“Now you can look,” Brooke said, removing her hands from Marina’s eyes.
“Wow, it’s gorgeous.” Marina gazed around the private patio behind Ginger’s cottage in awe. The entire area was shrouded with lacy pink bougainvillea and surrounded by yellow hibiscus shrubs, but her sisters had transformed it with lights, flowers, and vibrant coral tablecloths.
“The fairy lights were my idea,” Kai said, spinning under the canopy of palm trees laced with twinkly lights. “Ethan and Ryder brought tables and chairs from the cafe patio.”
“They were so helpful,” Brooke added, hooking a thumb in her overalls. “I was afraid we wouldn’t finish in time. And we need plenty of time to change. Especially our bride.”
“What you’ve done here means so much to me. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of all the little details.” Marina’s heart quickened with anticipation. Today was the day her life would change. She’d hardly dared imagine having a partner again. Yet, happily, here she was.
“This is your day,” Brooke said, smiling. “You do so much. Let others do the work while you relax and enjoy it all. You’ll remember this day for the rest of your life.”
“Honestly, it’s more than I imagined.”
When Marina had thought of being married on the beach, she’d canceled the idea because she didn’t want Ginger to feel like she had to do anything. Marina was still being cautious about her grandmother. Between the cafe, the food truck, and Jack’s family in town, Marina knew she wouldn’t have time to do much. But Kai and Brooke had stepped in to help.
“This isn’t everything.” Kai smiled. “Keep looking.”
On the stone fireplace that anchored one end of the patio, her sisters had put a photo of their parents in a place of honor. Marina walked toward it. “Now I see Mom and Dad.” Still feeling their love within her, she kissed her fingertips and touched the photo. “Thank you for doing this.”
Everything in this cottage held memories. Marina ran her hand along the smooth stones surrounding the fireplace.
Ginger and Bertrand had built this together as a young couple. Mosaic tiles in shades of coral and polished to a sheen covered the hearth. Even in the summer, if an unseasonal front of cold air crept in, they could rouse a fire against the evening chill.
Her sisters had taken care of all the details, but in truth, keeping busy helped calm her mind. Not that Marina was nervous—well, maybe a little. What if a sudden rainstorm sweeps in? More than anything, she was excited about her life ahead.
She and Jack had already moved most of her clothing and incidentals to his home. After his family left, she would have the rest of her household items from storage delivered.
Kai checked the time. “Ginger wants us to dress in her suite.”
Before leaving the patio, Marina took a last look. The ceremony was a scant few hours away. She made her way upstairs with her sisters to Ginger’s suite.
Their grandmother was already dressed in a flowing, soft coral caftan with strands of coral at her wrists and neck. She greeted Marina with a hug. “Kai and Brooke will help you dress, and Brandy from Beach Waves is coming by to make sure your hair is picture perfect.”
“It seems like a lot of trouble to go to.” Marina bit her lip. She wasn’t used to being doted on. “Jack sees me at my worst and still loves me as I am.” After working long days at the cafe, her hair and clothes often picked up the kitchen aromas. She’d learned that a long bath at the end of a day was more than a restorative treat; it was a necessity.
“Actually, this is Jack’s treat, dear. He arranged for Brandy to do your hair. He wants you to feel pampered today.” Ginger embraced her again. “Trust me, when you’re my age, you’ll be glad you have photos of this day, and you’ll marvel at how lovely and young you looked. Because you are, my dear. Now, go take your bath. We’re expecting Venus to emerge.”
Marina smiled. “I’ll see if I can find her in the tub.”
When she walked into the bathroom, she was delighted at the scene that her grandmother had set for her. Fluffy white towels were stacked by the large tub, along with an assortment of fragrant bath gels and her favorite facial scrubs and masks. In the low light, candles flickered at the vanity and beside the tub. A flute of chilled champagne rested on a silver platter, and a mix of love songs played softly in the background.
Marina couldn’t remember when she’d been so spoiled.
After a leisurely bath, she emerged, feeling very much like a goddess. She put on a silk robe that Ginger had left for her and wrapped her hair in a towel. She wondered what Jack was doing now.
