor and trellises had been set up on the sand in preparation for the wedding, along with a walkway of white planks.
Colorful birds flew over the white cliffs and skimmed the water, as if putting on a show. Terra had shown Vicky pictures of the bay, but nothing compared to seeing it for the first time.
“Holy mother of God,” Vicky said. “I’ve never seen a place so beautiful in all my life.”
As if on cue, Spidey the spider monkey began chattering his greeting as he ran circles around the top of his palm tree. Vicky turned to Terra. “You are one lucky girl,” she said.
They heard the sound of Nik’s motorcycle coming up the path as they were hauling their luggage out of the back of the truck. Nik skidded to a stop in a cloud of dust. He slid off his bike as Terra went to him. They fell into a deep embrace. Before even kissing him, she hugged him tight and breathed him in. Her face tucked under his ear, she pulled in his scent like nourishment as he wrapped his arms tightly around her.
They kissed. His hand went to the back of her head as he pressed his mouth tightly to hers. His other arm pulled her to his body, as if claiming her as his own. She closed her eyes and got lost in his warm, wet mouth, the familiar taste of him, as her hand ran over his shoulders and back.
“I missed you,” he said, before pulling her tighter and kissing her all over again.
“I missed you, too,” she said after they finally broke. She opened her eyes. When she did, she realized Vicky was gone. Her and Carmine were carrying their luggage up the steps to the house. Terra wondered how long they had been kissing. She could get so lost in his kisses that it sometimes felt like she had slipped into a time warp.
“So, ready to get married?” he said.
“I am so ready.”
The house was packed full of people, all preparing for the wedding—cooking food, making decorations, talking on cell phones.
Red was the first to find Terra, grabbing her in the living room and giving her a big hug. “Teeeraaa!,” she squealed. To Terra’s surprise, Red was pregnant and looked ready to give birth any second.
“Red! You’re pregnant! I had no idea! Why didn’t Nik tell me?”
“Ah well, you know men. Yeah, just about a week or so away. We’re having a little ginger man,” she said, flicking her flaming red hair.
“Who’s we?” Terra was dying to know. Soren walked up. “Terra, star of the show!” he said in his thick Swedish accent, giving her a hug. Red gave Terra a look. “Soren?” Terra said with a broad smile.
“Yeah, looks like she found a way to keep me here forever,” Soren said, putting an arm around Red and patting her belly. They both smiled, glowing with happy anticipation.
“You guys—I’m so happy for you,” Terra said. “Does this mean you plan to stay here for the long haul?”
“No plans to leave,” Red said happily. “Who wants to leave paradise?” Soren added.
Everyone that Terra knew from her time in Mexico was there. A rowdy group of Nik’s old friends from the diving school had just come back from a dive and were holding court on the outside deck, their trunks still wet as they told a group about a whale shark they spotted. The gang from Circle Rock bar was there, including the bartender, who was putting on a demonstration in the kitchen, showing everyone how to make a floating blue margarita. The band from Circle Rock bar was in the living room, playing songs on acoustic guitar. Allan, the accountant from Boston, who once seemed so out of place, was in there with them singing and playing a ukulele.
More and more people showed up. As the house filled, the party spilled out onto the deck. Terra lost track of Vicky. She was worried about her. Not knowing anyone, Terra was afraid Vicky would feel out of place. Her fears were alleviated when she finally spotted her with a group of others on the pier, beer in hand, cracking up at something Carmine was saying.
When the sun went down, they built a bonfire on the beach, bigger than usual. Terra guessed there was close to a hundred people there. Huge plates of food were hauled from the kitchen to the beach. Terra made the rounds, trying to find a moment to talk to everyone, doing her best to be social. Being a natural introvert, it was challenging, and after a couple of hours, as eating turned to drinking and dancing, Terra needed some time alone.
