HOOKED ON YOU (Paradise Cove) (24 page)

“Oh, when did that ever stop you!” Taylor refilled her mom’s glass. “If you can’t get tipsy at your daughter’s wedding, when can you?”

“Just don’t you two go falling in the pool,” Kayla said with a loving smile. “Wouldn’t be the first time I had to fish you out.”

Taylor giggled. “I remember. Last New Year’s Eve.”

“Yes,” Anna said, unabashed. “And what happened next? All the guests jumped in after me.” She smiled at the memory. “I had a little romance of my own going on after that. Me and the pizza man.”

Kayla nodded. “I remember. Whatever happened to him?”

“He needed a pacemaker, and I decided right then and there that I wasn’t going to bury another husband. Keeping my eyes open for a younger man. Who knows? Maybe one of Sean’s doctor friends.”

Brittany shook her head and made a face. “Oh, Mother. Leave a few good men for the rest of us.”

“I thought you had Jose coming,” Taylor said.

“Not anymore. He sent me a text. Said he wasn’t a big fan of weddings, but would make it up to me when I get back home.” She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

Anna looked disappointed. “I’m sorry, honey. I knew you were looking forward to him being here. And I wanted to meet him too.”

“It’s okay. I’m not really surprised.”

“Well, tonight should be interesting.” Anna smiled. “We should all keep our eyes open. Although I don’t think Taylor’s really in the market. Not after that hot kiss I saw outside our door. Right, hon?”

“That should never have happened, and I told him so.” She squirmed a little, seeing the disapproval on all their faces. “I’m being cautious, Mom. That’s all. Got a lot of things going on right here. Plus, we are both up to our eyeballs in debt.”

“Well, maybe a rich man could solve a few of those problems. If you’re not a hundred percent sure about your cute fisherman, tonight might be a good night to scout out further prospects.”

Taylor made a face. “Mom. On that note, I’m really going in now to dress.” She walked off. “Prospects, my ass. What is this? 1920?”

“Some things don’t change,” Anna said. “My mother always told me it’s just as easy to love a rich man as a poor one. The rich guy just has a lot more benefits.”

Taylor shut the door behind her, not wishing to challenge her mother on that line of thinking. Colton Travis was a good, honest, hard-working man who loved his son and wanted to provide a decent life for him. Those qualities meant more than a big bank balance.

Besides, he was harder on himself, than any one of them could ever be.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The ceremony took place at six-thirty, in time for the guests to watch the sunset fade into the ocean. The view was a gorgeous backdrop for the couple at the altar. Anna, Taylor and Brittany stood waiting for Sean to escort Kayla down the make-shift aisle. Facing them stood Sean’s father—the best man, and Robert, his brother-in-law—and Ken, his best friend from med school. They all looked magnificent in their white tuxes, and smiling suntanned faces.

When the bride and groom appeared, Taylor felt a lump in her throat and her eyes grew misty. Kayla looked breathtaking, and sweet, wonderful Sean so very much in love. With her arm in his they stopped to smile and greet their guests—and to give each other adoring glances during the short walk to the altar.

Taylor’s heart filled to overflowing—love for her sister and the immense joy to be sharing this happiest of all days—yet there was a sadness too, remembering both fathers who had loved them all, and could not be here.

It reminded her how fragile life was, and how fleeting it could also be. Sean had lost his beloved daughter when she was ten-years-old. His heart must be hurting right now—and yet, nothing could dim his bright smile, and the loving looks he gave his bride.

Brittany sniffed, and Taylor took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She envied her sister’s ability to live in the moment and fully embrace every day. She’d tried it the night of the storm and enjoyed each pleasurable second—until she’d allowed her common sense to intrude.

Taylor glanced over at Colt as Reverend Martha Lewis, an attractive dark lady from the Bahamas, asked the guests to please be seated. He winked at her and she felt her cheeks flush. Her stomach jumped in anticipation of what might be—if she had the courage to let it.

