Page 57 of Natural Temptation

The officiant's voice breaks through my reverie. "The rings, please."

My heart flutters as Lila steps forward, presenting a small wooden box carved with intricate Polynesian designs. I take a deep breath, willing my hands to steady as I reach for Ryan's ring.

"Mer," Ryan whispers, his voice catching slightly. His fingers brush mine as we exchange rings.

I slide the ring onto his finger, marveling at how right it looks there. "With this ring, I thee wed."

Ryan's hands tremble ever so slightly as he takes my ring. As he slips the ring onto my finger, I'm struck by the weight of the moment. This small band of metal represents so much—our past, our present, our future.

"With this ring," Ryan recites, his tone steady and sure, "I thee wed."

The officiant's voice rings out, clear and joyful. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!"

A chorus of cheers erupts from our gathered friends and family. I catch sight of James and Holly Bythesea, their faces beaming. Holly whistles. James grins. The sound of applause mingles with the gentle lapping of waves and the calls of exotic birds, creating a symphony of celebration.

"We did it," I whisper to Ryan.

"And we're just getting started, Mrs. Kimble."

I shiver at the erotic promise in his words.

"You may now kiss the bride," the officiant announces, her words nearly drowned out by the crescendo of another round of cheers.

I barely have time to catch my breath before Ryan's lips are on mine, soft yet insistent. His hands cup my face, his thumbs caressing my cheeks as he deepens the kiss. I melt into him, my arms winding around his neck, pulling him closer. The world fades away, leaving only us and the rhythmic crash of waves on the shore.

When we finally break away, breathless and grinning, a third round of applause erupts. I can't help but laugh, giddy with joy and just a touch of champagne from the glasses Maya just handed us.

"Save some for the honeymoon, you two!" Zara calls out.

As the sun begins its descent, we make our way to the reception area—aka the man patio. Tiki torches flicker to life, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Everyone congratulates us at least twice more. Many of them offer their best wishes. Some even ask where we're going on our honeymoon.

"It's a world tour," I say enigmatically.

"I'd like to make a toast," Lila announces, raising her glass. "To Ryan and Meredith, whose love story is as vibrant and unexpected as the way they got married. May your life together be an endless adventure, full of discovery and wonder."

Her words paint a vivid picture in my mind. Yes, our life will be filled with wonder.

"And speaking of adventure..." Zara grabs my free hand. "It's time to get this party started properly."

She tugs me toward the dance floor, her enthusiasm infectious as we shuffle around the floor together.

I glance back at Ryan, who gives me a playful wink. "Go on. Show 'em how it's done, Mrs. Kimble."

Meanwhile, I dance with both Ryan's father and his brother. They're wonderful, and I can't wait to learn more about them. They're both great dancers too.

At last, I get my turn with Ryan. I'm floating on cloud nine as husband and I weave through the crowd, our hands intertwined like we're afraid to let go. The warm breeze carries the scent of plumeria, tickling my nose and reminding me of the flower tucked behind my ear. And now my husband is adeptly guiding me around the makeshift dance floor, holding me close and nuzzling my ear.

This island, this day, it's all a slice of heaven here on earth.

"Congratulations, you two!" James Bythesea booms, clapping Ryan on the shoulder. "I always knew you were meant for each other."

"Thank you, James," Ryan says, just as James claps his hand down on my husband's shoulder. "We're grateful for the support you, Holly, Eve, and Val have shown us. And we're looking forward to seeing the other Au Naturel resorts on our honeymoon."

"You will love the original Oregon property. It's family friendly." He glances at his wife with pure love in his eyes. "Holly and I met here on Heirani Motu, but now we'll be living near her parents in Florida, running a family-friendly resort there."

Holly grins. "We're having a baby. That's why we're moving to Florida. My parents live there, and Mom can't wait to babysit for us. We were estranged for a while, but there's nothing like a baby on the way to convince everyone to reconcile."

While James and Holly wander away, Maya approaches us. She pulls me into a fierce hug. "I'm so happy for you, Mer."

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