The Island Goddess.

xxxv.

One month later

The day had come. It was their wedding day. Emerald's heart was beating fast. She adjusted her dress slightly and looked in the mirror.

Red hair, soft glam makeup and sultry and classy wedding gown. She was already eager yet nervous to see Lance's reaction. He'd never seen her as a redhead before but she wanted something different. Afterall, this day was special and marked a change in her life. She wanted to look like that change.

Red hair, green eyes, white sexy dress... Her body fit like a glove. Melissa handed her the bouquet of flowers then put the veil down her face.

"Stunning is a understatement Emerald.." Melissa began as she admired her best friend. She snapped pictures of her whilst Emerald posed. Whilst she did the photographer then gestured for Melissa and the rest of the bridesmaids for a shot. They all had their pictures taken.

Finally it was time. Emerald wished her Dad was here, she knew he would have made this day special. But for now, she took her uncle's arm as she waited for the door to open.

Open. Everyone in the ceremony stood up, all eyes on the breathtaking beauty, slim silhouette drapped up in that vera wang gown. The crowds were amazed. Familiar faces, friends and family gasped, some began crying. That little girl they'd seen running around the island, was now a grown woman.

She took a deep breathe in, her uncle looked at her and smiled as they began walking up the isle Slow music played until Lance was now just few strides from her. She looked over at him and her uncle took off the veil then handed her to Lance.

Now face to face, Lance was speechless.

"Wow.." He managed to utter out. She was out of this world, this was the most beautiful he's ever seen her. The red hair bought out her eyes, her caramel skin shone in comparison. Just stunning, the most beautiful he'd laid eyes on. He was sure of it. He never saw himself marrying, but the woman in front of him was a diamond in the rough.. there was no way he'd find another like her.

For the introduction led by the officiant the two were totally zoned out, lost in each other's eyes. They were in their own little world, having a whole telepathic conversation. Not hard to do when you are physically, mentally and emotionally connected.

It was now time for Lance to give his speech.

He cleared his throat. There was no pre-written speech, when it came to Emerald he always spoke from the heart.

"Emerald.. where to start? Not only are you attractive.. but your beautiful on the inside as well. That is so rare. I've met so many beautiful women but none with the intelligence, depth and focus you have. You became my best friend. Always making me laugh, making me smile...Even back when I was in America. all I thought about was you. I couldn't forget you, you left an imprint in my heart. I had to come back, make you mine for good."

Lance's mother at the front was now busting into tears. This was his first day in Barbados and now staring at Emerald he finally understood what the hype was about. After all those years she spent trying to play matchmaker for him; she gave up.. she never thought her son would settle down. The whole family accepted his bachelor title; concluding that maybe he just wasn't the type to settle down. But the Island beauty changed everything.

It was Emerald's turn. Her eyes where teary and she had to get herself together, her makeup was too beautiful.

"Mi love yuh fi real.. I've never found a love like this. Yuh patient with me, caring, gentle.. funny and basically yuh like mi other half. Nobody can replace yuh and I never wan fi seperate from yuh again. My bestfriend, lover, mentor and role model all in one."

She couldn't take it and a tear rolled down her cheek as she sniffed.

Rings were now handed to them. "Lance do you take Emerald to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

"Emerald do you take Lance to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

The crowd cheered.

"You may kiss the bride."

Lance grabbed Emerald's hand and pulled her to him then rested her on his arm and leaned her back; kissing her passionately and deeper than ever before.

Waves splashed, crowds clapped, the ceremony music fading in the back. It was official, Husband and wife.

All their trials and tribulations, that separation, the misunderstanding; it was worth it in the end. They both felt they were worth fighting for. Nothing felt better than this moment.

The only person who made you feel alive, made you whole. Completed you because they were your other half. Perfect love story, like a fairytale. Lance and Emerald together as one... and never separating again.

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The end to an amazing book! I personally want to thank everyone who read for all these years. The second book is Patreon exclusive, see you there otherwise thank you for all votes, reads and comment <3