She wandered over to the medical clinic. Carmine had shown it to her earlier, but she looked forward to coming back and spending time here by herself. Carmine had worked on it little by little, as his other work allowed. He’d occasionally Skyped with Terra, showing her what new piece of equipment arrived, or to ask her a question about how something should be built. Now, as she walked around the room, Terra felt herself swelling with pride. There was a cardiac monitor, orthopedic equipment, a suture tray, and other standard equipment for treating a variety of ailments.
Terra picked up a stethoscope, pealing the new plastic off the metal facing. She heard a sound and turned, startled.
“Sorry, Terra, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I had a feeling I’d find you here.”
“Anna!” Terra said, relieved. Throughout the day, Terra kept peering through the faces, hoping to spot Anna. She felt closer to her than anyone else in Nik’s family, and missed her sisterly presence. “Did you just get here?” Terra asked as they embraced.
“Yes, I only just arrived.”
“My God,” Terra said, stepping back and looking at her. “I think you’re the only person in the world that’s more beautiful than Nik.” It was true. Anna had a beauty that seemed otherworldly, with her emerald green eyes, perfect features and graceful figure.
“Oh, stop it. You’re the beautiful one. No woman is more beautiful than a bride on the night before her wedding. Are you ready?”
“Yes. I’m more than ready. Has the rest of your family arrived?” Terra asked tentatively.
“No. My mother arrives tomorrow morning. My dad won’t make it. Business—always his excuse.”
Terra let out a sigh. “Your mother hates me.”
“No, she doesn’t.”
“Yes. I’m afraid she does. She thinks I’m marrying Nik for all the wrong reasons. She doesn’t believe that I had no idea about his money.”
“She sees herself in you. She’s made some terrible mistakes, and I think you remind her of that. Did you know she was a nurse before she met my father?”
“No, I didn’t know that.”
“Apparently a very good one, better than some of the doctors she worked with.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed,” Terra said. “I guess I’ve never seen the nurturing side of her.”
“I told her something yesterday, before leaving for the airport. Terra, do you remember when I first met you, at the Circle Rock bar that night when I was with Nik?”
“Yeah, you were about to leave for your final year of college.”
“Yes. I had a strong feeling that night. I couldn’t explain it. When I saw you and Nik look at each other, I just knew you two were someday going to be married. Don’t ask me how I knew. I just did. I kept it a secret—until yesterday, when I told my mom. She didn’t say anything. She just listened. But I could tell, she believed me.”
“You really felt that?”
“Yes!” Anna laughed. “Somehow I knew. I took one look at you and thought, it’s her!”
Terra embraced her. “Anna, I’m so glad we’re going to be family.”
“Me, too.”
“Hey, you two,” said a male voice. “You’re missing all the fun.” It was Nik. He strolled in, managing to look insanely sexy in bare feet, jeans and a t-shirt.
“You’re right,” Anna said, breaking away from Terra. “I’m going to go find the best looking guy on the beach and dance the night away.” She gave Terra a sly smile and slipped away.
Nik stepped into Terra, taking her in his arms. “Hey, lover,” he said as his hand stroked her hair.
“Umm,” she said. “I don’t like sharing you with so many people.” She wrapped her arms around him. “I want you all for myself.” She snuggled in close.
“I’m all yours. Now and forever.” His hand moved to her cheek as his other hand slid down her back. She tilted her head back, stretching up. Nik ran his thumb over her lips as she closed her eyes. He kissed her. As her mouth opened, his tongue slipped in, causing electric charges to cascade through her body. Terra tightened her grip on him, pressing her body into his. He put both hands on her face, kissing her deep. His passion poured though his kiss and right into her, causing her knee to move up his leg. She squeezed tightly against him, relishing the sweet, salty taste of his kisses.
“Now and forever,” he said again, briefly breaking away. He nibbled her chin. “Forever and ever,” he whispered, before kissing her again.
