Mel POV

I looked in the mirror and couldn't believe my eyes. I looked as if I had just stepped off the cover of Vogue Magazine, the wedding edition. Tammy had slightly straighten my hair but left big bouncy curls at the tips. It flowed long down my shoulders and back. My makeup looked so natural that it made my skin glow.

"Wow Melanie you look so beautiful," AnnaMarie said placing her hand over her heart. I could see her eyes starting to water.

"Just absolutely gorgeous, bestie," Tammy said staring back at me in the mirror.

"Marc is going to be speechless," Cad said standing behind me.

I saw Dommi grinning from ear to ear.
"Maybe I should have you model this on the next runway show."

"Come on guys, you all are about to make me cry," I said looking at how the dress contoured my shape.

"Ok it's tradition time. Something old,
something new, something borrowed,
something blue," Mona said looking around. Everyone went to their purses digging.

"Okay I have something old," AnnaMarie said.

"I have my great-grandmother, Catarina's pearl and diamond bracelet. My great-grandfather, Estevo,  gave it to her on their wedding day over eighty years ago. Before she died she gave it to my grandmother, Noela. When my mama died it became mine. I've always treasured it and one day I wanted to give it to my daughter." She undid the clasp from around her wrist and walked over to me placing it around mine. It was delicate and beautiful. In between each pearl were small diamonds.

"It's not much, but it's very special to me."

"Thank you." I was trying to hold back my own tears.

"I always hoped to have a daughter to pass it on to, now I do." She kissed me on the cheek.

"Ah," I heard the ladies say.

"Marc just gave you some earrings and a necklace so that can be your something new," Dommi said.

"Yes that would be perfect," I said touching them and clearing my throat.

"Okay on to the something borrowed," Mona said.

"My barrette," Cadence said going in her purse. "Eva and Lil had this made for me when they were little." The hair clip had pearls encased with rhinestones going across. She brought a few strands of my hair in the back together and clipped it in.

"There," she said smiling.

"Thanks so much."

"Well I have the pièce de résistance," Dommi said twirling something around on her finger.

"Sit," Dommi said walking up to me. I sat on the bed and she passed me something. A blue and white lace garter.

"I'm sure it won't be on long," she said snickering to herself.

"Haha very funny D." I slipped it on while Tammy and Cad took pics.

There was a knock on the door. "He's here," Dommi said almost skipping to the door. She opened it and a tall man with dreads gave her a hug and kissed her on both cheeks. She thanked him for coming on such short notice and he walked in while she closed the door.

"This is Damíen Fruge. He is one of the top fashion photographers in the world. He does a lot of my design photography and he has agreed to take your wedding photos. He just so happened to be in town so I called in a favor."

"No favor. Dominique was the first person to give me a job right out of photography school when no one else would. I still owe her for my success."

"Ah thanks Damíen. I thought you could take some shots outside on the balcony, walking down the staircase and then at the ceremony. I think Cad recorded her getting ready so you can create still shots from that."

"No problem. Definitely can do that."

Mrs. Ames along with my father walked in. She was carrying a beautiful bouquet.

"Mr. Neilson delivered as you requested," she said looking at Mona."

"Thank you Mrs. Ames."

The bouquet was made up of Stephanotis, Roses, Calla lillies, adorned with pearl pins and blue beads. The edge of the bouquet was finished with loops of pretty aqua blue satin ribbon. The handle was wrapped in aqua blue satin accented with a pearl and rhinestone brooch and bands of diamond mesh. It had to have costed a fortune.

"Wow it's gorgeous."

"It's some of the advantages of owning ninety-percent of an island. Everyone is on speed dial," she said laughing.

My father walked over to me. "My sweet daughter you look absolutely radiant."

"Thank you daddy."

"You look like your mom on our wedding day." He quickly wiped a tear away. "I know she's smiling down on you."

"I think so too."

I gave him a hug. To have my daddy here to walk me down the aisle was an extra bonus to me. The two most important men in my life would be right next to me to share one of the most important days of my life.

"I am truly thrilled you are here to give me away."

"I wouldn't want to be any other place but here with my beautiful daughter."

"Thanks daddy."

"Ok, Ian just texted me and said Marc is getting antsy. We better get going," Mona said opening up the door. Everyone hugged me and wished me well.

"Wait AnnaMarie."

She stood by the door as the other ladies walked out.

"Damíen can you take some pictures of the two of us?" He nodded and I was able to get some great shots.

"Isn't it a Galician tradition to have the mother of the groom stand at the altar alongside us?"

"Sí. The mother would walk her son down the aisle and remain there until the end."

"I would be honored if you would."

"Of course honey." Her smile was contagious. Why not, Marc was her only child and I wanted her to share and rejoice in our day.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. I will leave you and your dad." She walked out closing the door.

"Are you nervous?"

