Page 180 of You Found Me
SIX MONTHS LATER…
Della dug her toes into Bell Island’s white sand and sniffed the vibrant red hibiscus in her bouquet. They smelled like sunshine and happiness and hope. They were perfect for a beach wedding.
The setting sun painted the sky yellow, orange, and purple. The light ocean breeze played with the floaty blue bridesmaid dress she wore. It made her want to spin, just to feel the fabric play around her legs, but she reined in that impulse.
Today wasn’t her day.
Today, Mattie was center stage with her rock star, and Della had never been happier to be the backup.
The joy on her sister’s face as she walked up the aisle left Della with tears in her eyes. Her heart felt like it had grown too big for her ribs to hold.
The love and awe and utter happiness on Adam’s face put the sunset to shame.
“This really is the perfect place for a wedding,” she whispered to Piper. “I’m pretty sure he bought this island just so they could get married here. Does she look happy?”
“Shh,” Piper hissed back. “Of course she’s happy. It’s her wedding day.”
“Yes, but can youseeif she’s actually happy?” Della leaned out to get a better view. “I can’t see anything.”
“Shhh.” Lizzie’s soft admonition blended with the whoosh of the next wave.
Della contented herself with studying the white lace butterflies that covered her sister’s back. The breeze made them move as if they were alive.
“I love that dress.” Della hadn’t actually meant to say that out loud.
“Me too,” Piper whispered.
“He’s not so bad in that suit either,” Della murmured.
Adam’s white suit played off his tan and made him, well, the rock star he actually was.
Lizzie half turned her head in Della’s direction.
Della zipped her lips and tried not to fidget.
The official, one of Adam’s uncles, cleared his throat. “Friends and family, we’re here on this beautiful evening to celebrate Mattie and Adam.”
Della found herself tuning out the speech that followed, distracted by the people in the front row.
Her warden sat next to Renic, Blake, and Carrie, the chef at Lizzie’s inn. Renic held Becca, Della’s baby niece, in his arms and rocked her gently back and forth. Mattie had delayed her wedding six months so that the next generation Bell Babe could attend.
Carrie dabbed at her eyes with a tissue and sniffed. Blake had eyes only for Piper.
Ward’s head swiveled slightly from left to right as he constantly scanned the area. It was an occupational hazard, she knew now. He did it everywhere they went, even when he knew there was enough security to keep an entire country safe.
He was always watching, always ready to leap into action.
She didn’t mind.
She could relax knowing that if anything happened—anything—he’d be there.
Besides, his attention always returned to her.
When his gaze met hers, she gave him a wink.
“You’re supposed to be watching the bride and groom,” Piper whispered.
“I am.” Della shifted her flowers so they hid her mouth. “Hey, I’ve seen you sneaking peeks at Blake, Pipsqueak.”