Page 52 of Kayak Girl
“They are pretty eager for us to start in March, so we’d have to get married before then. That only gives us two months to get everything planned. Can we do it?”
“Babe, just name the day, and I’ll marry you!”
“Okay. Yikes. I can’t believe we’re considering this. I’m a bit bummed that I’ll have to cancel my summer holiday plans with Becky. But I’m sure she’ll understand.”
“I know she will. I’ll come visit you this weekend. Then we can work out all the details.”
“No, I was actually thinking I should return to Hilton Head so we can get everything planned.”
“Even better. Elle, have I told you lately that I love you?”
“Yes, every day,” she said with an undeniable warmth to her voice.
“Just in case it slipped your mind; I adore you, my girl.”
Epilogue
Two
Months Later…
From Becky’s POV
From the edge of the tent, I watched in awe as Elle, and her new husband took to the dance floor. The soft hum of the waves combined with the gentle strumming of a guitar provided a romantic backdrop to their beachside wedding reception. The makeshift tent captured the essence of a starry night, each fairy light flickering and twinkling as if they were individual stars brought down from the heavens just for this moment.
I felt the magic in the air, a palpable energy that centered around the two of them. As they danced, their bodies moved in harmony, each step a testament to the growing love and connection between them. Elle’s face was alight with a soft, radiant glow, reflecting the warmth and passion in her eyes. Gray had a gentle softness in his gaze that I’d never seen before.
It felt almost surreal watching my sister find the love she deserved. Elle had always been the reserved one, cautious and dedicated to her plans, but here she was, embarking on a journey of a lifetime, not just around the world, but with a soulmate.
A pang of envy twisted my heart. It wasn’t the envy of her happiness, but the ache of knowing she’d be gone for so long. We had been each other’s rocks, and now, she’d be kayaking across oceans while I anchored myself back home in Atlanta.
Lost in thought, I jumped when an unwelcome voice spoke near my ear. “Let’s get this dance over with,” he said. I turned. Weston. His piercing eyes met mine, challenging, daring me to fight with him. How could someone I barely knew infuriate me so much? It was no secret we didn’t get along. His surly disposition clashed with my cheery one. Every time I tried to make pleasant conversation, he brushed me off.
But here he was. Elle had told me earlier that day he had made a fuss about having to dance with me. Thankfully, Gray had managed to talk some sense into him. What would everyone have thought if the best man refused to dance with the maid of honor? In my fragile state of mind, I couldn’t handle a public rejection like that.
Taking a deep breath, I placed my hand in his. “Try not to sound so excited,” I said as we made our way to the dance floor.
The melody floated on the sea breeze, and Weston drew me close. For a fleeting minute I had hope that this could be the start of Weston and I becoming friends. I smiled.
But then, in classic Weston fashion, he opened his mouth and ruined the moment. “Why are you always so... happy? Do you ask for extra sunshine and rainbows in your coffee or something?” he said, his voice flat but his eyes searching mine.
I smirked, “Well, since we are throwing out bold assessments about each other’s characters, do you know who you remind me of?”
“Who?”
“Eeyore, from Winnie the Pooh,” I said, only realizing once the words left my mouth that they sounded a lot edgier in my head.
He chuckled; a sound so rare that it took me aback. His grip on my hand tightened ever so slightly. “You think you know me, but you don’t.”
“And there’s more to me than just sunshine and rainbows,” I retorted, feeling vulnerable beneath his gaze. “Whatever, just try to look happy for Elle and Gray’s sakes,” I whispered, my voice tremulous. Eager to appear normal, I changed the subject. “How do you feel about Gray leaving? Isn’t he your best friend?” I asked, wondering if he felt the same kind of loss I was feeling over Elle’s departure.
“I wouldn’t say I feel anything about it. Except that I’m happy for him. Gray leaving won’t change much. I like being alone,” he replied, his tone dismissive.
Okay, so it was just me. The music hummed softly in the background, as we attempted to sway to its rhythm. Silence hung thick between us, but not the comforting type. It was a silence full of unspoken words, disagreements, and tension. Each step and turn felt like a battle, a struggle for dominance rather than a harmonious dance.
As the last notes played, he led me off the dance floor. “By the way, the label of your dress is sticking out the back,” he said.
I blushed, mortified. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
He shrugged, a strange glint in his eyes. “Thought it’d do you good to not be perfect for a second.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re impossible.”
Weston simply turned and left. Argh. Infuriating man.
Watching him stride away, I wondered what the future would look like. How would I fit into Elle’s new life? Would I still belong? Would there ever be a place for me among her new acquaintances? Would I forever be at odds with Weston? The cool evening breeze whispered these questions in my ear, but the answers remained elusive, carried away with the fading light.
THE END
