Remember This (22 page)

“Luce, only you would ruin a romantic moment with your grace. But that’s why I love you,” he says and he leans down to kiss me. The kiss is soft and sweet.

Henry is fluttering happily around in my stomach. At that moment I knew he was worth it. All the fights we are going to have and the arguments we will face. This man lying next to me in the middle of the road is worth it.

The breeze feels nice against my too warm skin. I can taste the salt in the air. The sun is brighter than I remember it. Too bad sunglasses don’t match my outfit. I’ll remember that for next time. Actually, I hope there won’t be a next time. Three times is definitely enough.

This time has been different though. A good kind of different. We even got Birtha, Gretta, and Ox again when we got our massages but it didn’t bother me. And I didn’t shit myself this time. It’s the small things in life.

I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. I don’t know why I’m nervous. I should be a pro at this by now. I’m vaguely aware that our families and friends are watching us, but I’m not paying attention to them. I’m watching him. He looks radiant and happy, mirroring my look.

I vow to communicate everything to you no matter how difficult it may be.

I vow to protect you from yourself, mainly, and whatever other shenanigans you get yourself into.

I vow to support you through your career.

I vow to be your best friend.

I look adoringly at my husband and laugh at his sweet vows. Now it’s my turn. I look towards our audience and see Piper and Liam beaming. They are just happy to be in Mexico. Kara is crying but that might partly be because she is about 7 months pregnant and overly emotional. Scott is smiling up at Mason. My mom is sniffling and my dad is giving me a thumbs up. Gracie is bouncing Aiden on her knee trying to keep him quiet while Nate wraps his arm around his wife. Even Mason’s parents look happy today.

His dad wasn’t even mad at him for giving up the family business to pursue his dreams of opening a restaurant. In fact, he gave him the money to start it up. Drey looks happy next to Larsen, her boyfriend she has been seeing for two months now. I guess she got over all of her weird issues with him.

I look back at Mason and he looks happy. I can’t believe I am standing here again with him but this whole thing was his idea. We did things a little more simply this time and a little less pink. I clear my throat.

I vow to be honest with you and to not keep things from you.

I vow to fight with you because it’s a way to communicate and making up is always fun.

I vow to always love you even when times are tough.

I vow to be your best friend.

“You may now kiss your bride. Again,” Pastor Davies booms. I roll my eyes at his humor or lack there of. Everyone around us starts to clap and holler.

“I love you, Lucy” Mason smiles taking my face in his hands. It feels like we are the only ones on the entire beach. “Even if you do throw wine bottles at my head.”

“I love you, too Mason. Even if you did poison my drink the last time we were here,” I say smiling right back at him. “But please don’t do that again,” I add.

“I wouldn’t dare. I need you in tip top shape for our renewal of the vows night Mrs. Harper,” Mason snorts. After one long second, my eyes flutter closed and I can feel Mason pressed against my lips. Henry bats his wings and I am lost in our kiss.

This marriage thing isn’t going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it. That’s something to remember.

Shae Buggs is a debut author excited to explore the literary world.  She was raised in Montana but currently resides in California with her husband.  A current MBA graduate, Shae never imagined being an author but she is passionate about writing and has many ideas for new books.  She travels for fun, enjoys being with her friends and family, and loves to laugh, all of which inspired Remember This.