Ben’s mom stepped up next to Kayley, tears dripping out of her eyes as well. “Thank you, Liz. What a thoughtful and amazing gesture that is.”
Kayley nodded, emotion clogging her throat. She handed the cufflinks to Karen, who lifted up her dress to find a spot where they could attach them.
“It’s your something borrowed,” Liz whispered. “I love you, Kayley. I’m sorry for making you cry.”
“Liz,” Kayley choked out. “I love you, too. Thank you, for everything.”
“Can I take Lexi down with me? I’ll stay with her until you come down.” Kayley nodded, and Liz picked Alexis up. She looked adorable in her light pink organza dress, a crown of baby’s breath around her curly head.
“Are you ready, baby girl? It’s time to party! Daddy will be down there waiting for you!”
Alexis nodded and wrapped her arms around Kayley’s neck. “Mommy pwetty. Wex pwetty, too.”
Kayley laughed, kissing her gently. “Thank you, baby. You’re always pretty. I’ll see you down there in a few minutes!”
Liz left the room, taking Alexis with her, leaving them to try to quickly blot the eyes and fix the makeup of every person in the room. While she didn’t want a single second of sadness today, thinking of Alex made her momentarily sad. A knock sounded on the door again, and Rachel answered it, seeing Cam on the other side. He looked past her and met Kayley’s eyes, smiling.
“Hey Kay,” he said in greeting. “You look amazing. I’m just on a delivery.” He winked over her head at Kellie, standing behind her. “Here you go, from your groom. We’ll see you down there in a few. Everything’s ready, and it looks like we’re weather free. A summer rain reprieve just for you.”
He handed her a box tied with a blue bow, and she instinctively reached up and touched her teardrop necklace. She wore it today with her wedding dress as a reminder to both of them. “Thank you, Cam,” she said. “Did Ben get my present?” Kayley had sent him a wedding day gift down with Trevor when they got here.
Cam nodded. “He did. He loved it. He wouldn’t let us see it, but whatever it was, he looked at it for a long time and then hid it.” Kayley had gotten him an additional few pictures for his album that she had made him for Christmas with her in her wedding lingerie, and one with just a ribbon that said “For Your Eyes Only.” She of course had warned him on the box so he wouldn’t open it in front of everyone. She grinned at Cam’s explanation.
“You’re safe to come down,” Cam told them. “The guests are all seated and things are ready. See you down there, Kayley.”
“Okay. We’ll be right down.” She looked at the box, knowing full well whatever was in there was going to make her cry again. “I cannot cry again,” Kayley joked. “Or my makeup will be totally off. What else could this man possibly buy me?”
The girls and mothers gathered around her as she opened the box, finding first a blue Tiffany’s pouch. “This man,” she murmured, incredulous. Opening it, she gasped as she saw diamond drop earrings, the same emerald shape as her engagement ring.
“Seriously, he needs a brother,” Rachel grumbled good-naturedly. Everyone talked at once, talking about how romantic and dreamy Ben was.
“Yummy,” Emily announced, and the room laughed altogether.
Kayley handed them to Emily so she could put them in her ears instead of the diamond studs she wore now. Once they were secured, she turned back to the box. Next, was a framed picture of Ben and Alexis she had never seen before. Ben was standing by the edge of the water at the beach, with Alexis in his arms. He had recreated the hearts in the sand exactly like the ones he had made the night they got engaged. Alexis was wearing her adorable flower girl dress and had the most beautiful smile on her face, and Ben looked like he would look when she went down to marry him. It was the best picture she had ever seen. Turning the frame over, she saw Ben’s handwriting on a paper taped on the back.
Our forever starts today. I can’t wait to make you my wife. I love you, and I always will. Love, Ben.
Kayley held it to her chest, closing her eyes. Their forever was starting today. She couldn’t wait.
“Let’s go,” Kayley said, smiling at each one of them. “I need to go marry Ben. Right now.”