She gave him a small smile before turning away, her insides in turmoil. Could they make love often, and not fall in love? Was it possible? She shot him another quick look, and he gave her that panty-melting double-dimple grin of his. Did he know she was actually trying to talk herself into it? Most likely. Yet, it went against everything she believed.

“We’re gathered here today to celebrate the love of Kayla Holmes and Sean Flannigan and to be witnesses and supporters of the commitment they share with one another.” The reverend waited a moment then said solemnly, “Kayla and Sean asked me if we could take a moment to remember their loved ones who couldn’t be here today, and to let them know how much they are loved and greatly missed. Missed, but not forgotten on this day of celebration.”

Taylor noticed the way Kayla reached for Sean’s hand and a silent communication passed between them.

In her lilting voice, Reverend Lewis continued, “Marriage gives permanence and structure to a couple’s love. It’s telling the person you love that you’re not going anywhere and that’s a powerful commitment for two people to make to one another. A good marriage must be built on the foundation of this commitment.” She glanced at the couple and said gently, “It’s being never too old to hold hands, and to remember to say, “I love you” at least once a day. It’s never going to bed angry, and standing together to face the world. Remembering to speak words of appreciation and show gratitude in thoughtful ways. Having the capacity to forgive and to forget. To give each other an atmosphere in which to grow, and a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner, but
being
the right partner. The road that has brought Kayla and Sean here today hasn’t been easy. It’s been filled with challenges that they weren’t necessarily prepared for. But together they’ve taken each one on and have used those experiences to strengthen, not weaken their love.”

The reverend then read from the bible, and commenced the vows. Taylor sneaked a peek at Colt again. He scrubbed up pretty darn nice, she had to admit. He wore a light blue suit which brought out the blue of his eyes, a white shirt and some kind of fish looking tie. His long blond hair was neatly combed off his handsome tanned face. He sat quietly, one knee over the other, hands clasped around his knees—looking relaxed and elegant. Different from the laid-back, bare-chested, flip-flop guy she knew slinging around pails of smelly fish.

Catching her eyes on him, he held her gaze for a long moment, and she was the first to look away. Her sister and new husband were saying their vows and Taylor listened intently. It was as if the two of them were a million miles away—alone in the universe. Just the two of them, against the world, floating on a cloud of happiness. The setting could not have been more beautiful, but the love shining in Kayla’s eyes and mirrored in Sean’s took one’s breath away.

God knew they deserved it.

The ceremony was coming to an end. “Kayla and Sean, you have professed your love by exchanging vows, and symbolized your commitment by the exchange of rings. You have expressed the end of your individual lives by the pouring of the unity sand. With all of this, there is just one more question I need you to answer and then we’re off to the reception to celebrate.” She gave them a warm smile and her eyes swept over the happy guests.

Raising her voice, she asked, “Kayla, do you take Sean to be your husband—to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”

Kayla grinned and nodded, her eyes on Sean’s. “I do.”

“And you, Sean,” Reverend Lewis slowly repeated the same question.

Sean cupped Kayla’s chin and looked adoringly into her eyes. “You bet I do.”

Reverend Lewis smiled. “By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. Sean, you may kiss your bride.”

And he did. Swooping her into his arms, he made it known that Kayla was his for keeps.

“It’s my great honor and privilege to be the first to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Flannigan.”

Everyone applauded and began snapping pictures as the couple returned down the flowered path, throwing smiles and kisses at their families and guests.

The bridesmaids and the grooms followed, and then the guests. The party had begun. Flutes of champagne were being served on the beach and also around the pool. Before she was half-way there, Colt snagged Taylor by the arm.

“May I join you?”

“Of course you may.” She laughed, feeling giddy with joy. The wedding had been even more beautiful than she’d ever imagined. Her sister deserved this happiness and more. “Wasn’t it wonderful?”

