Page 57 of Legally Yours

The ceremony, the rites, what the Justice says… it all blows over me. I hear only Liam’s loving promises to me, and the promises I offer back to the only man I’ll ever truly love.

“And now, by the State of California, I pronounce you man and wife. Mr. Anderson, you may kiss your bride.”

Liam holds me tightly in his arms and offers a long, soft, slow kiss. My body and mind melt and mold into his. We are one.

The attendees – close friends, family, and people from the Anderson agency – stand to clap and cheer our union. As they do, Liam scoops me in his arms and rushes me to the waves.

“Liam! No! You wouldn’t?”

“I would, and I am. Here we go!”

He rushes us into the oncoming waves, and we dive below the frothing sea. Below the turquoise liquid, all other sounds dull. It’s only us side by side and our bubbles as we kiss below the undulating waves.

We pop up, soaking wet. Neither of us care that we look like soaked rats. It’s our wedding day and nothing could be more perfect than I am with Liam right now.

We run up to the guests. People hug and kiss us left and right. Soon the entire wedding party is jumping into the sea, everyone laughing and cheering.

Amid endless flutes of champagne and a seafood buffet set out on the resort's back garden, Liam and I luxuriate in our special day with the people we love. The resort sets up massage tables under mini thatched roof shacks for us and the guests. Sea-Doos are available for wave jumping races and a huge party pontoon boat is anchored just offshore for ocean fun in the sun.

His and hers chaise lounges done up in soft terry towels and white roses are set under an open-air canopy for Liam and me as a head table, with no table at all!

Our first visitor to our bridal seating is Liam’s mom. I see her approach. She’s wearing an all-white Hawaiian muumuu with flowers in her hair. She’s happily taking part in our ceremony. It looks like a good sign, but I hold my breath.

“Cassandra, I want to apologize for making you feel so uncomfortable these last few months. I truly didn’t mean to hurt you. I only wanted my son to be okay. I hope you understand. And may I officially warmly welcome you to our family.”

Liam’s mom comes close, hugs me, and gives me a soft kiss on my cheek. I am stunned by her change of mind but grateful all the same.

“Thank you, Mrs. Anderson. Your words mean so much.”

“Just know, dear, my actions were never meant to harm. Me and Eunice’s late mother had dreams of our kids growing up and marrying. It was a fantasy, that’s all, and it certainly didn’t align with my boy’s heart. His happiness means everything to me, Casandra, and he’s so happy with you. Liam has made the perfect choice in you, dear. I can see that now.”

I smile and hug her. Tears fall. Liam’s mother and I have an understanding and a strong bond now, more than Liam will ever know. I watch her walk away and rejoin the party, happy as a lark.

Leslie scoots over and whispers in my ear. “FYI, Eunice found another sucker already. She’s married now, too. I think we know her ultimate intentions. So, fret not, girlfriend. The Wicked Witch of the West has melted.” Leslie winks.

I flash a shocked look, then an all-knowing one, capping off with a wry smile. I give Leslie a quick hug, and we wink at one another as she returns to the champagne table.

Liam turns my way. “What was that Leslie said?”

“Nothing important at all. She wants me to be happy. I told her she’s too late. I already am.”

I lean over and kiss Liam long and slow in the warm California sun.

46

LIAM

“Liam,” she says, coming into my study where I’m going over some paperwork that didn’t get done at the office.

“Yes, honey?” I reply, looking up from my laptop.

“Here’s a card for you,” she says, placing it down on my desk.

“A card. For what? It’s not our anniversary and not my birthday,” I ask, wondering if I missed anything. It’s only been a few weeks since our second wedding, so I’m pretty sure I haven’t.

“Yes, I know. It’s for another occasion,” she says, a grin on her beautiful face.

I smile, take the card, and open it. Boom! An explosion of tiny, metallic, blue balloon confetti hurls up into the air and lands all over me.