Ben looked around at the people sitting in the chairs, here to witness the best day of his life. Kayley had outdone herself on this wedding, especially on short notice. The white chairs were decorated at the ends with starfish and other shells. The “altar” was a large heart drawn in the sand where they would stand and pledge forever. A small table stood to the side of the heart, holding different sand containers that they would use as a representation of unity. As people arrived, they stored their shoes next to a sign that Kayley had made that said “Shoes here, Vows there, Love everywhere.”
His stomach twisted in nerves. He wanted to see her, and right now. His mind flicked back to those amazing photos she had given him in that naughty little box. She even had Trevor bring them! What if he had accidentally dropped the box and given himself a show? Wow, those pictures. Kayley had been wearing her wedding lingerie, and he could only assume that she was wearing that under her dress. And the bow? Wow. Now he had to try not to see the pictures when she was walking towards him.
“You ready, man?” Chief Thomas clapped him on the back, shaking him out of his daydream.
“Yes. Can someone please tell my future wife to come on? I’m going to die from impatience.”
Chief laughed. “Boy, you have it bad. I’m going to sit down. Good luck up there.” With that, he walked away, leaving Ben back with his thoughts.
“It’s time to head for the front,” Cam said, suddenly next to him. “The girls are headed down now. And way to go on the wedding present, man. You have a way of making the rest of us look like schmucks.”
Ben laughed, putting his shoulder on Cam’s shoulder. “Do you need some classes in romance? I teach them.” Cam shook his head, heading for the altar where they would stand to wait for the wedding to begin.
Once the men were in place and the mothers were walked to their seats, the minister nodded at them and began speaking. “On behalf of the bride and groom and their families, we welcome you to the wedding of Kayley and Ben. We have a lot of special things happening today, so enjoy this beautiful day the Lord has made.” He nodded at the back, and music began through the strategically placed speakers, signaling that the bridesmaids were to start coming down.
Ben’s eyes searched for her, knowing she wasn’t out there yet but wanting so badly to lay eyes on her. He hadn’t seen her since they left the rehearsal dinner last night, when he wanted more than anything else to take her home. He did, however, spot the girls starting their procession from the hotel walkway to the beach aisle. He smiled at how beautiful they all looked, but knew that none of them would compare to how breathtaking Kayley would be. His throat thickened with unshed tears as it hit him—this was happening. Right now. He was never going to live without her again.
As Emily made her way down, holding baby Calleigh, the little flower girls followed her, including Alexis, who was beaming as she saw everyone. She held Cate’s hand, not throwing any of her flowers out. Catching Ben’s eye, she smiled even bigger.
“My Daddy!” she yelled, causing a ripple of laughter to go through the audience.
Ben waved at her, throwing her a kiss, not able to stop the chuckle from rumbling in his chest. She was such a character. And she was his. Cate whispered to her, and Alexis listened to what she said, nodding her head. She let go of Cate’s hand and started throwing out her petals. When she got to the front, she ran to Ben and hugged his legs. He picked her up amidst awws from the guests, kissing her soft cheek and then setting her back down. “Go see Nana,” he whispered, and she ran to Kayley’s mom and sat down next to her.
Next came the ring bearers, his new nephews. They were adorable in their matching khaki shorts and white short sleeved shirts. They carried a small sign that Ben couldn’t read until they got closer, but the guests were
giggling and ooing. Ben’s stomach flopped and his heart rate tripled once he read it. It said, “Here comes your bride, Uncle Ben!” She was coming.
As they reached the front, the music changed, and he could hear sniffling in the chairs and up in the sand. Kayley was adamant about not having the traditional wedding song to walk down to, since she had done that once before. She didn’t want anything to be the same. She was walking down the aisle to Feels Like Home by Chantel Kreviazuk. The lyrics of the song were perfect for the way they felt about one another—they were each other’s home. The minister indicated for everyone to stand, and Ben shifted his feet, his eyes scanning frantically, trying to see her over the standing guests.
