Dreams That Bind Us (Romancing The Keys #3)

Epilogue

Sunset Key, Six months later

Anna stared at her reflection in the mirror as the hairdresser carefully affixed a hot pink rose tiara to her hair, which was artfully styled in an updo with loose platinum curls elegantly framing her face. The tiara perfectly matched her bouquet of roses that sat off to the side.

She couldn’t remember ever looking so radiant and peaceful. It was as if she were a different person. Her eyes, unusually bright today, were luminescent and her skin glowed with a sun kissed look, a result of their recent travels.

James had made good on the promise he’d given the day he proposed. Within a week, he'd shuttled her off on a private jet to all the places in the world she'd always dreamed of visiting: Italy, France, Singapore, Australia—where they'd spent two weeks exploring the continent, Chile, Argentina, Tahiti. It had been a whirlwind tour of the globe and he'd made it happen as if it was a task on a to-do list to be completed.

They'd arrived back in Key West four months later, well rested and more in love than ever, to learn that not only had Aunt Louise been traveling with Carl, but that they'd been secretly married on the southern coast of France. It had been love at first sight for those two and Anna couldn't be happier for the pair.

And, finally, today it was her turn to marry the love of her life. In fact, James was waiting outside on the beach along with a handful of friends and the officiant. They'd opted for a small service with a handful of close friends and Anna insisted it be at sunset. She wanted to say 'I do' just as the sun dipped into the ocean and the world turned to night.

Because it was at night, in their dreams, where she and James first met. A joyful smile creased her face, making her eyes shine even more.

He was right. It will always be the dreams that bind us.

"Now that's the smile of a happy bride," Aunt Louise commented as she breezed into the room. Her loose, floor-length violet gown flowed around her as she stopped behind Anna. "And what a beautiful bride you are, Anna."

A rush of emotion clogged her throat, and she held a hand up in warning. "Do not make me cry right now, Aunt Louise. Save that for after the ceremony."

Aunt Louise sniffed and drifted to the window. She always made it seem like she was floating on air. "Can't make any promises, but I'll try." She peeked through the wood slat blinds. "Your man is down there and oh my, honey, is he pretty. You chose well with that one."

"I didn't choose him," Anna scoffed. "It was more like we were drawn together."

Aunt Louise made a deep humming sound. "Whatever you call it. You did well because he certainly makes that suit look good."

Anna frowned. "He's wearing a suit?" She'd envisioned him in a white button-down shirt and linen pants. But it didn't matter. She'd marry him even if he'd been in his birthday suit.

"Mmmhmmm." Aunt Louise threw her a grin. "He just glanced at his watch. I think he's getting impatient."

"And the sun? Is it almost setting?"

Aunt Louise bobbed her head. "Should hit the water in five minutes." She turned to Anna. "It's time."

"Which is perfect," the hairdresser cut in. "Because I'm done and you look amazing."

"Yes, you most certainly do," Aunt Louise agreed. She raised her brows. "Shall we? I'm not screwing up my one chance to walk you down the aisle, so to speak."

She'd asked her aunt to handle that chore, to give her away, and fondly remembered the way they'd both cried together.

She stood and accepted the bouquet from the stylist. "I'm ready."

Arm-in-arm, they walked down the stairs and stopped at the open French doors that led to the beach. Anna scanned the small group: Annette and Gus who bounced their three-month-old daughter on his shoulder, Charli, Jack, and their daughter, Dottie, who clung to her father's neck, the ladies of The Royal Conch Society looking eclectically resplendent in their wedding finery, Gwen, who Anna had come to respect in many ways because of her ability to manage James's many investments, and Carl, their officiant, who stood facing Anna with his back to the sunset. He beamed when he noticed them in the doorway and held a hand up.

Aunt Louise motioned to the small quartet off to the side, and they stepped out as the bridal march began.

James stared at Anna, his hot, rapturous gaze locked on hers, not once wavering as she slowly walked toward him. The moment was surreal as she moved closer to him, and she never stopped thanking the universe, or whatever force it was, that brought them together.

A tingle stroked soothingly down her arm, and she knew there were other guests in attendance, ones that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. For one brief flash, Anna felt invisible arms encircle her as if she were wrapped in a warm embrace. It felt like approval and joy. She held her groom’s gaze, wondering if he realized his mother was watching.

They reached the makeshift altar and Aunt Louise gave Anna a maternal hug. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered in Anna's ear and Anna felt her eyes begin to water and not fighting the tears any longer.

She was about to marry, quite literally, the man of her dreams, her soulmate. Of course, she was going to cry.

"I give this young woman away to this man," Aunt Louise announced proudly. She took Anna's bridal bouquet and moved off to the side.

Anna turned and grasped the hands James offered, smiling at the affectionate squeeze he gave her fingers as Carl began their ceremony.

Within minutes, and perfectly timed as the sun made its sizzling descent, drenching the water in a rich hue of red-gold fire matched by the deep pink of the light off the clouds, their lips met in their first kiss as husband and wife.

"I love you so much, Anna. You are my heart," he whispered.

Staring into her husband’s beautiful green eyes, Anna thanked the universe for the dreams that brought them together. In retrospect, they were the greatest blessing she'd ever received.

She grinned. "I love you more."

Have you read the other books in Romancing the Keys yet?

They say when one door slams in your face, another opens.

Charli Harris thought she had it all—a successful career and life in Boston—until one day the rug is yanked out from under her. With her career in shambles and her favorite aunt deceased, Charli heads to Key West to handle her aunt’s estate. But what should have been a two-day trip turns into a shocking inheritance and partnership with a handsome carpenter.

Ordered to restore a haunted inn with Charli, Jack Sullivan feels like he’s been punched in the gut. The moment he lays eyes on Charli, he knows she’s the one. But with a life in Boston, she has no intention to relocate. His new mission: convince her to stay in Key West...with him. As their attraction begins to smolder, they work to bring the inn to its former glory and uncover an old mystery involving a ghost and a heartbreaking love story.