“Yes. Kayla made a beautiful bride.” His eyes raked over her. “And you look stunning tonight.”

“And you! Super hot!” She pulled his tie. “Love the tie. What is it? A whale?”

“No,” he said in a scolding tone. “It is not a whale. As if. I have some class you know. It’s a Blue Marlin tie.” He stroked it proudly. “Bought it special to go with this suit. Don’t think I’ve worn a tie since my own wedding which seems like a hundred years ago.”

The reminder of his wedding deflated her. He had sworn to love another woman, and they had a son. When they said their vows, they must have loved each other very much. What had caused their love to die?

He looked at her and his eyes narrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Everything.” She took a step back. “I hate that you were married before.” She bit her bottom lip, wondering why now the idea hit her so hard.

“Why? We were young, and it was good for awhile. I wouldn’t have Jamie if it weren’t for my ex-wife.”

“I know. It’s just that you’ve already had these things. A wedding. A wife. A son. I have all that to look forward to.”

“You expect me to apologize for that?”

“No, of course not! I have no idea why it bothers me. It’s just…how do you let something like that go?”

“Sometimes you have no choice. People fall out of love for different reasons. They grow apart, or aren’t the person you expected them to be. People make mistakes.”

She shook her head, taking another step back. “That’s just wrong.”

“No one gets married expecting it to end. A wedding is not a marriage. It’s just a hope and a promise that may or may not last. Trust me, I know.”

“I don’t want to believe that.” The giddiness she’d experienced watching her sister exchange her vows dissipated, leaving her stomach in a knot. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

She rushed ahead to catch up with Kayla, and put on a cheerful face. “Hey, married lady. How does it feel?”

“Like I’m dreaming and don’t ever want to wake up.”

Taylor wrapped her in a hug. “It was the most beautiful wedding ever. Congratulations.” She pulled Sean in for a hug and kiss too. “You two are so perfect for each other. I’m so glad you found one another.”

Sean kissed her cheek. “Me too. Finding my way here couldn’t have been an accident. I think I was directed here for a reason.” He glanced at his wife as he said, “Divine intervention. I was drifting along on my boat—no particular destination in mind. Then I stumbled upon these shores, and met the most wonderful girl in the world.”

“Sean.” Tears filled Taylor’s eyes. “No wonder she loves you.”

“You will meet the right one too.” He glanced back at Colt. “Trouble in Paradise?”

“Oh, just the usual. He wants a bed partner, but not a wife.”

Sean laughed and rubbed his clean jaw. “That’s a problem I understand.”

Kayla nodded. “It’s a tricky situation, Sean. Taylor has to decide what’s best for her.” She looked into Taylor’s face. “You don’t want sex without love.”

Sean hugged his wife. “Well, I vote you put the poor guy out of his misery. Colt has real feelings for her.”

“Your vote doesn’t count,” Taylor told him. She lifted her chin. “Right now I need some champagne. And you still need to introduce me to some of your friends.” She tossed her long hair off her shoulders, and glanced around the pool at the guests clamoring for a drink. “I haven’t had a chance to meet them all.” She put a hand on her hip. “I better, before Mom does.”

He laughed. “Too late. She’s already chatting up John. He’s the only one single. Divorced. Forty-five. You interested? I can introduce you right now.”

“Naw, that’s okay. Later.” Taylor’s eyes were drawn to Colt at the bar. He was having a scotch and soda and talking to a friend of Kayla’s. A young woman she’d worked at the hotel with in Philadelphia.

She was pretty, Taylor decided. With a mane of red hair and green sparkling eyes. Shorter too. Probably five feet five or six. She could easily wear high heels around Colt. And he wore that heart-melting smile, that he normally reserved for her.

Well, let him! If a pretty face could turn his attention elsewhere, then so be it. Obviously, she’d been feeling emotional and romantic tonight because of the wedding, but that was all the more reason to stay clear of his temptations.