Page 30 of Coral Memories

Ever since that evening, they had been nearly inseparable, dining together every day he was in town.

Bertrand’s face shone with such admiration and devotion. How had she not detected his true feelings for so long? When she’d confided that in him, he had laughed and said it was only because she thought more with her head than her heart.

Fortunately, he loved that about her, though he promised to make sure she learned the heart was just as important.

Now, Ginger couldn’t imagine ever being without him again. Love was changing her; she could feel it, even if she couldn’t explain it. With her horizons broadening, she noticed more beauty in the world, more possibilities.

At last, Ginger stood before the man she loved, and her parents took their seats. Bertrand’s smile was warm and reassuring.

The minister began, and Ginger felt as if she were floating in the rafters, watching the scene from above. Her parents sat in the first row, beaming with pride. They looked happier than she could ever recall seeing them. Her brothers and childhood friends filled the other pews, some with dates, others with new spouses: Sylvia, Pearl, and Juanita. Her friends Helen and Chase, who married last year, were there, and Helen was already pregnant.

On the other side sat Kurt Powell and his wife. Kurt hated to lose Ginger, but he was happy for Bertrand, his closest friend. Kurt’s younger brother had also driven with them; Oliver was about Ginger’s age. The three handsome men were the life of any party they attended.

The brief ceremony passed by in a blur. Ginger couldn’t keep the radiant smile from her face as they exchanged rings. As she clasped her husband’s hands and the minister pronounced them husband and wife, happiness washed over her.

“At last, my love,” Bertrand murmured, taking her in his arms.

“At last, and forever,” she whispered, gliding on a wave of love so consuming that it rendered the world around them small and insignificant.

They sealed their vow with a sweet kiss and the promise of much more to come.

After greeting and mingling with their guests, her mother hugged her. “We’ll leave for the house and have everyone follow us now. You two take your time.” She beamed at Bertrand and kissed Ginger on the cheek.

Her parents were hosting a reception and dinner at their home. Her mother had been cooking and baking for days before Ginger and Bertrand arrived.

“We’re ready now,” Ginger said.

“Wait,” Bertrand said in a husky voice, taking her hand. “We’ll follow them shortly. Let’s take a moment to ourselves.”

They stepped into the adjoining wisteria-draped courtyard and sat on a stone bench, releasing the tension they’d built up. They both drew in deep breaths and rested in each other’s embrace.

“Right before the ceremony, I received a call about Paris,” Bertrand said, kissing her shoulder. “Our application for the furnished flat was approved, so it will be ready for us when we arrive.”

“That’s wonderful, darling. What a relief.” They would have a week before they left. It hardly seemed real to her.

“Marie and her mother will help you get anything you need. Most of the wives are good friends. Of course, Marie’s mother is a French citizen, so she knows all the best shops. That will be a real advantage to you.”

“When will I be able to visit my parents?” she asked, knowing how much her mother would miss her.

“We’ll return together twice a year,” he replied, smoothing her hair. “They’re my family, too.”

She knew this was important to Bertrand. As much as he’d loved his parents, they were no longer with him. He had a strong desire to recreate a family. Kurt was like a brother to him, and he treated her parents as his own.

They talked a little more until Bertrand kissed her and said, “I have something else to show you now. Are you ready?”

She twisted the diamond band that rested on her finger. “Everything is perfect. What else could I possibly want?”

“One final surprise.” His eyes sparkling with mischief, he rose. “I think you’ll like this one.” He gestured down a winding path that led toward the beach. “This way, darling.”

Bemused, she followed him. They strolled a short distance before he stopped.

Nestled near the beach against a backdrop of bluffs and lapping waves stood a white, two-story cottage. Wildflowers and bougainvillea bloomed around it in fuchsia and purple.

“This home is my wedding gift to you.” His lips curved into the mysterious smile she loved. “No matter where we roam, I want you to have a home we can return to and root our family.” He swept an arm out to encompass the stunning panorama. “Summer Beach will always be that.”

Tears filled Ginger’s eyes as she flung her arms around him. “It’s everything I could have wanted.” Her head spinning with delight, Ginger showered him with kisses. “How did you manage this?”

“Your parents are quite good at keeping secrets, I found. Welcome home, my dear. It’s yours to decorate.”

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