Page 84 of Second Swing
“I hope you didn’t think you’d be able to get married without us,” my best friend says with shining eyes, tears bristling at the edge of her lashes.
“Mija,” my mom whispers through uncontrollable love and emotion. “I’m so proud of you for healing and allowing yourself to be loved and to love in return.” She ropes her arm through mine. “You’re so beautiful.”
As my mom and I walk down the aisle, I see Jameson and Anderson sitting with the girls. Clinton’s mom and dad are sitting next to them, along with his Aunt Leshia and Selene.
When we reach my dad, I stop and extend my hand. “I don’t want to do this without you, Papi.”
“Oh, honey.” We share a watery smile as he stands, linking his arm with my other one. I look over to the woman sitting next to him and assume she’s my future stepmom. She’s gorgeous. Dark brown hair sits in soft curls below her shoulders with bangs that frame around her doe eyes. She gives me a warm smile, and I find that when I return it, I’m glad she’s here too. “I didn’t know if you would want me to walk you down the aisle. I wanted it to be your choice.”
With my parents at my side, I walk toward the man of my forever. “Who gives this stunning bride away?” Glen speaks up from under the arch.
“We do,” my parents speak in unison, and their words breathe new life into me. It doesn’t matter that they’ll never be together again because I see now they’ll always be here for me.
Glen nods to us and then begins, “I’ve overseen many swings, but this is a first for me, a swing into forever. No take-backs—just love. Clinton. Paloma. Marriage, much like golf, is unpredictable. Some days, you might hit every single shot perfectly, while others you end up in the rough, wondering how you got there. But you try again, and every single day you work to perfect your swing.
“The key to marriage and golf is patience, trust, and knowing you are both playing on the same team.” Glen turns to face Clint.
“Clinton, do you promise to stand by Paloma through every fairway and bunker, through the rough, and the green? To remind her she is stronger than she knows. To love her and cherish her through whatever life may bring your way?”
Clint squeezes my hands and pulls my wedding band from his pocket. Winking at me, he slides my ring on my finger before saying, “I damn sure do.”
“And Paloma, do you promise to stand by Clint through every high and low, to not let him take life too seriously? And to love him even when he watches every single major golf tournament, like it’s a national holiday? Do you promise to see, cherish, and challenge him from today until forever?” Glen nods his head for my answer.Shit, I don’t have a ring for him.
“Psst. Psssst.” I turn my head to look at my dad. He walks up to me and whispers in my ear. “This was your abuelo’s wedding band. I’ve always worn it, and I would love for it to stay in the family.”
“Thanks, Papi.”God, this fucking dust out here, I think to myself as I dab my eyes.
Turning back to Clint, I mouth “no running” and answer for everyone to hear, “Always. I do.”
“Well, alright! By the power vested in me, your favorite club manager, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. You may now kiss your bride.”
Clinton slides his hands to my hips and pulls me to him. “To forever, Dove.”
“Always.” And then he kisses me. The cheers from our family and friends fade to the background while his lips are pressed to mine. Warmth courses through my veins, and I’ve never in my whole life feltlove of this magnitude. He dips me, and I giggle through the last of our smooch. We walk down the aisle, hand and hand, toward our forever.
They all gather around us, the guys clapping Clint on the back. Cassidy runs up and hugs me tightly before turning to our friends and family. “Everyone better be at Shaken Tropes.”
41
Lou:The big day’s here. I’ve got my stretchy pants on for snacking.
Chuck:A wedding on this crazy course? It’s the ultimate show of faith.
Lou:Somehow it’s exactly what they needed.
Chuck:And isn't there something beautiful about it?
“It’s fucking huge. Does your finger hurt?” Brianna says, and I nudge her with my elbow. She’s holding my hand, staring down at my engagement ring.
“Actually, yeah, holding this rock up must be hard work.” Janelle is next, pulling my hand to hers to get a better look.
“I’ve got drinks!” Cassidy shouts, bringing out a round of cocktails for everyone.
Music plays softly, a rhythm-and-blues mix. The girls left quickly to come and decorate, and though it’s a little chaotic, it’s perfect. I take in all the streamers with the guiding weight of Clint’s hands on my hips as we sway to the music. White paper dresses are set on the tables, and small tea lights cast an intimate glow in the room. I look to the bar, and my eyes land on the huge banner hanging from the top shelf that reads No Take Backs.I roll my eyes and chuckle at their joke. I love them so damn muchfor this.
Taking it as our cue, we move to the library, and I wrap my arms around Clint’s neck as Sade’s “Lovers Rock” thumps through the speakers.
“You look beautiful, wife.” Full devotion is in his gaze, along with desire, as his warm, calloused fingers smooth down my back, like he’s practicing peeling this dress off of me.
