Page 32 of Last Second Chance

When the ceremony ended, we all moved to the reception area, an open shelter nearby with tables, chairs, and a dance floor. Most of the bridal party was sitting together, but Faith and Michael had made a special exception for me, placing me at a table with Poppy. It was all a part of the plan to put the two of us together, and I had to admit to myself that I never thought it would really work. Poppy was carrying around so much anger and resentment that I was sure she’d never agree to hear me out.

But I should have known better. She was too good of a person not to eventually let me tell my side of the story.

We were supposed to be seated with Summer, but she disappeared at the start of the reception, so that left us with Michael’s parents at the table. That was no problem. I knew them well enough to carry on a conversation, and Poppy could connect with just about anyone. By the time we finished our meal, she’d engaged Michael and Summer’s mom in an in-depth conversation about the best old Robert Redford movies.

Michael and Faith had their first dance, twirling around the dancefloor while staring into each other’s eyes. While we were watching, Poppy reached over and took my hand. The next song started and others moved onto the dance floor. I stood and tugged Poppy to her feet.

“Dance with me,” I said. It wasn’t a question.

Poppy smiled. “You’re so bossy.”

But she let me lead her to the dance floor. The song was a slow one, and I put my arms around her waist while hers went around my neck. I rested my forehead against hers and stared into those big brown eyes while we swayed back and forth. We might as well have been the only people at the reception, everything else just faded into the background.

“I love you. Poppy,” I said. The words felt right coming out of my mouth. And long overdue.

Poppy’s eyes went wide, and she tightened her hold on me. “Y-you do?”

I smiled. “Of course, I do. I might not have said the words, but I’ve always loved you.”

She beamed with happiness, the smile that always took my breath away. “I love you too.”

I wasn’t sure which one of us initiated it but the next thing I knew, we were kissing there on the dance floor. The moment was perfect, and I knew we were at the beginning of the rest of our lives.

* * *

I wantedto fly back to New York with Poppy, but it was too late to make that happen. Our tickets had been purchased weeks ago, and they were separate flights. I didn’t leave until the afternoon, but Poppy was scheduled to fly out this morning.

We went back to her room after the reception last night, taking a shower together. She packed up her suitcase after that, and we fell asleep together in her bed.

My cell phone alarm went off early this morning, just after sunrise. I sat up in bed, making Poppy groan. She rolled over and looked at the alarm clock.

“Why are you waking up so early?”

“You have to fly home this morning,” I reminded her.

“Yeah, in three hours.”

“I thought we could get some breakfast first. And I want to take you somewhere before you leave.”

“Trying to cram in more time together on the island?” she asked with a small, sleepy grin. “Youdoremember that we already have plans to meet for dinner in New York tonight, right?”

“Of course, I do. Now, get dressed.”

“Okay, okay,” she said, getting out of bed.

We both got dressed and headed downstairs. There weren’t many people in the restaurant at this time of day, so we got quick service. Poppy ordered a cinnamon roll and moaned over the delicious taste. The sounds she made went straight to my cock, and I seriously contemplated taking her back upstairs for another round of hotel sex before she left.

But there was something I needed to do, something else that was long overdue.

So, we left the hotel after breakfast. I led Poppy out the back entrance, intertwining our fingers as we walked along the beach. It wasn’t too crowded yet, but there were people starting to come out from the hotels and set up in the sand on canvas chairs or beach towels.

Poppy didn’t ask questions as we strolled along, and I was glad. I was feeling nervous, and I wasn’t sure that I could keep it out of my voice.

Finally, we reached a stretch of beach where no one was yet. I brought us to a stop, standing in the white sand with the smell of the ocean in the air and the sun shining down on us. I couldn’t think of a better place to do this.

Reaching into my back pocket, I pulled out my wallet. Poppy had already been watching me with mild curiosity, but now it morphed into open confusion. Opening the brown leather wallet, I pulled out the princess cut diamond ring that had been in there for over a year.

“What the...”

---