As she padded into Ginger’s suite, she saw that Heather had joined Kai, Brooke, and Ginger. They were chatting with Brandy about the latest hairstyles. Marina greeted the stylist, whose shiny cognac locks were brushed into a high ponytail that fell dramatically to her shoulders.
“Here’s our star now.” Kai patted a small chair in front of Ginger’s vanity, and Marina sat down.
Brandy swept a cape over Marina’s shoulders. “What would you prefer? Updo or falling softly on your shoulders?”
“I’d like it swept from my face and secured against the breeze, but I’d also like to showcase the coloring magic you did.”
“Absolutely. We can do that.” Brandy removed the towel from Marina’s hair and reached for her hairdryer and brush.
Kai and Brooke chatted while Brandy worked. Heather and Ginger disappeared into the closet where Ginger kept her jewelry vault. She’d told Marina that she would let her choose just the right accents for her dress.
“I brought my bag of tricks, too,” Kai said, opening her stage makeup kit.
Marina eyed the vivid makeup assortment with skepticism. “Please don’t make me look like I should be onstage.”
“Trust me,” Kai said. “I’m a professional.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. I’d like for Jack to recognize me.”
Brandishing a makeup brush, Kai just laughed.
When Brandy and Kai had finished their artistry, Marina opened her eyes. Brandy had loosely braided a section of her hair by her face and secured it with one of Ginger’s antique hair ornaments. Soft waves cascaded over her shoulders. And Kai’s makeup was sublime.
Marina hardly recognized her reflection in the large oval mirror. She looked like herself, of course, only better than she’d thought possible without being overly made up.
More like she’d had a good night’s rest, a fabulous vacation, and a clock that spun backward.
“Wow, Mom.” Heather whistled. “You’re gorgeous. Aunt Kai, can you do something with my makeup, too?”
“Of course, sweetie. Step right up.”
Brooke helped her with Ginger’s dress, which Kai had cleaned and insisted on having altered to fit Marina. And surprisingly, it did. The long, sheer lace overlay added just the right touch of feminine elegance.
Marina turned to her grandmother. “What do you think?”
Ginger clasped her hands to her chest. “Exquisite. This brings back so many wonderful memories.”
“This is only its fourth trip down the aisle—or across the stage.” Marina turned to Heather. “Maybe Heather will want to wear it next.”
Her daughter’s eyes brightened. “That could be a while, Mom.”
“You never know what tomorrow might bring.” Marina thought about the day she’d met Jack. What she’d thought was one of the worst days of her life turned out to be the best. She wouldn’t know it until much later, though.
Marina’s heart was beating fast again, and she pressed a hand to her chest. It wouldn’t be long now.
Marina had asked Heather, Kai, and Brooke to choose coral-colored sundresses in styles that accented their best features. While they changed, Ginger unrolled a felt jewelry roll at the vanity.
“Pearls and diamonds are always right, my dear. Or you might prefer the coral.” She lifted a delicate necklace with a carved pink coral rose. “This belonged to Sandi.”
Marina admired the delicate pendant. “I remember Mom wearing that.”
“It was mine, and I gave it to her on her sixteenth birthday.”
Marina clasped the necklace and touched the rose with reverence, wishing her parents could be there. She added one of Ginger’s fine pearl necklaces to frame the coral pendant and discreet, diamond-studded pearl earrings.
“Just right,” Ginger said, touching Marina’s shoulder. “What a lovely bride. Look at yourself in the mirror.”
Marina gazed at her reflection in Ginger’s full-length mirror. Overwhelmed with emotion, she dabbed her eyes. This was a day she’d once thought might never come again.
Ginger held out a hand to her. “It’s time, my dear.”
Marina took her grandmother’s hand. She could hardly wait to see Jack.
With the Coral Cottage behind her, Marina clutched a bouquet of roses, peonies, and ranunculus, all in shades of coral. Her friend Imani from Blossoms had created the bouquet and other floral decorations.
Taking a step onto the sand, Marina approached the very spot where her mother had married years before and where she and Kai and Brooke had played as children. A tall arch decorated with coral roses was secured on either side of the flat rock that jutted toward the sea.
They’d all left their sandals and shoes by the rear door and changed into the wedge-heeled, rhinestone-encrusted flip-flops Kai had bought for them. Heels would only sink into the sand.
