The One

by Violette Paradis

  “Hmm?”

  “You come up with crazy ideas, like going on a ski trip or coming to the Bahamas to get married. There’s no preparation involved. You just do it.”

  “Hey now, there’s some method to my madness.”

  “I’ll believe it when I see it.” I smiled and pecked him on his soft lips. It was tempting to kiss him for longer, but I resisted the urge.

  I could have those lips as much as I wanted when we were married.

  “You know what I love about you, Sophia?”

  I smiled and closed my eyes. My head felt light and adventurous, and I knew the rum from my pineapple cocktail was doing its job. “What do you love about me?”

  “That you can command a pack of bulldogs to do your bidding.”

  I let out a short laugh.

  “You know what I love about you, Jason?”

  “What?”

  “That even though the world sees you as this successful, put-together businessman, you’re nothing but a goof.”

  “Who, me?” He asked mockingly. I pushed him away but he grabbed my hand and kissed my palm. “You know what I love abut you, Sophia Fletcher? You snore louder than the dog.”

  “I do not!” I protested, laughing and pushing him away but he held me tight against him, laughing like I was. When we both calmed down he looked up into my eyes.

  “I love you, Sophia Fletcher.”

  I smiled. “I love you, Jason Powers.”

  He pulled me down and kissed me softly on the lips, his hands danced up and down my back.

  Knowing the kiss was the climax of the night, my body pounded excitedly, hoping that I would reverse my rule and pull off my clothes, but I didn’t. For some reason, knowing we wouldn’t have sex until we were married made our sloppy make-out session all the more heart-pounding.

  I had no idea how much time went by — minutes, hours — I couldn’t be sure. All I knew was that Jason and I spent the better part of our last evening as girlfriend and boyfriend fully-clothed, grinding and rolling around on the bed, kissing each other more passionately and purposefully than we ever had every kissed each other before.

  I burned for him more now, in his arms, than I ever had. Hands sliding over the back of his chiseled shoulders, I held him closer so I could feel the buzz of his body against the buzz of mine.

  ~Chapter 6~

  When I woke up the next morning my body was still wound up with tension. Sensing me stir, Jason opened his eyes and looked at me. There was a slight smile on his lips.

  “Today’s our wedding day,” he said.

  “So it is.” I smiled back.

  He rolled closer. “I’m so excited to finally marry you.”

  Blood rushed to my head and my cheeks burned. I smiled harder, biting my lip.

  “Should we even be doing this right now?”

  “What? Lying in bed together?”

  “No, seeing each other.”

  “We’re not kissing, are we?” He asked.

  “I guess not.”

  “Plus, I like looking at you.”

  Though there was air conditioning in our ocean-view suite, heat still coursed through my body. If I wasn’t careful, I’d give into Jason an hour shy of our wedding.

  I sat up in bed. “If you excuse me, I’m getting married today. I have to get ready.”

  Jason pushed himself up and watched me with an amused smile on his face.

  “I wouldn’t want to make you late.”

  I pushed him in a playful manner and he grabbed my hand, pushing me against his warm chest. His touch was electric. I looked into his dazzling, dark eyes.

  “I’m so excited,” I admitted. His smile widened and he pulled me in close, but I stiffened. We stared at each other a moment longer.

  “I want to kiss you so bad right now.”

  “Me too.”

  Jason moved in just closer. “So let’s kiss.”

  I pushed my hand firm against his chest.

  “We’re waiting,” I reminded him. “At least until we’re married.”

  A groan purred in Jason’s throat and he stared at me like I was forbidden fruit — an unattainable goddess. The tension wound tighter in my body, building up to levels I hadn’t experienced since I was a teenager.

  Jason pulled me in a tight embrace and stroked my hair. This was my last chance to feel his body and smell his scent before saying goodbye.

  Letting go, Jason made his way to the door and stood in his robe. “My room is on a different floor, so don’t worry about me seeing you before the wedding.”

  I let out a light chuckle.

