I will not be sad today. I will not be sad today. I will not be sad today.
“More than any other day, I wish you were here today, celebrating our love with us.”
Joshua raises his glass. “To John.”
Everyone raises their glasses. “To John.” They repeat sadly.
He regains his composure and he raises his glass to our guests. “To you lot.” He smiles broadly and everyone chuckles. “You have had to endure more in the last few months than any friendship should ever have to endure.”
Cameron interjects. “Amen to that!”
Everyone laughs out loud.
Joshua smirks at his beloved brother and continues his speech. “And yet you have all been so loyal and so committed to us.” He hesitates and I know he is becoming emotional. “We will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done and the tears you have shed for us.” He raises his glass happily. “To you lot.”
Everyone smiles, nods and raises their glass in agreement. “To us lot.” They all laugh.
He turns his attention to me, and I smile as I hold my breath.
“Natasha,” he whispers.
I smile through my tears.
“For two days I have been trying to get this speech right in my head with what I want to say.” He frowns. “But how do I put into words how I feel about you?”
I smile.
“Words fall short,” he whispers.
Oh, I love this man. I place my hand over my heart as I literally swoon all over the table.
“There aren’t enough words or stars in the sky.”
I smile. Could he be any more perfect?
“So I am just going to say it like it is.” He smirks.
Abbie and Bridget raise their glasses at me. This speech is going to be super romantic, I just know it. I smile broadly in anticipation.
“You are a beautiful, intelligent, uncoordinated drama queen.”
My mouth drops open in horror and the table erupts into laughter. This is not at all what any of us were expecting.
He holds his hands up to order silence as his smile erupts.
“A beautiful slut who I fucking adore.”
The table once more erupts into loud laughter. Oh my God, this is the worst wedding speech ever. My eyes flick to Mum who gives me a wink and smiles broadly while I put my hand over my mouth in horror and laugh.
“I can’t wait to teach you to ride horses.” He raises his brow sarcastically.
My mouth drops open again and I slap his thigh. “Joshua.” I laugh.
“And make you wear Jodhpurs.” The table’s laughter gets louder.
Oh, this is beyond pale.
“Not happening.” I smirk, as I shake my head.
He holds his hands up to quieten everyone back down again. “No, no. On a serious note.”
Everyone listens attentively and he bends to kiss the back of my hand – a simple gesture that means so, so much to me.
“I love you with all of my heart.”
Everyone gushes, and I melt.
He raises his glass for the final time. “To Natasha. My love. My life.” He raises his eyebrows cheekily. “My wife.” The table cheers loudly. “And her breathtaking smile.”
Chapter 2
I stand at the handrail and stare out to ocean as the sea breeze whips over my skin. My thoughts are on my father and the fun he would have had here tonight. It’s a bittersweet moment of reflection, one that I know every member of our family has felt heavily, today more than ever.
He is deeply missed, but with every dark thought that I have, a new thought of hope takes its place.
We did it. We made it. Joshua Stanton is my husband.
I hold out my hand and stare lovingly at the beautiful rings on my finger. They mean so much more to me than mere diamonds and gold. They’re a symbol of love and our ultimate commitment. A symbol of our bravery.
Happiness surrounds me. Our families are dancing and laughing loudly as they talk over the music. Joshua is relaxed for the first time since I have returned, and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I feel two large, strong hands slide around my waist from behind before soft lips dust my temple.
“Are you ready for bed, Mrs. Stanton?”
I smile broadly, Mrs. Stanton. That sounds so good.
“What time is it?” I ask as Joshua starts to slowly kiss my neck from behind.
“Who cares?” he whispers onto my skin.
“We have guests.” I smile as my head tilts by itself to the side to give him greater access.
“This is our wedding. It ends when we say it does, and besides, it’s after twelve.” He nips me and sends goose bumps down my spine.
I smile and continue to stare into the darkness over the water as Joshua wraps himself around me from behind.
I can feel his arousal encase me and I close my eyes to bask in its glow.
“I’m heading off.” Mum smiles.
I turn and smile, take her in my arms and squeeze tightly.
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I love you too, darling. This has been one of the happiest days of my life.”