"Actually I'm not. I love him very much. Am I suppose to be?"

"Everyone is different."

"It just seems like a normal day with our friends and family here. Maybe once I walk down the aisle I may get nervous but now, it seems like a piece of cake."

"Well I know that Marc can't wait to see you. When I was with him, he kept looking down at his watch. He's ready."

I smiled. "I didn't think in a million years it would be him."

"He actually asked me for your hand months ago when I was still in the rehabilitation hospital."

"Really?"

"He did. He's a gentleman. Of course I had to give him a hard time. He had that twinkle in his eyes when he talked about you so I knew he was smitten."

I chuckled.

"Sweetheart we never know who we may fall in love with. Only God can decide that. What I do know is that he loves you very, very much. There is a fire in his eyes that only burns for you."

"You see it too?"

"Yes. I don't have to worry so much anymore, he will be here to protect and love you after I'm gone."

"Ah daddy you will probably outlive us all."

"I'm getting old honey. I will promise you I won't leave this earth without a fight, deal?" He held out his pinky.

"Pinky promise?"

"Yep." We intertwined our pinky fingers.

"Well at least I know I have two very strong men looking after me."

"Always."

"Okay, I'm ready. How do I look?"

He placed the veil on top of my head and brought the intricate lace and beading down to cover my face. "Perfect."

I chuckled. He opened the door and took my hand. At the bottom of the stairs, Damíen took pictures of us. Cad was rushing off and I heard the music starting to play. Damíen rushed off to take pics of Marc and AnnaMarie. I could see them walking up to the steps overlooking the pool and mountains in the backdrop. It was amazing what people could do in the matter of hours.

I saw Marc kiss his mother as he stood next to the Friar. She stood on the side of Anton as the other ladies took their seats.

Damíen came back taking a few more shots and opened the doors. Everyone turned their attention to my father and I. They all rose with smiles and grins. Keeping my eyes forward, I started to get a little nervous. I wondered if it was because I was finally marrying the man of my dreams or was it because I thought this day would never come?

A huge grin was glued to his face. His chest was poked out and those grayish-blue eyes sparkled from the lantern  lights. I took a deep breath as I got closer and closer.

Looking around, it looked as if a wedding decorator came in and took control. The seats were covered with white sateen and light blue ribbon. A bed of white roses guided me to the alter/stage. Our friends stood in front of their seats, smiling and taking snapshots.

The sun was setting and the moon's glow was starting to dominate the sky. The mixtures of the sun's sunset mixed with the bright light from the moon highlighted the beauty from above. Once I made it to the Friar, my dad stood back as Marc stood beside me. There I was looking at the Friar as he spoke about the goodness of God and his love.

I know I should have been paying attention, listening to his words and believe me I was thankful but all I could think about was my mom. Mom's were suppose to be there to help you in the journey that you called life but mine wasn't here. I tried holding back the tears but I couldn't. Then suddenly I felt a calming touch. My heavy heart felt free and the sadness I felt slowly dwindled away. I turned to realize my father was holding my hand and somehow I felt my mother's presence along side with his.

He smiled and winked just like my mother use to do. I smiled back and brought my attention back to the Friar.

Marc must have sense something as he turned his eyes and they met mine, all negative thoughts and insecurities went flying to LaLa Land

"Marc would like to share his vows with you Melanie. Go ahead Marc."

Marc turned to me reaching for my hand.

"On this special day, I give you in the presence of God and all those in attendance, my sacred promise to stay by your side as your faithful husband, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you. Melanie you have opened your purest heart to me and I will be forever grateful. You have made me a better person and thank you for loving me. I promise I will cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

He placed, oh my God, my mother's wedding band on my finger. I turned and looked at my father. His eyes were teary as he smiled. My mother presence was definitely here. How was he able to do this?

My hand trembled as he placed the platinum band on my finger. I could no longer hold my tears back. My dad wore that ring around his neck until he had the stroke, after that I hadn't paid attention. I stared at the ring as the moonlight almost cast a spotlight on it.

Marc put his thumb up catching my tear and he gently wiped it way. I looked into his eyes and I felt myself falling deeply in them. I had to clear my throat. I looked at the Friar and he nodded.

"Love...," the tears were flowing fast. I took a deep breath just staring up in his eyes. So many emotions were running through me that I didn't know where to start.

"Love is not about what happens in life. Love is about what happens in your heart. True love is the bridge between two hearts, the bond that unites them. Now I know what love is – love is because of you. In your arms I feel strength; on your face I see love; in your eyes I see tomorrow and all our tomorrows ever after. I want us to sit side by side at sunrise and look out at the future together. True love conquers all obstacles, defies all storms and deepens its colors with the passage of time. Your love for me is like the sun coming out from behind the clouds and warming my soul. Loving you is the best thing that ever happened to me. To love you is all I need in this world. Your words are my food, your breath my wine. You are everything to me." I paused, wiping the tears away. His eyes were now filled with his own tears.