  Did that even matter anymore?

  “Someone will be by in about an hour to escort you to our wedding.”

  Hearing Jason Powers say the words ‘our wedding’ sent a thrill coursing down my spine.

  “I’ll see you then.” He smirked. “Bye Sophia Fletcher.”

  I smiled.

  “Bye Jason Powers. See you when we get married.”

  Winking at me one last time, he left and closed the door behind him.

  ***

  After Jason left, I took a shower and prepared for my wedding day. I slipped into a long but simple silk dress. I dried my hair into soft waves and fixed a bright fuchsia hibiscus flower behind my ear.

  I breathed out slowly as I looked at my veil hanging on the hangar in the closet.

  This was really happening.

  I urged myself not to tear up since my makeup looked immaculate. Swallowing back the tears, I took in a deep breath and took the beautiful sheer material into my hands. I closed my eyes and savored the feel of the material under my fingers. Making my way to the mirror, I fastened the veil into my hair.

  My heart pounded in my chest as I stood in front of the full length mirror. I was ready to see myself as a bride.

  Opening my eyes, I gasped.

  I looked gorgeous.

  The silk white dress hugged my curves and the material shimmered under the light. The flower behind my ear provided a nice vibrant pop of color. The veil cascaded down around me, lightly grazing my arms. Though my heart was beating hard in my chest, I looked happy and calm. Knowing this eased me considerably.

  I’m going to marry Jason.

  The thought not just comforted me but excited me. I smiled at myself.

  Get this, girl!

  There was a knock on the door and I jumped.

  Rushing to the door, I opened it cautiously, in case it was Jason coming for that kiss.

  “Who is it?” I asked, pulling the door a few inches open.

  “It’s Victoria,” a familiar voice said.

  “Mom!” I opened the door to find myself face to face with my mother, who was dressed in a beautiful purple dress which bared her legs. Her hair was curled and she wore fancy sandals which showed off her pedicure. “What are you doing here?”

  Victoria’s eyes swelled up with tears. “Oh, my baby.” She put her arms out and pulled me in for a hug. “I so happy for you.”

  “Please don’t — you’re going to make me cry!”

  Victoria stepped back and pulled a tissue out of her purse to wipe away her tears. When she was done, she looked at me and smiled proudly.

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks mom. So do you.” And she did. “Jason put you up to this, didn’t he?”

  Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Do you really think I’d let my daughter walk down the aisle alone?”

  I smiled.

  “Thanks for being here, mom.”

  “Now take these.”

  I hadn’t noticed, but Victoria was holding a bouquet of fuchsia hibiscus flowers. She pushed them out to me.

  “For me?”

  “A bride needs flowers, doesn’t she?”

  I took the flowers.

  “Now you’re a bride.” She stared proudly at me. “A perfect bride. As long as the humidity doesn’t get too bad, and the rain doesn’t come down, it’ll be a perfect day.”

  “It’ll be a perfe
ct day regardless.” I squeezed Victoria’s hand. “Thank you for coming, and for doing everything you’ve done for me over the years.”

  Victoria smiled but her eyes grew wide when she looked at her watch.

  “Oh! We’ve lingered for too long. If we don’t get going, Jason will start to wonder.”

  Excitement bubbled up inside me. With the flowers in one hand, I stepped out into the hallway and linked my free arm through Victoria’s.

  “Let’s go,” I said confidently.

  It was then that I noticed something else in Victoria’s hand — a leash.

  “What the—”

  I looked behind her to see three Chihuahuas sitting patiently, tongues hanging out of their mouths panting because of the heat, each staring at me expectantly. I recognized Pete, the first Chihuahua, but none of the others. Victoria must have gotten more dogs since I last saw her. I looked at her and she shrugged.

  “I had to bring them along. They’re family!”

  I laughed.

  “Come on, let’s get you married.”