When he finally caught sight of her, his knees almost buckled, and a small sound escaped his lips. He knew she would be the most amazingly stunning woman he had ever seen, but he wasn’t prepared for what he saw. At all. With her arm linked in her dad’s, her smile captivated her entire face, and he couldn’t stop his face from matching hers. Her beautiful hair, that he loved to run his fingers through, was loose around her shoulders, curly, and pinned up on the side with some sort of shell décor. Her makeup made her eyes stand out, shining bright green at him. As she made her way closer, his eyes scanned the dress that was covering her perfect body. It was the sexiest, yet classiest wedding dress he had ever seen, and he’d been to his fair share of weddings over the years. Form fitting until after he knees, he could see the shape that he loved so much perfectly. Her slight hips, her flat stomach, her round bottom were all accentuated perfectly. Her bare shoulders were being kissed by the setting sun as she walked towards him, and the top of the dress that hugged her breasts so nicely was shaped in a heart, his favorite.
She got within arm’s reach of him, and his fingers twitched, wanting to touch her. But he knew it wasn’t time yet. All he could do was stare at her, looking into the eyes of the love of his life. Her lips were the most beautiful shade of pink, and he quirked up his mouth at the sight of his favorite color on her lips. He wanted to kiss it off. He caught a reflection from the sun and noticed she was wearing the earrings he bought her, and that made him think of the pictures she had sent him of what she was wearing under her hot wedding dress. His mouth watered, looking at her. He winked at her and mouthed I love you.
“Who gives this woman to marry this man?” Her dad cleared his throat, choking down the emotion of giving her away again.
“Her family does.” With that, he kissed her cheek, then shook Ben’s hand, a proud smile adorning his face.
Ben held out his arm for her to take it, and he could feel her tremors. He leaned over to her ear and whispered, “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Let’s get married.” She smiled, her features calming and her eyes entrancing him. “I love you.”
They made their way to the sand heart altar, where the minister was waiting for them. As he went through the introduction, he tried to listen to the words, but he couldn’t. All he could do was stare at Kayley, watching every emotion cross her face as she looked at him, too.
He had thought he was in love before. He had known for a long time that nothing compared to this, the love he had for Kayley about-to-be-Nichols. But at this moment, being in the spotlight with her at their wedding, he knew that no matter how many years they were together, he would love her more and more with each passing second. The feelings he had for her months ago didn’t compare to what he felt right now. Not one tiny little bit.
It was time for the sand ceremony. Ben indicated for Renee to bring up Alexis, and she put her small hand in his large one. He picked her up, and the three of them headed for the sand containers at the table. There was a sand container for Alexis, one for Kayley, and one for Ben. They were going to pour them together into the one big container, representing their unity into one. When Kayley turned and he spotted the back of her dress, he swooned. Every part of her was sexy, but whoa. The back was almost all open, her dress going down in a V and showcasing her smooth skin. It was tasteful, but did he ever want to put his tongue at that V and taste her.
Ben put his arm around Kayley’s waist as they reached the table, kissing her temple. “That dress goes down in history as the sexiest dress I’ve ever, ever seen.” Ben’s eyes were smoky with want, and Kayley’s mouth dried out.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she whispered, her eyes appraising him.
As the minister began the words that they had chosen about them becoming one as a couple and as a family, they poured their sand in at the same time. Helping Alexis, hers went in last, and she clapped. The guests laughed quietly, loving her antics.
“I love you, Princess,” Ben said emotionally. She reached over and hugged his neck, then Kayley put her down and she ran back to her seat. Taking Kayley’s hand, they made their way back to the minister so that the vows could be said.
Facing each other and holding hands, Kayley looked up at Ben, studying his handsome face. He looked so striking, his blonde hair styled neatly and his bronze skin glowing in the almost sunset. His blue eyes flashed with desire and love, just for her. The white dress shirt he wore rolled to his elbows didn’t hide his muscular chest, shoulders, and arms, and her stomach squeezed. His strong legs were covered in sand colored pants that were rolled at the bottoms, and his feet were bare, just as hers were.
It was Ben’s turn first, and as she waited for him to deliver the blow for what she knew would be the last emotional straw she could take before sobbing, she rubbed her finger on his palm to relax him.
