Page 42 of Five Goodbyes

And then, the moment arrives. The music swells, and all eyes turn toward the steps leading down from the main deck. Time seems to stand still as Jasmine makes her grand appearance.

She glides down the aisle, arm in arm with her father. She’s a vision of elegance. Her gown, a masterpiece of silk and lace, hugging her curves and trailing behind her, creating a captivating silhouette. Every step she takes radiates confidence and joy. I don’t even notice the wetness on my cheek. This moment is more than breathtaking. It’s put me in a different dimension.

As Jasmine nears me, our eyes lock in unspoken connection. In this instant, the world falls away, leaving only the two of us in our own enchanted bubble. Her luminous smile lights up the space, and my heart swells with profound love and gratitude.

Before reaching my side, Jasmine pauses to share a tender moment with her mom and grandparents, Joseph and Katherine. She delicately leans in and gives each of them a sweet kiss. Their love and pride for their daughter, and granddaughter are profound. The exchange of affection is a poignant reminder of the cherished bonds that unite us all.

As the ceremony commences, we stand side by side, ready to exchange vows that will bind us together for eternity. Jasmine’s eyes twinkle mischievously, and a playful tone colors her voice as she begins. “Hunter,” she breathes, her voice filled with warmth, “I promise to be your partner in laughter, your confidante in times of need, and your anchor when life’s storms rage. I vow to nurture our love with spontaneity and adventure, keeping our spirits forever young. I’ll be your best friend through it all. I didn’t know I was missing a piece of me until I understood what love was, and I’ve only ever understood love with you. Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and most importantly, your love. Also, I promise to give you a life that will create grey hairs and possible baldness from pulling your hair out due to my antics.”

The crowd snickers, captivated by Jasmine’s lighthearted yet heartfelt words. Her vows, a reflection of her vibrant personality, reflect our shared desire for laughter and joy.

Moved by her words, I take a deep breath and gather my timing. “Jasmine,” I say, my voice infused with love and determination. “I promise to be your unwavering support, your rock in times of uncertainty, and your compass when the path seems unclear. I vow to cherish your dreams as my own, to celebrate your triumphs, and to hold you close during life’s inevitable challenges. With you by my side, I know that together, we can conquer the world. I’ll also add that you may get grey hairs and possible baldness from pulling your own hair out due to my stubbornness.”

The crowd may have been primed to receive more laughter, but using the same joke on Jasmine doesn’t garner any laughs.

As the officiant pronounces us husband and wife, a wave of elation sweeps through me. The applause and cheers of our loved ones fill the air, their voices blending with the sound of clapping hands. In a moment that feels both timeless and fleeting, I lean in to seal our vows with a kiss. It’s a kiss that I’ll never forget.

As we raise our hands in triumph, a symbol of our unity, the joyous energy of the crowd fills the yacht. Laughter, hugs, and congratulations abound as we’re showered with well wishes from family and friends. Photographers capture the smiles and embraces, immortalizing the memories of this magical day.

The family photography session unfolds, a beautiful symphony of love and togetherness. Jasmine and I pose with her parents, capturing the joy and pride on their faces. The embrace between Lucas, Amy, Jasmine, and me is heartfelt, a blend of love and acceptance that fills my heart with warmth. Then the photographer directs us to gather with our siblings and extended family, creating a display of laughter and smiles so big our cheeks begin to hurt.

Jasmine’s grandfather, Joseph, approaches with a proud smile, his eyes welling with tears of joy. “May I have a moment alone with my princess?” he asks. I nod, understanding the depth of their bond. The photographer captures the precious moments between Jasmine and her grandfather, their smiles and shared secrets frozen in time.

The photography session continues with aunts, uncles, and cousins as we all smile and embrace, laughter and playful banter filling the air. The love that surrounds us is unmistakable, a reminder of the connection that will accompany us on our journey as husband and wife.

The sun casts a golden glow over the scene, the yacht basking in its warm embrace. Champagne glasses clink together, the effervescent bubbles mirroring the joy in our hearts. The live band fills the air with melodic tunes, encouraging guests to take to the dance floor and revel in the magic of the moment.

Amidst the celebration, Jasmine and I are kept on task by the wedding planner. This is our moment to go change into our evening attire. I had no idea we’d be changing outfits multiple times throughout the night. I was overruled on the conversation when I said we could just wear beach clothes since that would be much more comfortable.

As we make our way into the belly of the yacht, I notice the night sky begin to blanket the yacht, stars twinkling above, witnessing the union of two souls. The sound of laughter and music fills the air behind us, mingling with the gentle lapping of waves against the yacht’s hull. We hurriedly rush toward our room.

This is supposed to be a quick in and out of our rooms, and Jasmine is supposed to have Mora, Ember, and a couple of other women help her change from her dress, and her hair, but when Jasmine waves them off as we walk down the steps, I know a different kind of undressing is going to happen.

We slide into the room and before the door even latches, she pushes me against the door. My breath rushes out in a quick gasp as she curls her fingers into my hair and pulls hard as she brings my mouth to hers. I don’t hesitate to kiss my wife. My wife!

This all feels like a dream. There’s no possibility it’s real. How in the world is this incredible woman mine for time and all eternity? How am I so lucky to fall asleep in her arms every night, and wake with her in my arms? I don’t care how it’s happened, all I care is that she’s mine, and will be for the rest of our lives.

“I’ve wanted to do this from the moment I came down that aisle and saw how absolutely, devastatingly handsome you looked in your tuxedo with a tear falling down your cheek,” she huskily whispers when she yanks her mouth from mine.

“There were no tears,” I say, and she throws her head back and laughs. Damn, I could die a happy man at just the sound of her pure joy. I vow to bring this much happiness to her every single day for the rest of our lives.

“I love you, Hunter Sparks,” she says as she begins undoing my pants. My fingers are shaking too hard to help her.

“I love you, Jasmine Sparks.” She stalls in undoing my pants, and stares at me, so much love shining in her eyes, it once again takes my breath away.

“I want you to say these same words to me every single day for the rest of our lives. I love being yours, Hunter. I love having your name. I love you. I’ve been surrounded by love my entire life, so much more love than many get, but this is different. This is all-consuming, raw, and pure. It’s everything, and so much more. You’re mine forever, and there’s no doubt I’m yours.”

Now it’s me running my fingers through her hair, turning the beautiful updo into an utter mess as I pull her to me, but neither of us care. I need my lips on hers. I take her mouth with love and passion, and I’m so hungry there’s nothing that can fill me.

She resumes undoing my pants as I begin lifting the miles of fabric of her dress up. My fingers skim over her garter and my arousal throbs painfully, then I about fall to my ass when I feel she isn’t wearing panties. I pull back and she gives me a wicked grin.

“I didn’t want anything in the way,” she huskily whispers.

I turn our bodies as I lift her up against the wall, her legs wrapping around me. We’ve barely managed to shift our clothes out of the way, but it’s good enough. She reaches between us, and holds me at her entrance, and I finally slam home . . . and see stars.

Jasmine screams before leaning down and biting my neck. Pain and pleasure flow through me as I pull back before quickly slamming inside her again. We’re breathing heavily as I push faster and harder, slamming us against the wall.

Jasmine’s walls tighten around me as she lets out a roar of pleasure, and I slam home one final time before my own release bursts from me. She squeezes her thighs around me as we slowly gain control over our breathing.

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