  ~Chapter 7~

  Victoria led me through the hotel down towards the back exit onto the beach. It wasn’t difficult knowing where to go because as soon as we reached the downstairs lobby a trail of white and fuchsia flower petals pointed the way outside. The flower petals continued out over the sand on the beach down towards the water.

  Victoria and I walked along, arm in arm, while the three small dogs kept up behind us.

  As soon as I stepped outside, I felt the hot, sticky air on my skin. The sun shone brightly even though there was a gathering of dark clouds throughout the sky. The humidity in the air hung wet on my skin and my mouth became moist. I was glad my wedding dress was light enough that I was comfortable.

  Walking further, we came into view of the arch by the water. As I got closer, I noticed a number of people sitting and waiting for me. As I got closer, I noticed familiar faces. Ellie and Ty were the first ones I saw. Ellie was in a breezy summer dress and her hair was piled in a messy bun on top of her head. She waved at me and mouthed the word ‘beautiful’.

  As I stood on the path of petals, the music began. I couldn’t see where it was coming from, but someone was playing the ukulele while another person played the maracas.

  Looking back up I saw him. Jason stood at the end of the path, as handsome as I had ever seen him. He was painfully casual wearing his navy blue suit (with no tie) and his bare feet in the sand. He was handsome, fresh, and waiting for me.

  My heart skipped a beat and I swallowed.

  “Ready?” Victoria asked.

  I nodded.

  We began walking down the aisle.

  For some reason, I assumed that while walking down the aisle, I would think about my future with Jason. But as I walked down the aisle, I was living in the moment, looking around at the familiar faces. Julia Stein and Simon Trotman both leaned in and whispered ‘Congratulations’. As I walked past them, I saw my co-worker, Casey who was standing with her girlfriend. I waved at her as I walked by. After, I saw Kathleen and Earl, Jason’s parents. With them was Jason’s grandmother, Nana. They were smiling as they watched me make my way down the aisle.

  As I reached the end of the aisle, I noticed our large golden retriever, Destroyer, sitting patiently next to Jason.

  They’re all here, I thought. Everyone I loved was here.

  I looked up at Jason, who was now right in front of me, standing under the archway.

  He reached for my hand as I made my way by his side.

  “You look gorgeous,” he whispered. I smiled.

  “Gorgeous for you.”

  I couldn’t even describe what the officiant looked like because I was too lost in Jason’s eyes to notice. Even as the officiant spoke I was too busy to listen.

  Jason’s gaze burned into me. He looked calm and cool, as he usually did, and even now, at our wedding on the humid beach, he wasn’t breaking a sweat.

  Mr. Cool, I thought. Well, I’m about to become Mrs. Cool.

  “Sophia, please take this opportunity to share your vows,” the officiant said.

  Still looking at Jason, I took in a deep breath.

  “Jason.” I squeezed his hands. “I love you. When we’re together, you make me feel alive. When I wake up in the morning, I look forward to my day because I know I’ll get to see you. It’s my mission during my lifetime to make sure that as long as we’re together, we’ll live wild lives side by side.”

  Jason caressed my hands with his. The officiant nodded at him.

  “Sophia,” Jason stated. His full voice sent a wild thrill through me. “When you came into my life you brought a sense of purpose and a source of support. I remember, when I met you, I thought ‘I finally found her’. That’s why, from this moment on, I want to cherish you and support you just as much as you’ve done for me. I promise to grow with you and hopefully teach you just as much as you teach me.”

  I smiled.

  “Sophia.” Jason looked lazily into my eyes. “I love you.”

  Forgetting where we were and what we were doing, I leaned in for a kiss, and so did Jason.

  “Hold on you two lovebirds,” the officiant boomed, pushing us back apart. “We’re not at that part just yet.”

  The crowd laughed softly.

  “Put this ring on Jason’s finger and repeat after me.” The officiant handed me Jason’s ring. “I, Sophia.”

  “I, Sophia.”

  “Take Jason Powers to be my husband.”

  “I, Sophia take Jason Powers to be my husband.” While maintaining eye contact with Jason, I slipped the ring onto his finger.