Chapter 10
The next morning, the first thing Terra did was to go see Spidey. It was barely light out. The embers from the beach fire were still smoldering, giving off a dense, woodsy smell. A dreamy fog settled along the shoreline as small waves lapped the beach in a soft rhythm. Terra padded over the cool sand in her bare feet to the tall palm that Spidey was usually perched in.
“Morning, Spidey,” she called up to him. He responded with a few clucks, then ran around the tree trunk once before climbing back up to the top. “Okay, sorry to disturb you.”
Perfect, thought Terra. Though the sky looked clear, she wanted to be sure. Spidey was there resident weather forecaster. He always knew if bad weather was coming. If rain was on the way, he would have let her know by making his barking sound. Even when there wasn’t a hint of rain, if Spidey made his barking sound, you knew it would soon arrive. He was never wrong.
Terra went back to the house. She wanted to make coffee before the others got up. Some people had driven back to town for the night, planning to come back later for the wedding, but a lot of them were sleeping in the house. More of the guests were sleeping in makeshift quarters in the various buildings of the dive sanctuary. A few brave souls slept in tents on the beach.
Terra was determined not to see Nik until the wedding. It may have been a silly tradition, but she had insisted, and Nik happily obliged. She and Anna had set up blankets and sleeping bags in the medical clinic and slept there, talking and laughing half the night.
When Terra came into the kitchen, she was glad to find Carmine already there. The rich aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. “Morning,” she said.
“Ah, good morning, Little T. How is the beautiful bride to be?” he asked with a broad smile. “I’m good,” Terra said. “No rain in the forecast, according to Spidey.” Carmine was stirring something on the stove. The coffee maker stood empty. “I thought I smelled coffee.”
“Oh, you did,” Carmine said with a happy chuckle. “You don’t make real coffee in one of those.” He waived a wooden spoon dismissively at the coffee maker. “Here is how you make real coffee.” He poured a dark liquid from the pot through a strainer, then did some elaborate shaking routine. Eventually, he poured the liquid slowly into two mugs. He triumphantly handed one to Terra. She was hesitant. She usually drank her coffee with lots of cream and sugar. She sipped the black liquid.
“Oh, my God,” she said, her face brightening. “I’ve never tasted coffee this good.” Carmine smiled. “How do you make it?”
“With lots of love. And a few secrets.”
“You? Secrets?” Terra loved the relationship she had with Carmine. He gave her glimpses of what it would have been like to grow up with a brother.
“I have a few,” Carmine said over his coffee mug. “I have one right now.”
“You do?”
“Um hum.”
“Do tell,” Terra said, enjoying herself immensely.
“It’s your wedding day, so you really don’t need to be thinking about anything else. But… I like your friend, Vicky. A lot. But I’d never do anything without asking you first.” Terra never thought of Carmine as shy, but he seemed as bashful as a little boy now. “May I—I mean, would you be okay if I—if I were to—”
“Yes! Yes, of course, Carmine!” Terra burst out, smiling a mile wide.
“Oh, good.” He let out a sigh of relief. “Of course, I don’t know if she likes me, but I’d like to find out.”
“Oh, I have a feeling she might.”
“I hope you’re right. She’s pretty cool.”
“Well, you’re pretty cool,” Terra said.
They sipped their coffee, comfortable with the silence. “Carmine, can I ask you something?” Terra had been thinking about this for awhile, looking for the right time to ask. She’d been putting it off, but it really couldn’t wait any longer. Carmine had done so much for her, she hated to ask anything more of him.
“Yes, of course.”
“I don’t really have any family. I was wondering if—” her voice cracked. She looked at the floor.
“What?” He put his mug on the counter, giving her his full attention.
“If you would walk me down the aisle.”
“Oh, Terra,” he said, stepping forward and wrapping her up in his arms. “Little T, I would be so honored. It would make me so happy.” She felt a flood of relief.
Everything seemed to be falling perfectly into place. There was only one problem that still nagged at Terra—the only thing in the way of a perfect wedding day—the only thing in the way of a perfect life with Nik. Nik’s mother.
