Chapter 23

The ocean breeze carried a briny sweetness as it stirred the white gauze curtains draped along the aisle. Sunlight scattered across the beach like golden flecks. Kayla stood barefoot in the warm, powdery sand. The hem of her ivory wedding dress danced with the wind. Underneath a flower-laced arch, Ned waited. His sleeves were rolled to the elbows, revealing lean, strong arms. His eyes grew misty the moment their gazes locked in the open air. "Nervous?" Beatrice adjusted Kayla's veil, her voice tight with emotion. Kayla shook her head and smiled toward the man waiting not far ahead. Her eyes curved with joy. "No. Just happy." As the wedding march began, Ned looked at her as if witnessing a miracle. His hand trembled as he took hers, and under the witness of the officiant, he slowly slid a simple platinum ring onto her finger. "Mrs. Weber," he whispered against her ear, the weight of the words etched in reverence. Amid the cheers of the guests, Kayla caught sight of a familiar f