"Hopefully you are. Samantha Conners, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?" His eyes were big as he waited for my response.
"Yes." The word escaped without me even having to think about it. I loved him more than anything. My heart was dancing a happy jig in my chest, and I was smiling so broadly it hurt. "Yes, I will marry you!"
Robbie's face lit up with bliss. He rose in a smooth motion, and our mouths found one another easily. The world was full of so many colors that I could barely see for my joy. He tasted sweeter than honey, the rough stubble of his unshaven cheek against mine making every sense come alive. His lips were warm and inviting, begging me to kiss him for eternity.
"SAY YES, AUNT SAM!" A small voice called out from the other boat. I broke from Robbie's kiss as he laughed, turning to see the other boat come alongside us. Aboard was a very smiley Avery, Grace, Jack, Emma, Rachel, and Dean.
"So that's why you were late," I murmured softly. Robbie nodded.
"She said yes!" Robbie called out, waving at the other boat. A cheer went up from the deck.
I pulled Robbie in for another kiss, eliciting a second cheer from our family.
"So a sailing school, huh?" I asked between kisses.
"I was hoping you'd be my partner for that too." He grinned at me. "The winner of the Champion of Champions Invitational sure would help convince people to come sail with us."
"I still get to race?"
"You now are fully sponsored by R&S Sailing," he answered, kissing the tip of my nose. "You in?"
"With you, I'd do anything. I'm all yours."
He kissed me then, filling my world with freshwater kisses and love.
Epilogue
The big yacht sways gently under my feet. It feels strange to be on a boat without sails, but it was the best way to be out on the water for the wedding. The boat is so large, I would never want to sail it alone. I smile. After today, I'll never have to sail alone again.
I check my makeup in the mirror, making sure my veil is still straight. I barely recognize myself in the mirror, I look so beautiful. Robbie is going to be amazed.
Grace takes my hand, a soft smile washing over her pretty features. She adjusts my veil, not really moving it, but making sure that it is absolutely perfect. I love her, and I'm so glad she is here with me for my big day. She and Avery are all the family I have left. But after today, I'll have family again.
"It's time." Grace smiles and pulls me gently to the door. I take one last look at my white dress, the mermaid cut accenting every curve. I still can't believe it's me in the mirror.
We walk to a door where Avery is waiting patiently. She grins from ear to ear as soon as she sees me. "You look pretty, Aunt Sam," she tells me, using her indoor voice for once in her short life. I smile and bend over carefully, kissing the top of her head. She's wearing a real princess dress today.
"Remember, just like we practiced," Grace advises her daughter. Avery nods smartly, takes a big breath, and steps out into the aisle. I peek around the door to watch her as she takes careful, measured steps and throws her flower petals just so. She stops at the end of each row to turn and smile at the guests.
I can see Robbie from behind the door. He's so handsome. His arm is no longer in the sling, and he holds himself with pride. His sandy hair is falling in his eyes as he looks expectantly at the doorway. He's waiting for me.
"Our turn," Grace whispers, taking my arm in hers. I realize that Avery has made it to the end of the aisle, her small face beaming with pride. Robbie's mother guides her to a seat in the front row, and the little girl waves to her adoring fans as the song changes.
Grace and I step out into the aisle, the slow music coaxing us forward. Robbie and my eyes meet and I lose myself in the depths of his eyes. It seems to take forever to walk to him. Grace has to hold me back at a more sedate rhythm and keep me from simply running to him. I thank her silently for always looking out for me.
I can see my future so close at hand I can almost touch it. I know in my heart that this is exactly where I was always meant to be. I was always Robbie's, and he was always mine.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" the minister asks.
"I do," Grace responds in a clear voice. A ball of tears wells up in the back of my throat. I wish my father and mother could have been there to walk me down the aisle, but I know they would be happy to have Grace take their place.
Grace wraps her arms around me, her lips barely grazing my cheek. Her eyes sparkle with tears, and I know she is happy. "I love you, little sis," she whispers. She shakes slightly as she places my hand in Robbie's and then lets us both go.
Robbie's hand is warm and strong around mine. He isn't shaking or sweating; everything about him was calm and collected. As he helps me up the small step, he whispers, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life." I blush because I know he means it.
The minister starts to talk of the importance of marriage, but I'm no longer paying attention to him. My entire focus is on the man in front of me. My best friend. My past and my future. He smiles at me, and my world shines with happiness.
Robbie promises to love me. He has already promised that, but this is for everyone to hear. The ring is warm against my skin, heated by Robbie's pocket. His hand shakes here, but his eyes are steady.
The minister has me repeat after him, promising to love this man I have already loved my whole life. It is an easy promise and one I know I will be able to keep. I nearly drop his ring, making Robbie smile and laugh. He steadies my hand as I put the ring on his finger, just as he steadies me through life.
I'm trying to remember every detail, but everything is going so fast. Before I know it, the minister is proclaiming us husband and wife. I have been waiting for this moment since I was a small girl. I beam a smile at Robbie as he reaches for me.
This kiss is sweeter than candy. Happiness flows like honey between us, thick and wonderful. For now until the end of my days, I will remember kissing this boy, a bucket rolling at his feet, and the taste of freshwater kisses.