And she would be arriving in a few hours.
Chapter 11
The wedding was scheduled for three o’clock. Vicky had planned it so the reception would be around the time the sun was setting. It was all going to be on the beach—the wedding, the reception, and the after party, which was likely to go on all night. That is, if it didn’t rain.
Terra’s wedding dress was simple and tasteful. The material was a luxurious white silk blend, soft as baby hair—spaghetti strapped, but with a below the knee cut, giving it a playful, informal look. She had very little makeup on, and her only jewelry was a bracelet. Her dress was so simple that she was ready too soon. She waited impatiently with Anna and Vicky in the living room of the house, having commandeered it as a dressing room.
Vicky continued to futz with Terra’s hair, tying it up in different ways. “What about this?” Vicky said, holding Terra’s hair up in an elaborate twist with one hand as she took a sip of her wine with the other. Terra looked at herself in a mirror they had propped up against some books on the coffee table. “Really?” Terra said. “Okay, maybe not,” Vicky said, dropping Terra’s hair back into place, letting it cascade naturally over her shoulders. Vicky realized there really was no way to improve Terra’s natural look. “I just feel like I should do something.” Vicky had planned and executed everything perfectly—now she was having trouble letting go.
“Everything’s perfect,” Anna reassured Vicky, giving her shoulder a light squeeze.
Red popped her head in. “Hey, girls!” She tried to sound like her usual enthusiastic self, but Terra thought she looked pale and tired.
“Red, are you alright?” Terra asked. Anna looked at her as well and said, “Red, why don’t you sit down?”
“Oh no, I’m great. Just wanted to say good luck. You look absolutely beautiful.” She smiled at Terra as she held her swollen belly.
“Where’s Nik’s mother? Is she sitting in the front?” Terra asked. She knew she shouldn’t, but couldn’t help it. Vicky shot her a stern look, having spent
most of the morning trying to convince Terra to just forget about Nik’s mom.
“No,” Red said. “She’s standing off to the side, not making much effort to talk to anyone. And she’s wearing that medallion you told me about.”
“You sure you don’t want to sit down?” Terra asked her again.
“Nah, I’m good,” Red said, but she looked unsteady. She came over to Terra and put a thin daisy chain of small white flowers in her hair. It was the perfect touch. She gave Terra a hug, her big belly pressing against her.
“Congratulations, Terra. You guys are going to be so happy.” She squeezed Terra’s hand before turning to walk out. “Oh, baby’s kicking! I think it’s a good sign!” she said as she left.
Ten minutes to go. The three of them paced the room. “Why did she have to wear that stupid medallion?” Terra asked, breaking the nervous silence. “Stop it, T,” Vicky said. “Just forget about her. This is your day.”
The time finally came. Vicky kissed Terra on the cheek. “See you out there, kiddo,” she said, and started out. Terra grabbed her arm. “You have the ring?” she asked.
“The ring! Oh, my GOD!” Vicky said.
“What?!” Terra said, eyes wide.
“Kidding. Yes, for the hundredth time, I have the ring,” Vicky said, smiling.
“My God,” Terra said, clutching her chest. “You’re horrible.”
“I know. But it’s fun to be me. Listen, just enjoy yourself out there. Everyone’s here for you guys. You’ll never again have so many people throwing their love your way, so enjoy it.”
“Okay. Thank you, Vik.”
“Um hum,” Vicky said with a knowing smile as she strolled out.
Anna took Terra’s hand and led her out to the deck, where Carmine was waiting. “You look gorgeous,” she said, playfully bumping shoulders with her. “My brother doesn’t deserve you.” Terra smiled and took a deep breath as she watched Anna walk off the deck.
Terra looked out over the sand at all the people gathered. Now it looked like more than a hundred. Much more. Some were standing, others sitting in chairs or on the sand. The wood planks made a neat path off the deck to the arbor and trellises.
