Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 53349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 213(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53349 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 213(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
The minister waited under the awning for the bridal party to arrive. A moment later, Florentine’s two bridesmaids processed down the natural pathway formed by the guests. Then Florentine and Tim appeared, holding hands and smiling, looking as happy as any couple could be. Florentine was every inch the classic bride in white organza, her veil catching the breeze and flowing around her. Every time she took a step—barefoot—her dress sent up small waves of sand. Her bouquet was elegant and gorgeous, featuring lily of the valley and sweet peas. Tim wore a cream linen suit with a white linen shirt, along with a bright green sprig of lily of the valley in his buttonhole. They were perfect.
Tim might have talked about keeping the wedding small and simple, but it seemed as if both families had pretty strict ideas about how you conducted a wedding, and there was only so much “simple” allowed. One of Nate’s cousins snapped photographs on her phone, and Nate found himself filing away the idea for work. Maybe they could use guests’ personal photos, upload them to cloud storage, and then make them available for the world to see?
“Nate, are you paying attention?” Tamara whispered. “I can tell when you’re thinking about work.”
He turned to look at her, amazed she knew that he’d been thinking about something other than the wedding. Then again, no one knew him quite as well as Tamara did. And that was becoming more evident every day. He certainly felt closer to her than to anybody he’d ever met. They stood side by side, very close to the bride and groom, forming part of the semicircle of people gathered around. Nate glimpsed a couple of people wandering in off the beach to see what was happening, but that was fine. With this kind of wedding, it was almost expected.
Tamara slid her hand into his and smiled up at him. He felt as if his heart would burst. This was what life was supposed to be. Everything was perfect. He knew he loved Tamara, and if they weren’t at this wedding, he’d be throwing caution to the wind and saying those words aloud. But the ceremony was about to start.
“We’re gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Tim and Florentine,” the minister began.
Tamara glanced again at Nate, and there was something in her eyes—a sense that the romance of the occasion wasn’t just limited to the people getting married.
It was a simple ceremony, and they couldn’t have picked a more beautiful spot for it. Nate had always thought nowhere could be as beautiful as the beach at Malibu, but this stretch of San Diego shoreline was definitely up there. There were miles of golden sand, and the deep blue waves seemed as though they could swallow the world. Seabirds rested on the water, obviously waiting for the tide, while the olive-green and rust hues of the rugged cliffs were dazzling.
Tim and Florentine spoke their vows, looking at each other with tears in their eyes, meaning every word. Nate watched as they placed the wedding bands on their partner’s fingers—an act done with so much love.
The wedding was beautiful with a relaxed, intimate feel to it—just Tim, his bride, and the people who cared most about them, sharing that one special moment.
Nate found himself looking at Tamara, and she returned his gaze with an intensity that spoke volumes. Their regard of each other spoke of a story that was as yet to unfold. He wanted to kiss her in that moment, and only good sense prevented him from holding her tight and then never letting go.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister said, and the two didn’t need to be told to have their first kiss as husband and wife. The assembled crowd, including the new onlookers, cheered and clapped. Nate found himself joining in, caught up in the excitement of the moment.
One thing about a beach wedding was how quickly it could give way to a party. The caterers, who had looked after brunch, were now ready to handle the reception. Waiters wearing pastel-colored shirts appeared with glasses of champagne. They quickly set up stations to handle the drinks and food and got the music going. Pretty soon, everyone was celebrating, even the people who had wandered in off the beach. No one really minded. It was an opportunity to celebrate, and if complete strangers wanted to help them do it, then that had to be a good thing. In that moment, Nate truly understood why Zach Jarrs wanted to broadcast his wedding to the world. It brought so much joy to other people. If Nate were the one getting married, he would want the world to know about it too.
“Hey, you,” Tamara said softly. “You’re thinking about work again, aren’t you?” She linked her arm with his.