“Kayley,” Ben began, taking a deep breath. “When I met you, I knew right away there was something about you. What I didn’t know was how completely and totally you would change my life. You’re the love of my life and my best friend. I wake up every morning thankful that you there. I promise to always love you with all of my body, heart, and soul. You’re my soul. Without you, I’m just a shell of myself. You make me want to be a better man, and a better father. You’re kind, loving, and the most beautiful person, on the inside as well as the outside, that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I promise that we’ll always work together, as partners, in this life. I will always encourage your dreams and want you to know that you’re my dream. I am here for you always, through anything we may face, good or bad. You made me believe in love again—you made me want to live every day of my life showing you how thankful I am for you. I love you, and I will forever. One lifetime isn’t enough for me, baby. I need forever.” He slipped her wedding ring on her finger, a beautiful band made of the same emerald cut diamonds that her engagement ring had. She quickly slipped her engagement ring off her other hand, where she had put it, and put it over the wedding band. Ben picked up her hand and kissed her ring.
Kayley’s eyes brimmed with tears, allowing the moment to soak into her soul. He had such a way of making her feel that she was the most important person in the entire universe. It was her turn now. Taking a deep breath and trying to steady the tears that threatened, she moved her hands from his hands to his strong forearms, wanting to touch him. His hands gripped her forearms, and they let the rest of the people fall away as they concentrated on each other.
“Benjamin,” she said, smiling as she used his full name. “We’ve both had heartaches in this life. You once said something to me that was so profound, I think of it often. You said we both know there are no promises in this life, and we have no idea how much time we have to show the people we love how much we care about them. I know this is true, because I’ve lived it. I promise to not only tell you, but show you how much I love you every single day. I promise to never take for granted the love that we share. We have worked so hard to be here, through so many things. You’re the other part of my soul. Without you I feel empty and alone. You have shown me so many things through your unconditional love, but one of the best was showing me that I was able to live again. I am living again, Ben, because you breathed life into me. You never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself. You’re the
most compassionate, romantic, amazing person I have ever known, and the greatest dad Alexis could’ve ever asked for. I love you, Ben Nichols, and I always will.” She slid the platinum band with three small diamonds set inside it on his finger, also picking up his hand and kissing where the ring would now reside forever.
As Kayley finished and they looked into each other’s eyes, both filled with unshed tears, she recognized the sounds of crying from many people, including her best friends next to her. She did it. She held it together. Ben’s thumbs caressed her arms, and he mouthed the words she would never tire of. I love you. She mouthed it back, and she thought that at that moment he would say they were husband and wife officially and they could finally kiss. But, in true Ben fashion, he wasn’t done. The minister looked at him, and Ben let go of her hands and turned around.
“I would like my baby girl Princess, Miss Alexis, to come here please.” Kayley looked over at Alexis, whose face beamed at the mention of her name. Her mom encouraged Lexi to go, and Alexis took off for her dad. What in the world was he doing? He picked her up and faced the guests, then looked over his shoulder and indicated that Kayley should join him. She stepped up next to him, her face questioning him but her heart knowing that whatever he was about to do, it would be classical, amazing Ben.
“Most of you know that Alexis has another Daddy, who is in Heaven.” Alexis nodded, her hand rubbing Ben’s neck. “And I want to thank him for sharing her with me. He was a great man whose life ended too soon. But today, I don’t only officially get the greatest woman in the world, I also officially get my daughter. I would like to make a vow to Alexis, here in front of all of you, and her mom. Alexis, you’re so little, and you won’t understand most of this. But I want to tell you that I love you so much. You’re the greatest, most adorable little girl in the universe. I love being your daddy. I will always be there for you, even when you get big and you tell me I’m mean. You will always be Daddy’s little girl.” Ben put his arm around his new wife. “So let me introduce everyone to my wife, Kayley Nichols, and our daughter, Alexis Kayley Carson Nichols. This is my new family.”
Living Again Page 42
