The wedding was going to be on the beach. It would play substitute for another beach, one she walked in her dreams, when she finally told Marcus she loved him. Claire wanted the cold wind, the sun, the sound of the water and the feel of the sand under her feet. She felt confined enough with all of her wards and barriers. To her, the ocean was freedom, clarity, peace. And she desperately needed all three.
“Hey.” Annie rubbed her arm. “What’s going through that busy mind of yours?”
“Too much.” She glanced at the window. “Is the weather still clear?”
“Just like you ordered.”
“And Zach—he got his suit?”
“Complained so much it gave me a headache, but yes.”
Claire smiled. “We will have to take endless photos, because I will probably never get him in one again.”
“Scratch ‘probably’ off that prediction.”
“The boutonnières. Did everyone get—”
“Everything is done, Claire. And everyone is ready. Now take a deep breath, and let’s go get you married.”
“Can I say first just how radiant you look?”
Annie blushed, pushing at her curls. “I look like a satin whale.”
“Far from it. Eric won’t take his eyes off you.”
Claire had chosen a floor length dress of pale yellow, with an overskirt that cut away at the front and floated around Annie, accentuating her height, and that beautiful blonde coloring. The white and yellow daisies of her bouquet were a splash of color against the creamy pastel dress.
“And Marcus will have to pop his back in his head. Come on,” she grabbed Claire’s hand, pulled her to the door. “He’s waited long enough. Hey—didn’t you say the same thing to me?”
Laughing, Claire followed her out. “Yes, Annie, I believe I did.”
*
The day was cold, but clear, and a light wind tugged at Claire’s full skirt, lifting the hem of her veil. She stood next to the boardwalk, the sand cool under her bare feet, listening to the soft melody plucked out by the harpist as Annie made her way down the makeshift aisle. Eric met her halfway, and as Marcus’ best man, escorted the matron of honor to her spot before he rejoined Marcus.
As the song signaling her own walk began, Claire took in a deep breath, and held out her hand. Zach stepped to her side, looking far too grown up in a dark blue suit, his tie the same clear blue as his eyes. He smiled down at her, tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, and led her down the aisle.
Everyone she cared about stood on the sand, barefoot and smiling. Claire had never realized how many people she touched, until after Simon’s funeral. The outpouring of care, of concern, of love, was overwhelming. She had truly become a part of the community, and the community came out to watch her begin her new life.
She wasn’t surprised to see Theresa there, Mindy Kay standing beside her. Claire invited them herself, just days after calling to let them know about Simon. She was startled when two other guests turned around, smiling at her.
Michelle and Penn, looking like the proverbial cats. Annie had been even busier than she thought. Claire waved at them as she passed, her throat tight, and some of the weight on her heart eased.
Marcus waited for her, devastating in solid black. Those wild black curls framed his face, the silver hamsa glinted in his ear, and the jade green eyes watched her. When he stepped forward and took her hand, it felt like coming home.
Zach leaned in and kissed her cheek, moving over to Eric’s side. He looked so serious, and older. Claire’s breath caught as she realized she looked at the young man he had become, replacing the boy forever.
Marcus lifted her hand, pressed it to his lips. “Ready for this, sweet?”
“Last chance to back out.”
He smiled, and her heart skipped. “Never.”
Wrapping his fingers around hers, he turned to face the minister. Claire met her eyes and nodded. To avoid any more heartache than they would already have today, she found a woman to marry them. Cinda, a friend of Billie’s who was happy to step in at the last minute.
“Friends and family. We gather here to celebrate love, and beginnings.” Cinda glanced down at Claire, and she nodded, bracing herself for the next part. “I know most of you were part of the end of another friend’s journey not long ago, and his absence is keenly felt. Claire and Marcus asked for a moment of silence, to bring Simon Asher here in memory, and to honor his life.”
Marcus tightened his grip on her hand, and Claire finally let Simon in.
Tears slipped down her face. She closed her eyes, his image filling her mind. Very clear, very green eyes, a strong, sculpted face, and a smile that could soothe or infuriate. God above, how she missed him. She would, for the rest of her life. But she could also find her way back to joy, knowing he would be happy for her, would stand for her if he were here.