Sailing with My Sister’s Best Friend (Cruisin With Curves)

Epilogue

Aurora

One Year Later

“ I still can’t believe you two.” Darby smiled at me. “My brother and my best friend are getting married.” She looked beautiful in her sea blue maid of honor dress.

“I don’t see why. We’ve only been planning it for a year, and it was your idea to fix us up.” I reminded her.

“I know, but still. Just because I had the idea doesn’t mean that I thought the two of you would get engaged, and married so fast.”

“Well, be careful who you fix up next.” I tilted my head toward Aunt Kelly who was talking with my mom.

Darby looked over and smiled. “As soon as I find the right person, she’s next.”

We both laughed. “I’ll keep my eyes peeled too,” I said. “Together we have to be able to find someone.”

“Definitely.” We both laughed louder.

“What are you two cackling about?” Aunt Kelly turned to face us.

“Nothing.” We both said in unison.

“Uh-huh.” She didn’t look fooled in the least, but thankfully, we were saved by my father walking into the room.

“Is everyone decent?”

“It’s a little too late to ask once you’re already in the room.” My mother teased.

“Sorry, babe, but it’s time.” He grumbled.

My father had been grumbling about Seeley and me since we got back last year. I heard him telling mom that it was a matter of respect. That after everything that happened before, the least Seeley could have done was ask his permission before popping the question. After that I was so glad we hadn’t gotten married on the ship.

I told Seeley about it, and he said he would handle it. I got nervous when my father really did take him for a walk with his rifle, but mom assured me they would both be coming back.

“Your father’s too old to dig a grave.” She shook her head. “Think about his sciatica.”

“Mom!” I almost ran out the door after them.

She just laughed. “I’m kidding. Your father just wants to talk to him.”

About two hours later they both walked through the door. They weren’t best friends, but my father stopped grumbling every time Seeley came over. That didn’t stop him from grumbling when we brought up the wedding, but it was an improvement.

“You ready, princess?” Dad stood next to me. I looked around and realized we were alone. I guess I was so lost in my thoughts I missed everyone else leaving.

“Yep.” I put my arm through his.

“Are you sure? We can always hightail it out of here.”

I laughed. “Are we going to swim back to Florida?”

Seeley and I had booked another cruise for our wedding before the last one ended. I knew how much it meant to him for us to get married on his parents’ anniversary, and he had been right. It was a great way to honor them and have them with us on our special day. I also wasn’t opposed to getting married on a cruise, I just wanted my family with us. Planning it for the following year was the perfect compromise.

Speaking of compromise, Seeley had been great at learning to balance work and our relationship. It took some time before I stopped freaking out every time he had to work late or had a big case though. It was another reason I was glad we waited. The time gave us a chance to learn from each other all over again. We were stronger than we had ever been, and I couldn’t wait to walk down the aisle.

Dad and I stood off to the side as we watched first mom and then Aunt Kelly walk down the aisle. Next was Darby and then it was our turn.

“Last chance.” I tried not to take offense at the hopeful tone in my father’s voice.

“Dad.” I shook my head.

“Just making sure.”

“I’m sure.” And I really was.

The music changed, and I took a long breath. We stepped around the corner and I could finally see Seeley. He stood down at the front of the ship next to Wade and his business partner, Josh. He looked absolutely amazing. His dark hair was blowing in the small gust of wind swirling around us. His black tux fit across his broad shoulders as if it was made exactly for him. His smile brighter than the sun slowly setting behind him.

It felt as if I glided down the aisle. He reached for my hand and I had to remind my father to give it over.

“Take care of her,” he said.

“I will.” Seeley’s eyes were locked on me.

“Remember I still have the rifle.” My dad whispered.

“Yes, sir.” Seeley’s lips twitched. I couldn’t tell if it was with humor or fear.

My dad let me go, and I stepped closer to Seeley. The captain stood between us.

“You look beautiful.” Seeley mouthed.

“You look handsome.” I mouthed back.

“Dearly beloved.” The captain started.

It was a simple ceremony filled with traditional words and exchanges of vows. Seeley slipped the simple band on my finger and I did the same for him. Both of us pledged to love one another until death parted us.

Just as the captain started to pronounce us man and wife the light from the sun seemed to grow and cover us in a soft, bright glow. The feel of warmth surrounding us was inviting and had an air of home.

Darby sucked in a quick breath. “It’s mom and dad,” she said with tears in her voice. “They really are here with us.” I turned and saw her wiping at her eyes. Aunt Kelly was doing the same.

“Of course they are.” Seeley squeezed my hand.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife.” The captain finished. “You may kiss the bride.”

Seeley drew me to him and pressed his lips to mine. “I love you Mrs. Adler.”

“I love you Mr. Adler.”

We held our hands high in the air and with a jump over the broom we continued walking into the life we had always dreamed of and could finally call our own.