Ethan escorted Ginger first. Their family and friends were already gathered by the rock, and they turned and smiled at her.
“You’re the mermaid queen today,” Kai said. “No contest at all.”
Marina admired the women who walked with her, those she was fortunate to call sisters. For all their petty arguments, she was proud and honored to have them beside her today.
Jack’s family and many friends from Summer Beach were there. Ivy and Bennett, Shelly and Mitch, and Leilani and Roy stood to one side. Jen and George stood with Vanessa and Dr. Noah, who had just returned from their honeymoon.
From the top of the rock, Jack beamed at her. He wore an intricately embroidered, white linen guayabera, a traditional shirt worn over loose trousers. The wind ruffled his thick hair, and he appeared confident and sure of the step they were taking today.
Standing beside Jack was Brother Rip, facing the sea as if drawing all its energy to bless this marriage. Perched on a stool on one side, Bennett softly strummed a guitar.
Marina thought everything was perfect.
After slipping off her wedged flip-flops, she lifted the hem of her grandmother’s wedding gown and stepped onto the long, flat stone on the beach where her parents had pledged themselves to each other so many years ago. Beneath the rich satin fabric, Marina planted her bare feet on the sun-warmed rock, feeling the sand beneath her feet just as her mother had.
The breeze swept back her hair, which fell past her shoulders. The satin dress and the long, sheer lace overlay rippled in the wind.
Their family gathered around them. Next to Ginger stood Chip, his three boys, and Axe, her new grandson-in-law. Ryder held the lead for Scout, who wore a handsome coral bandana around his neck and seemed to understand the importance of the celebration. Liz gathered with their children.
Brother Rip turned to them with a peaceful expression on his face. His deep, lilting voice rumbled against the mesmerizing rhythm of the ocean. “I sense your angels are with us today. They have been waiting for this moment.”
At his words, Marina felt the reassuring presence of her parents, as if time separating them had somehow melded, and they were reunited at this spot by the sea. Warmth radiated through the soles of Marina’s feet.
She glanced at Ginger, whose eyes were closed. Her grandmother wore a peaceful smile as if she were somehow communicating with her beloved daughter. When she opened her eyes, they were as clear as Marina had ever seen.
“We love you,” Ginger whispered, placing a hand over her heart.
“And I love you, and Mom and Dad, forever.” Marina hugged Ginger, holding her tightly and feeling her love.
Beside her, Kai and Brooke had tears in their eyes as if they had felt something, too.
After a moment, Jack cleared his throat and offered his hand. Perhaps he felt the presence of his angels, too.
Marina slid her hand into his. At that moment, she knew in her heart that she and Jack had been destined to be joined here.
Beside Marina stood Heather and Ethan, and next to Jack was Leo, beaming at her. If not for Leo, they might not be standing here today. Marina winked and blew him a kiss.
Clasping Jack’s hand firmly in hers, she faced the distant horizon with him, feeling as if their future was opening to them. All they had to do was step into it.
Ginger stood with them, her face wreathed with a smile and joy in her eyes. Her grandmother’s approval of this marriage meant everything to Marina because she trusted her judgment. Even though, as Ginger was fond of saying, you’re the ones who will have to live together and make it work.
As Marina held Jack’s hand, the warmth radiating from it was like nothing she had ever known. It wasn’t only the heat of his palm; she felt intense energy growing between them.
At that moment, Jack stared at her in amazement and admiration. “Do you feel that, too?”
“It’s incredible.” As emotion welled in her eyes, Marina passed her bouquet to Kai and joined both hands with Jack.
This was their moment. After pledging themselves to each other, Marina met Jack’s lips in a magical kiss that seemed to suspend time.
A moment later, their family and friends broke out with cheers. Marina and Jack paused to take photos with everyone. Later, when Marina would look at the photos taken of the day, she knew she would feel all the joy and happiness of that moment.
Ginger was right. They even made sure to have a photo taken with Scout.
Jack snapped his fingers. “Come on, boy. It’s your turn.”
As Marina and Jack were posing with Scout, a seagull swooped low and landed by the rose-covered arch. Scout eyed the bird with a wary look. As if dared, the gull pecked at the flowers, taunting him.
