Page 55 of Natural Temptation

The big day has finally arrived. Ryan and I are tying the knot today. And it seems appropriate for our wedding to take place on the beach. This resort has become our home, after all. I wriggle my toes to feel the warm sand caressing my feet as I smooth down my wedding dress, its simple elegance a perfect match for this breathtaking beach. The fabric catches the breeze, dancing around my legs like ocean spray.

I gaze out at the surf, letting the gentle rhythm of the waves wash over me. The vast expanse of blue stretches to the horizon, promising adventure and new beginnings. Just like the one I'm about to embark on.

Movement catches my eye, and I turn to see Ryan approaching. I am one lucky woman. He's devastatingly handsome in his linen suit, with his short-cropped blond hair tousled by the wind. My hair is getting plenty tousled too, but I don't mind the strands flying over my face. All I can see is Ryan—the man who changed my life.

He halts just close enough that he can clasp his hands in mine. "You look absolutely stunning. No bride could ever outdo your elegance and grace."

Am I blushing? My cheeks feel slightly warm, so yes, I think I am blushing. It's hard to believe I finally found real love afterfifty-two years in this world. "You are the most dashing, sexiest groom any woman could hope for."

He kisses my hand. "Can't wait until the formalities are over and we can go on our honeymoon. A world tour of all the Au Naturel resorts? Gotta be the strangest vacation ever."

"But you love it, and so do I." Maybe it's his fancy suit, but I suddenly feel...like I need to double check. "Sweetie, are you absolutely sure you want to marry me? You're young enough to have children, but I can't give you that."

He gives me a patient smile, then delicately sweeps a lock of hair away from my face. "I'm sure, Meredith. I love my job, and this is definitely not a kid-friendly resort. My siblings have children, which means Mom and Dad won't miss out on grandkids." He kisses my cheek. "My family loves you almost as much as I do."

"Your family is wonderful."

"Now, can we get this wedding going?"

I grin. "Let's get this wedding train rolling."

As Ryan pulls me closer, I marvel at how far we've come. From two broken souls seeking solace on this magical island to soulmates ready to face whatever life throws our way—together.

A burst of joyous laughter draws my attention away from Ryan's face. My heart swells as I take in the sight of my three best friends—Lila, Maya, and Zara—standing just a few feet away. Their vibrant dresses, in shades of tropical coral, sun-kissed yellow, and ocean blue, pop against the lush backdrop of Heirani Motu.

"Oh my, do you ladies look amazing!" I exclaim, feeling even happier because they made it to my island wedding. It was touch and go for a while after a storm in Seattle delayed their flight by several hours. I hug each of them in turn. "I love you guys so much. Never would I have had the gumption to visit a nudistresort alone. Which means you three are responsible for me and Ryan getting together."

Lila smirks and gives me a wink. "Glad we could be of service, Mer."

I twirl once, loving the look and feel of my simple, elegant gown. "Now, which of you will be the next bride to tie the knot on Heirani Motu?"

Maya shakes her head. "Not me, Mer. You know I vowed to never get tangled up in wedding vows again."

Zara conspicuously avoids taking part in the marriage discussion. Instead, she glances around. "I still can't believe you're getting married on a nudist island. Ryan must be a mind-blowing stud in bed to make you want to tie the knot again."

I wag a finger at her. "We all know what you're doing, Zara. It's called deflection. What are you afraid of, sweetie?"

She makes a pained face. "You know the answer. The love of my life kicked the bucket before we even celebrated our thirtieth anniversary."

I give her a squeeze. "That wasn't Stan's fault, and you genuinely loved him. Even if you never remarry, promise me you won't completely give up on love."

"Yes, ma'am." Zara salutes. Then she hugs me fiercely. "Thanks, Meredith. I needed that kick in the rear."

Ryan squeezes my hand, a quiet reminder of his presence. I turn to see him smiling at our friends' antics. "Can we get married now?"

I pat his cheek. "Yes, honey, we can."

I catch sight of James and Holly Bythesea standing a short distance away. James, looking dapper in a light linen suit, offers a polite nod. Holly beams at us, wearing a radiant glow that I suspect means she's pregnant. She does keep laying a hand over her belly.

"Looks like the resort's power couple approves," I murmur to Ryan.

He follows my gaze and chuckles. "James still looks a bit uncomfortable. I bet he's wondering if we're going to strip down after the ceremony."

I playfully swat his arm. "Behave. This is a traditional wedding ceremony—sort of."

But Ryan's brother and sister did not bring their kids to the wedding. It's a naughty nudist resort, after all. His parents are here, though. The family will have another ceremony when Ryan and I visit his parents' home next week.

I feel a delicious shiver run down my spine, thinking of the adventures that await us. Who would have thought that a spontaneous trip to a nudist resort would lead to this moment? Surrounded by friends, old and new, about to marry the man who's brought so much joy and passion into my life.

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