  “Jason, you’ll do the same.” The officiant handed Jason a sparkling diamond ring which he slipped onto my finger.

  “I, Jason take you, Sophia Fletcher, to be my wife.”

  A hot thrill rose up through my body, flustering me. I bit my lip.

  I wanted to kiss him so bad.

  “By the power vested in me, I now proclaim you, Jason, and you, Sophia, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Jason whipped back to look at me. My heart raced in my chest. A devilish yet charming smile appeared on his lips. I returned the sentiment. Hesitating no more, Jason wrapped his arms around me and kissed me softly on the lips. Feeling Jason’s lips on mine intensified every emotion that was rushing through my body. The kiss wasn’t even over and I already wanted to kiss him again.

  I heard the crowd clapping and hollering, following by the sound of a loud thunder clap. A light sprinkling of rain started coming down, but it was barely a mist. The cold droplets provided a welcome release from the dreaded humidity.

  Jason tightened his grip around my waist, kissing me one last time. I felt his smile against mine and I closed my eyes, enjoying the moment. We pulled back and took the opportunity to get lost in each other’s eyes. The light mist clung to my veil and Jason’s shoulders looking like small droplets of liquid diamonds.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce, Jason and Sophia Powers.”

  All our friends and family stood on their feet and applauded our union.

  I looked back at Jason. I couldn’t keep my eyes off him.

  “Mrs. Powers.” My husband put his arm out so that I could take it, which I did. We walked down the aisle as husband and wife.

  ~Chapter 8~

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to introduce the newlywed couple, Jason and Sophia Powers!”

  As Jason and I walked into the room, hand in hand, the room erupted into applause. There were many more people here than there were at the wedding. I recognized some as Jason’s business partners and employees. I recognized Diego from my clinic and a couple of extended family members of ours.

  The room was a large party hall with over sixty tables set up along with a dance floor and stage where a band was getting ready to play.

  Jason squeezed my hand as we walked towards the head table which faced everyone. Standing in our spots, we looked out towards the crowd.
It was difficult to see everyone since the spotlights were fixed on us.

  Jason picked up a microphone.

  “I want to thank all our family and friends for coming out and sharing this special day with us. It means so much that you came out so we could share our love with all of you, and for that I hope you enjoy all the food, drinks, and dancing you could possibly fit into one night.”

  The crowd cheered. Jason picked up his glass of wine.

  “I invite all of you to raise a glass so I can make a toast.”’

  Everyone picked up their glass and raised it. I did the same, noticing my new ring sparkling in the light.

  “To friends and family.”

  “To friends and family.”

  Jason turned towards me, looking at me with his seductive, dark eyes.

  Oh my.

  “And to my wife, Sophia, for making those things important in my life again. Cheers.”

  “Cheers!”

  The music started and people began chatting again.

  Jason and I sat down and exchanged a love-filled look.

  The clinking of a utensil against a glass startled me, and soon the entire room broke out into a chorus of forks and knives tapping gently against glassware. People hooted and hollered when they saw they had our attention.

  Jason let out a soft laugh and got up, buttoning his jacket.

  “Ty.” He pointed his finger at his friend who was sitting in the front row. There was a mischievous grin on his face. There was laughter in the crowd. No doubt Ty was the one to start the glass-chiming ritual. I let out a laugh at the absurdness of it all.

  It was my wedding day. How surreal!

  “Each time you chime your glass,” Jason continued, “you volunteer to pay an undisclosed amount of money to the charity of my choice.”

  The grin did not disappear from Ty’s face, but instead he tapped his knife unapologetically against the stem of his wine glass. The whole room joined in and began hollering for us to kiss already.

  “That’s twice you’ll donate,” Jason said.

  “I’ll only donate twice if you kiss her twice,” Ty chirped back.

  Two kisses? I hoped so…

  Jason turned to me and smiled. “We’ll be doing a lot of this tonight.”