Chapter 40

Seven Months Later

"It's almost time," Kelsey said.

"After twelve months of trips," Isabella began. "We've done winter on the beach, Valentine's Day, spring break, family vacations, bridesmaids getaway, honeymoons, and…"

"We did self-care, girls trips, fall vacations, holidays, and just because," Kelsey added.

"Did you ever see us ending up here?" Isabella asked, raising her brows.

Kelsey nodded and put her arm around Isabella's shoulder as she gazed out at the people gathered on the beach outside their bungalow. "I hoped," she said softly.

"Me too, love," Isabella murmured, resting her head on Kelsey's shoulder.

Several chairs had been arranged looking out over the water. In the front row were both their mothers and all the kids. Behind them sat Carmen and Sylvie with Tanner and Mia along with Riley and Alex. They had asked Liz to officiate. A few of the friends they'd made at the resort were also there, but it was a small intimate group just like they wanted.

Liz stood up from where she'd been sitting and took her place facing the others. They saw her smile and Kelsey held out her arm to Isabella.

"Will you marry me?" Kelsey asked with a grin.

Isabella leaned up and kissed Kelsey softly. "Anytime," she said, putting her arm through Kelsey's.

They didn't have an aisle to walk down because they were already one big family and wanted them to sit that way. Arm in arm, just like they usually walked together, they made their way around the small group and stood in front of their kids.

"We're doing this together," Kelsey said.

"Will you stand with us?" Isabella asked.

Kelsey reached for Emma and Wyatt's hands while Isabella took Gus and Dana's.

"One year ago today these two women came to our islands. I think their hearts had been searching and waiting for that chance moment when they met. Then the magic took over," Liz said, raising her brows. "If you'll join hands."

Kelsey and Isabella faced each other and clasped hands.

"Kelsey, do you take Isabella to be your wife?" Liz asked simply.

"I do," Kelsey said, staring into Isabella's bright blue eyes with a huge smile.

"Isabella," Liz said. "Do you take Kelsey to be your wife?"

Isabella returned Kelsey's smile with an even bigger grin. "I do," she said firmly.

"Okay," Liz said cheerfully. "It's your turn, Kelsey."

Kelsey took a deep breath and swallowed. "One year ago today was the best day of my life. That was the day I met you and every day since has been even better. Yes, having my girls were wonderful days, but finding the woman I am meant to live this life with made me a new person with a full heart." She took another breath and struggled for words. "Your love has made me a better mom, a better partner, and a better person. It's amazing what you can do when you feel the true love from the one you"re meant to be with."

Isabella smiled with tears in her eyes. She took a breath and said, "Your love, our love, has made everything better. When I felt your love enter my heart it was like my eyes were opened." She held Kelsey's hands to her heart. "I thought I knew what love was about but oh, it is so much more. Your love protects me even though I didn't think I needed it. But knowing you love me makes me invincible. It's a feeling I can't put into words. There is an aura around us that's pure love. It's magical and I know it's everlasting."

Kelsey smiled with tears in her eyes. She didn't think her heart could hold the love she was feeling from Isabella. She quickly glanced at Liz because she had to kiss Isabella right then.

"It is my honor to pronounce you married," Liz said with a smile. "You may kiss."

Kelsey pressed her lips to Isabella's as her arms curled around her shoulders, pulling her even closer.

After a moment she could feel Isabella's lips smile against hers. That's when Kelsey heard their family and friends clapping. She pulled away and the happiness on Isabella's face made Kelsey's heart overflow.

"I love you so much," Isabella said and kissed Kelsey again.

"Party at Peaches!" Liz shouted.

After everyone congratulated the couple Riley said, "We'll take your moms and kids with us. Why don't you ride with Carmen and Sylvie?"

"Okay, thanks," Kelsey said,

"I'll grab our purses," Isabella said, starting towards the bungalow.

"Wait—" Kelsey grabbed her hand and pulled her in for a quick kiss. "Hurry."

Isabella giggled and dashed to the deck.

"Congrats," Carmen said. "I can't believe a year ago I welcomed you to the resort and the next day we came up with this plan."

"I wasn't kidding," Kelsey said, watching Isabella hurry back towards her. "It was the best day of my life."

"Excuse me, do you remember us?" a woman said, walking up to them holding another woman's hand.

"You were on the beach the day Isabella proposed to me," Kelsey said.

Isabella walked up and slid her hand into Kelsey's. "Oh, hi."

"We had to come back to Coral Bay to experience Christmas," the woman said.

"We have the photo you took of us in our office at home," Isabella said. "It's where we both can see it when we're at our desks."

"Congratulations," the other woman said. "We've met several people at the resort who are your followers."

"We plan to do a post tomorrow closing out the year," Kelsey explained.

"But we'll be checking in from time to time," Isabella added.

"It was nice to see you again," the woman said.

"How many offers have you had from other resorts?" Carmen asked as they waded the short distance to the boat.

"We've had a few from other Caribbean islands," Kelsey said.

"But we've just moved into our new house and want to stay at home for a while," Isabella said.

Sylvie had arranged for two boats to whisk them away from the beach over to Peaches. They got in the boat and could see their family waving as their boat started towards St. John.

"Have you had any problems since you moved there?" Sylvie asked Kelsey.

"There have been a few things said here and there, but nothing we couldn't handle or didn't expect," Kelsey said, smiling at Isabella.

"I think fear of the unknown is what drives some people. Once they get to know us, how can they not like us?" Isabella chuckled.

"I can't imagine." Carmen laughed with her.

They settled back and enjoyed the ride to St. John as a married couple. Once they'd made it to Peaches, several of the locals who had become friends were already there. The party was in full swing.

"We'll give you a minute," Carmen said as they reached the beach.

Kelsey and Isabella watched as Carmen and Sylvie walked away hand in hand.

"We've made it through a year of vacations," Kelsey said, gazing at Peaches.

"Did you ever doubt us?" Isabella asked, stepping in front of her.

"Once I said yes to you, I never doubted," Kelsey said honestly.

"That's my girl," Isabella said, cupping her cheek. "And my wife."

"God, I love the sound of that: my wife," Kelsey said. She leaned in and softly touched her lips to Isabella's. She wrapped her arms around her, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. Their lips caressed, nibbled, and expressed the love bubbling from their hearts.

After several moments Isabella moaned. "I've been wanting to kiss you like that since we said I do."

"I know," Kelsey murmured, touching her forehead to Isabella's. Suddenly she gasped. "Listen! They're playing our song."

Isabella smiled. "This is a beautiful song, we're in a beautiful place. Let's be beautiful. Will you dance with me, babe?"

"Aww, that's what you said the first time we danced," Kelsey replied. "Always," she whispered with tears in her eyes. She put her hands on Isabella's hips and pulled her close.

Isabella put her arms around Kelsey's neck and they slowly moved to the music.

Kelsey glanced up and saw their family and friends on the patio watching them. There was happiness radiating from all the people they loved.

"This is everlasting love," Isabella said softly, pressing her lips to Kelsey's.

With their favorite song playing and their family and friends around them, this was more than a dance. Kelsey could feel all they had built month after month, a life full of romance, but also with challenges. It was all coming together to make a big life full of their big love.