Page 95 of Moonlit Kisses

Oh my gosh, I hadn’t even thought of that, but what a fabulous idea. I nod, my eyes wide with joy that she wants to do something so amazing for someone she barely knows. “On one condition.”

She freezes, looking unsure. “Uhm, okay?”

“You’ll need to make a complementary dress for Kenny. She’s going to be my flower girl, and I’d love for you two to match!”

Holly squeals. “Oh my God, yes. She’s so freaking adorable. Thank you for trusting me with something so important.”

I chuckle as she draws me back in to embrace me tight. “Of course. I love your work. If it wasn’t such a short time frame, I’d ask you to design and make my wedding dress, but it would be too much. It’s less than three weeks away.” My heart stalls when I realize how soon I’ll become Mrs. Stanfield. “Will that be enough time for you to make two dresses? I don’t want to put any pressure on you.”

She waves off my concern. “I can definitely do them in three weeks. But I’ll need to measure Kenny within the next few days.”

I message Emma and we make plans to meet up with Kenny. I feel like I’m going to burst from happiness and excitement as I say goodbye to Noah and Holly. This afternoon worked out better than I could have hoped, and spending time with Noah wasn’t anywhere near as difficult as I thought it was going to be.

I blow out a breath in relief and glance up at the cloudless sky. “I miss you,” I whisper to the heavens. “But I think I’m gonna be okay.”

A gentle, warm breeze rises, blowing my bangs out of my eyes, and I blink to keep the tears at bay because it reminds me so much of when Mom used to slide them out of my eyes. I don’t want to cry today. It’s been too perfect and I don’t want to ruin it. I pack up my stuff and head home to my soon-to-be husband.Eeek!

CHAPTER48

–max–

Today’sthe day I tie Molly to me forever.

Thank fuck!

I never want to lose this woman. I’ve missed her. After her volunteer shift atShelterlast night, she stayed with Martin and Beth, saying she wanted to follow tradition. I feel like I haven’t been able to take a proper breath since she kissed me goodbye. Any minute now, I’ll be able to lay eyes on her and I can’t wait.

The late afternoon is perfect, the temperature is ideal, with a light warm breeze coming off the ocean, and the simple setup looks incredible. The circular timber ladder, which will frame the sun as it drops below the horizon, is decorated with Molly’s favorite flowers—blush pink roses. It will act as a dais for Molly and me to exchange our promises. Simple wooden chairs for the small number of guests have been set up facing the wheel. Molly, Beth, and the girls have done an incredible job of pulling this together as quickly as they have.

Aaron stands beside me as I scan the small group of people gathered to witness our commitment to each other under a cloudless sky. Three chairs sit empty in the front row and my heart clenches as my eyes pause on each photograph of her family.

Today will be bittersweet for Molly.

In the second row on Molly’s side, sits Beth, Joanna, and Noah, as well as her friends, Simone and Rhonda fromShelter. Molly was thrilled they could take a couple of hours out of their evening to share this special moment with us. On the opposite side of the aisle sits my family, and I spot Mom already wiping tears before we’ve even started the ceremony. Emma, Theo, and the boys sit with Sarah and Cristo, chatting quietly among themselves. The soccer boys are behind them, looking casual in shorts and t-shirts.

“Are you ready to lock yourself to one woman forever?” Aaron asks softly.

When I asked him to be my best man, he agreed without hesitation. We’ve been friends since elementary school, which means he’s been witness to my failed relationships over the years. He saw the same thing in Molly as I did and that’s why he gave me the nudge I needed to pursue her.

“Absolutely. I know it’s been quick; just over five months. But when you know,you know. I’m not letting Molly get away.” My heart’s never been as full as it has since Molly came into my life. Knowing she feels the same for me is incredible.

“I would do exactly the same thing, man. She’s an exceptional woman and I’m rapt that you came to your senses and pursued her.” He sighs. “I have to admit, I’m a little envious.”

I tear my eyes away from the direction Molly will come from to study my long-time friend. “It’ll happen, man. When it does, it knocks you on your ass. So be ready.”

He huffs out a laugh. “Oh, I will be.”

The music changes toI Get to Love Youby Ruelle and I snap my focus back to the crest of the pathway leading to me. Holly and Kenny are standing at the top of the sandy dune. They walk toward us, hand in hand, with bright smiles, wearing gorgeous blush pink dresses designed by Holly. When Holly asked Molly if it would be okay to design her own dress, Molly jumped at the opportunity to support her creativity so long as she followed one request. To make Kenny a dress to match. Holly was rapt that Molly trusted her and dived straight into the project, designing and making both of their dresses in record time.

Kenny breaks away from Holly and runs straight for me with the widest of smiles. She leaps at me, and I catch her easily. “Uncle Max!” She squeezes my cheeks with her little hands. “Aunty Molly is a princess. Like a really real princess. She’s so pretty.”

I rub her nose with mine. “Is she as pretty as you?”

She chuckles. “You’re funny, Uncle Max.” I glance up, noticing movement on the dune. I kiss Kenny and place her on her feet next to Holly, all of my attention focused on my future wife.

Molly’s revealed to me slowly as she crests the dune until she stands unobstructed at the top. I draw in a breath as my eyes devour her. With her platinum hair tied away from her face, her joyful smile is obvious, even from this distance.

I’m barely aware of Aaron patting me on the back and telling me how gorgeous she is. Her hand is carefully tucked into the crook of Martin’s arm as he leads her to me; a proud expression on his face. My heart pounds the closer he brings her, and I can’t believe I get to call this woman mine for the rest of our lives. Her top half is sheathed in lace, which fits her like a glove, accentuating her beautiful breasts until it meets a satin skirt which drags along the sand, making Molly appear to be floating across the surface. Occasionally, her toes peek out as she steps forward, giving me a glimpse of sexy jewelry on her feet instead of shoes.

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