Jack held his dog’s collar. “It’s okay, boy. Just smile for the photo.”
But Scout had other ideas. Suddenly, he broke free and bounded toward the interloper, throwing Jack off balance.
Quickly, the gull lifted off, its great span of wings soaring on the breeze.
“Scout, come back,” Marina called.
Yet, Scout couldn’t stop. Skidding in the sand, he careened toward the flower-encrusted arch. And then, as if in slow motion, the arched structure fell away from the crowd. No one could have stopped it.
“Timber,” Jack yelled, and everyone turned to look.
The structure tumbled toward the sand and crashed, sending a spectacular shower of rose petals whirling in an onshore gust. Petals floated down upon the crowd like sweet confetti.
Leo flung his arms around Scout while Marina and Jack embraced in a whirlwind of fragrant rose petals, laughing and kissing.
“That’s perfect,” the photographer said happily.
“Everything is perfect with you in my life,” Jack replied, gazing into Marina’s eyes. “Even when it’s not.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Marina felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
Kai clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Let’s go toast this happy union.”
Leo and the other boys picked up the pieces of the broken arch and made their way to the patio.
The party afterward was everything Marina wanted, surrounded by family and their Summer Beach friends.
“That was just as lovely as your mother’s wedding,” Ginger said, gently touching the neckline of the wedding dress she’d worn decades ago. “We’re all part of this fabric now.”
Marina smoothed a hand over her grandmother’s. “I think of our family as a tapestry woven of strong thread.”
“What a lovely thought.” Ginger’s eyes misted. “And every generation embellishes the story.” She nodded toward Heather. “Your daughter might be next. You’ll take good care of this dress for her?”
Hardly daring to think that far ahead, Marina embraced her grandmother. “We both will.”
She and Jack spent the evening laughing with friends and family who toasted them countless times with Ginger’s vintage crystal. For once, Marina hadn’t cooked, and neither had Ginger or Brooke. Following Ginger’s recipes, Mitch had prepared the seafood buffet dinner with fresh ocean catch and the freshest of farmers market vegetables. Ginger’s long-time friend from the market, Cookie O’Toole, had made the cake using a delicious mango-lemon recipe.
As the night wore on, a soft mist cooled the beach, and stories flowed around the outdoor fireplace. Marina could hardly imagine a better ending to the day.
Almost.
She reached a hand to Jack. “Ready to return to where we first met?”
He folded her hand in his and kissed it. “You know I am.”
After saying their goodbyes and leaving the Coral Cottage, Marina and Jack drove the short distance to the Seabreeze Inn.
Ivy had given them a key and told them to park in the car court whenever they arrived. She had reserved the best room at the grand old beach house for them, one that had been the former owner’s suite and had a magnificent ocean view that stretched to the horizon.
Marina and Jack parked the Mini-Cooper in the car court. With their arms encircling each other, they strolled across the expansive patio and past the Neptune-inspired pool glistening with moonlight. Beyond the pool was a path planted with tropical flowers that led to quarters converted into guest rooms.
They both stopped, staring at a spot just outside a door to a room.
“Right there,” Jack said, nodding toward a place on the path. “That’s where we met.”
Marina remembered. “And I thought, now there’s a man with eyes too blue to be trusted.”
“I’m glad you could see past that and into my heart.” Jack kissed her forehead and led her up the ramp to the rear of the house.
As he turned the key in the door, Marina smiled at another memory. On the day they met, she’d limped out on crutches after spraining her ankle. Ginger had been away, and Marina had fled the disaster that had been her life in San Francisco so quickly she’d left her keys to the cottage. Little did she know that action would lead to this beautiful night, with their new life stretching before them.
“I remember asking you to open this door for me,” she said, sliding her hand along her new husband’s chest.
Jack’s eyes sparkled brighter than the stars. “At last, I can do what I wanted that day.”
“Which was?” she asked, teasing him.
Brushing his lips on hers, Jack swept her into his arms and carried her over the threshold. A smile lit his face. “Think of the time we could have saved if I’d done that then.”
Marina threw her head back and laughed. “But what a wonderful journey it’s been.”
The End