"Real love grows with time. True love may be hard to find, but it's well worth the search and wait because in my eyes, you mean everything. You are my true love. I love it when my fingers are entangled in yours and my head is on your chest, listening to your heart sing the melody of our togetherness. Nobody is ever betrayed by true love. In you I've found the love of my life and my closest, truest friend. My number one wish: to have all the time in the world to be just with you, in peace and pleasure. Life can be so wonderful when touched by love. When you love someone, and you love them with your heart, it never goes away, so today I give you my love, my heart and soul. Ámote, (I love you) Marcelin Anton Sousa-Hernandez."

Marc's mother passed me a ring. It was similar to the one I was wearing of my mother's. It was a plain platinum band. He held up his hand and I placed it on his finger. I rubbed my thumb across the ring and looked at him.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

Marc raised up my veil and pushed it behind my head. He smiled as he lowered his lips down to mine and he kissed me. The kiss was soft and he deepened it. I was about to lose myself until he pulled away.

"Hello Mrs. Hernandez."

"Well hello Mr. Hernandez." We both laughed.

"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Marcelin Anton Sousa-Hernandez," Friar said.

Everyone clapped and whistled as Friar presented us to our friends and family. We both hugged our parents and walked back down the aisle hugging and shaking hands with our guests. By the time we made it back to the house a crew came in moving tables that once only had chairs.

"I promise we will have her back in a few minutes," Mona said escorting me back upstairs. Marc quickly kissed me before I was ushered up.

As soon as we made it to the room, Mona and Dommi high-fived each other and Tammy swung me around.

"Oh my God you should have seen your face when Marc pulled out your mother's ring it was priceless. Damíen captured it perfectly."

"Did you all know?"

"Well Ian and Jacob let it slip. While you were getting ready a jeweler stopped by and he polished it up. Marc has been holding on to it for months. Your dad offered it him and he thought it would be perfect for you to have a piece of your mother for your wedding day."

I looked down at the two rings and they were perfectly matched. I looked up and sent a silent thank you to the heavens.

"Girl you had everybody crying, those vows were pulling on the heartstrings," Tammy said.

"I meant every word."

"I think she should wear the blue one."

"Dommi I think she should wear the creme lace dress," Mona said.

"Which one?" Dommi asked as they held up the dresses. Mona gave me you better choose wisely look.

"Actually I like the pale pink tulle Chanel dress hanging behind you."

"I think that's a good choice," Tammy said. "She can move a lot better in that one."

"Well I guess," Dommi said a little disappointed that it wasn't one of her master creations.

"Okay get dress and I will spruce you up," Tammy said shooing me in the closet.

Thirty minutes later I was ready. Marc stood at the bottom of the stairs. He had taken his tie off watching me as I got closer to him.

"You didn't have to change. You looked beautiful in your gown although you would look beautiful in whatever you wore."

"I needed something to move and groove in. I wanted to make sure my new husband was able to dip me."

"Oh really?"

"Yes really," I said taking my last step. He pulled me in his arms and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and relished in his love for me.

"You two have the rest of your lives to do this. You only get one wedding night so let's go party," Dommi said behind us. Marc ignored her for a minute longer before he released me.

"You're a bad boy," I said laughing.

"This is our wedding day and I want to enjoy every moment of it."

"We better go, people are expecting us."

"You're lucky we have guest or we would go back up those stairs and finish christening our house."

"We still can when everyone leaves."

"Let's make it quick. One hour."

"Marc?"

"Okay two."

"No. Like Dommi said we have the rest of our lives."

"Fine."

"I promise pooky I will make it worth your while."

He poked out his lips and I kissed him. "Let's go Marc."

I grabbed him by his hand and walked out the door. Everyone cheered as Ian announced us coming through. John Legend began to sing, All of Me, and we began to dance as Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez.

He sang the song to me in my ear making me laugh. He twirled me around as we mashed together. At the end of the song he dipped me and kissed me. Everyone clapped as we mixed and mingled with our friends.

A few hours later, Marc was taking me by the hand leading me down a narrow pathway leading towards the beach.

"Where are you taking me?"

"You will see."

We made it to the beach and on the side there was a hut over the water.

"It's a replica of a villa I stayed in when I went to Bora Bora. I thought it was neat to have our own private getaway from everyone else."

"Marc you didn't..."

"I wanted to."

"You have given me so much already."

"Well sue me if I want you to have the world. Come on."

We took our shoes off and ran towards the villa. He stopped at the door and lifted me up.

"Are you ready Mrs. Hernandez to start our new life together?"

"Oh yes Mr. Hernandez," I said in a sexy purr.

"Well let's begin."