I crash over the edge and my orgasm rocks me.

Liam follows behind me silently as we lie panting on the bed.

“Who needs a bachelor party? I much prefer your way of sending me off into married life,” Liam laughs and my hand slaps his chest.

“Are you ready?” I ask even though I already know.

Liam shifts onto his side and his face is next to mine. “I’ve never been more ready for anything. Not BUDs, not a mission, or anything that I live for. You, you are what I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I never knew it. I didn’t expect it. But we’ve found it and whether we were making it official or not, you would always be meant for me.”

“I love you.”

“I love you. I mean it, Lee. Even if you had chosen someone else . . . there would never be anyone that would come close to you. Believe me. You’ll never have to worry about me straying or running from you.”

I turn slightly and press my hand against his chest. “I know. You don’t have to worry either. I’ve never loved anyone like I’ve loved you.”

“Aarabelle’s dress is hanging in the closet. I need to finish my makeup. Where the hell is my curling iron?” I rush around the room frantic as Reanell, Catherine, and Ashton sit on the bed trying not to laugh.

Catherine stands and walks over. “Sit. I’ll do your hair. Just relax,” she soothes and I listen.

Well, not about the relaxing part.

We spend the next hour getting ready and before I put my dress on, there’s a knock at the door.

Ashton answers, and I hear her and Quinn talking, but soon she closes the door and hands me a small box.

“This is for you,” she smiles and places it in my hands.

I open the lid and there sits another small box.

Then another.

And another.

Until I finally reach the final box. I open it while everyone looks over my shoulder. Inside sits a pair of diamond stud earrings.

“Oh my God,” I gasp. Each one has to be a carat. They’re gorgeous. I immediately put them in my ears and can’t stop touching them.

Another knock on the door.

Catherine rushes over and sure enough, Jackson is on the other side. She walks over with a card and places it in my hands. “At least we didn’t do makeup.” She kisses my cheek and they all sit.

With shaky hands, I open the card. Before reading, I look at Aarabelle, Reanelle, Catherine, and Ashton curled in close to celebrate today. I really am blessed.

My sweetheart,

When our worlds altered, I found myself unsure. The days of not knowing whether I should walk away or find a way to make you see how I felt were agony. I struggled, but then it became easy. The world became ours and we found true, undiluted love. I can now change a diaper. I know about the aftermath of cake for meals. But mostly, I know about love. Years from now when our children are grown, we’ll be able to tell them how we came to be. They’ll know nothing in this world comes easy, but if it’s right, you fight for it. I’ll fight everything and everyone in this world for you and our family. I give you my word—I’ll never forsake you. Now, come get your ass down that aisle and marry me.

I love you,

Liam

I laugh as tears stream down my face. Only he can make me do both at the same time.

“Mama cry,” Aara says as she squirms off Rea’s lap and comes over.

“It’s okay, baby. Athair is just making Mommy happy.”

“Athair!” She looks around for Liam.

“Soon. Do you want your pretty dress?” I ask her as I lift her into my arms.

“Lee,” Rea comes over and takes Aarabelle. “Please no heavy lifting. You’ve been on your feet a lot and you’ll be sitting very little all day.”

I nod and absently rub my stomach.

We get Aarabelle dressed and unzip my gown from its bag. It’s a simple, white dress with large, white beads down the entire back to the train. It has a deep U cut that drapes almost to my butt. It’s classic and has a lot of room for my belly.

Reanell fixes my dress and double-checks my hair. She stands me in front of the mirror and Aarabelle stands in front of me. “Wow,” I say aloud. “You look so pretty, peanut,” I say, trying to keep my mind off the fact that I’m standing in a wedding dress.

In the mirror is a blonde with bright, blue eyes and red lips. Her hair is curled and hangs down her back with a little over the side. In her eyes, you can see how happy she is. I realize as I see myself through someone else’s eyes how right this is. I follow the tulip shaped dress, and even with my bump, it’s perfect.

“Ready?” Reanell asks in a hushed tone.

I glance at Aara and then to her reflection. “I am.”

“Okay, let’s go. Your man is waiting.”

“Rea.” I grab her arm. She stops and looks at me with wide eyes. “I need to make sure I tell you how much I love you and how much you mean to me.”

Her smile spreads and I fight back the emotions overwhelming me. “I know our lives met by chance, but you’re family to me. No matter where the Navy takes us, you’ll always be in my heart.”

Catherine peeks her head in, “I hate to interrupt, but it’s time. Mark is taking this minister thing a little too far, by the way. Just to warn you.” She laughs and dips her head back out.

“Okay, Aara,” I put my hand out. Her small hand wraps around my fingers and we head out the door.

This morning was a little misty out, but the sun is shining through now. We walk down the beach, and Aara and I stand and wait. I wish I had my parents here, but they said they couldn’t make it back so soon after their last visit. My father hasn’t been feeling so well and the travel is hard. Plus, we sprung it on them quickly. Still, I wish my daddy were here to give me away.

“I’m going to head down, and whenever you and Aara are ready . . .” Rea smiles and kisses my cheek.

I squat as best as I can by my daughter and hold her hands in mine. “Oh, Aara. So much has happened in your short, little life, but love has never been missing. Liam will love you, and your daddy will too. You’ll have twice the amount that most little girls have. I love you.”

She plays with the flower on her dress and I smile. Aara looks up and I pucker for a kiss. She leans in and then I pull her close.

“You look beautiful, darling.” I gasp and turn my head only to see my father standing there in his suit.

“Daddy!” I call out and he helps me stand. “You came!” I wrap my arms around him and want to cry.

He laughs in his rich voice that I’d know anywhere. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Liam called after we spoke and bought us plane tickets. He was very adamant and was willing to come down and drive us if he had to,” he laughs again and pulls me back. “Quite a guy you got there.”

“He really is special.”

“So are you,” he taps my nose. “And so are you! Hello, my gorgeous princess.” My father lifts Aara and holds her in one arm. He loops his arm and I circle my hand through. “Let’s go and see that man of yours.”

“Okay.” My voice shakes, but I’m not nervous. It’s quite the opposite. I’m eager and ready. I want to see him. I want to say our vows and start our life together.