“Did you ever see us ending up here?” Isabella asked, raising her brows.
Kelsey nodded and put her arm around Isabella’s shoulder as she gazed out at the people gathered on the beach outside their bungalow. “I hoped,” she said softly.
“Me too, love,” Isabella murmured, resting her head on Kelsey’s shoulder.
Several chairs had been arranged looking out over the water. In the front row were both their mothers and all the kids. Behind them sat Carmen and Sylvie with Tanner and Mia along with Riley and Alex. They had asked Liz to officiate. A few of the friends they’d made at the resort were also there, but it was a small intimate group just like they wanted.
Liz stood up from where she’d been sitting and took her place facing the others. They saw her smile and Kelsey held out her arm to Isabella.
“Will you marry me?” Kelsey asked with a grin.
Isabella leaned up and kissed Kelsey softly. “Anytime,” she said, putting her arm through Kelsey’s.
They didn’t have an aisle to walk down because they were already one big family and wanted them to sit that way. Arm in arm, just like they usually walked together, they made their way around the small group and stood in front of their kids.
“We’re doing this together,” Kelsey said.
“Will you stand with us?” Isabella asked.
Kelsey reached for Emma and Wyatt’s hands while Isabella took Gus and Dana’s.
“One year ago today these two women came to our islands. I think their hearts had been searching and waiting for that chance moment when they met. Then the magic took over,” Liz said, raising her brows. “If you’ll join hands.”
Kelsey and Isabella faced each other and clasped hands.
“Kelsey, do you take Isabella to be your wife?” Liz asked simply.
“I do,” Kelsey said, staring into Isabella’s bright blue eyes with a huge smile.
“Isabella,” Liz said. “Do you take Kelsey to be your wife?”
Isabella returned Kelsey’s smile with an even bigger grin. “I do,” she said firmly.
“Okay,” Liz said cheerfully. “It’s your turn, Kelsey.”
Kelsey took a deep breath and swallowed. “One year ago today was the best day of my life. That was the day I met you and every day since has been even better. Yes, having my girls were wonderful days, but finding the woman I am meant to live this life with made me a new person with a full heart.” She took another breath and struggled for words. “Your love has made me a better mom, a better partner, and a better person. It’s amazing what you can do when you feel the true love from the one you're meant to be with.”
Isabella smiled with tears in her eyes. She took a breath and said, “Your love, our love, has made everything better. When I felt your love enter my heart it was like my eyes were opened.” She held Kelsey’s hands to her heart. ”I thought I knew what love was about but oh, it is so much more. Your love protects me even though I didn’t think I needed it. But knowing you love me makes me invincible. It’s a feeling I can’t put into words. There is an aura around us that’s pure love. It’s magical and I know it’s everlasting.”
Kelsey smiled with tears in her eyes. She didn’t think her heart could hold the love she was feeling from Isabella. She quickly glanced at Liz because she had to kiss Isabella right then.
“It is my honor to pronounce you married,” Liz said with a smile. “You may kiss.”
Kelsey pressed her lips to Isabella’s as her arms curled around her shoulders, pulling her even closer.
After a moment she could feel Isabella’s lips smile against hers. That’s when Kelsey heard their family and friends clapping. She pulled away and the happiness on Isabella’s face made Kelsey’s heart overflow.
“I love you so much,” Isabella said and kissed Kelsey again.
“Party at Peaches!” Liz shouted.
After everyone congratulated the couple Riley said, “We’ll take your moms and kids with us. Why don’t you ride with Carmen and Sylvie?”
“Okay, thanks,” Kelsey said,
“I’ll grab our purses,” Isabella said, starting towards the bungalow.
“Wait—” Kelsey grabbed her hand and pulled her in for a quick kiss. “Hurry.”