I left Claire in the shower. I walked down stairs pulled a t-shirt on. My mom was in the kitchen cooking.
"Good afternoon, PJ." She smiled.
"Are you ready for this?"
"I'm beyond ready." I smiled.
"Oh, a package came for you earlier. I set the box on the table just inside the door."
"Thanks." I said, dashing off, hoping it was what I had ordered.
I ripped open the box, and smiled as I opened the smaller box inside.
Beth's bracelet was tucked safely inside.
As Claire walked down the stairs, she was rushed off to another room to get her hair done. I hurried after her.
"What are you doing Paul? It's bad luck to see the bride the day of the wedding." Sarah smiled.
"Well, seems how we woke up in the same bed, not to mention the things that happened in the shower, I'd say that's already out the window. Anyway, I have something for Claire." I said, walking over and kneeling in front of her.
"I know the past few days have been a roller coaster. I want you to know that I'm always going to be here for you. And I know this won't replace your aunt, but this is so part of her can still be with you. Always."
I pulled the necklace from the box. It was a small silver heart.
"Some of her ashes are in here." I smiled, placing the necklace around her neck. Then I gave her the bracelet.
"Thank you." She smiled, as tears formed in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around my neck, squeezing me tight.
"I love you." She whispered. I kissed her gently and left the room.
I looked myself over in the mirror. I had on a pair of Khaki shorts, and white button up top. My hair was fixed, just the way she loved it. There was a knock on the door.
"Paul, It's time." Cody said, peeking his head through the door.
"You ready?" He asked.
"Oh yeah." I said. I walked out the door.
"Have you seen her?" I asked.
"No, they are standing guard outside the door. I had no chance." He grinned, as we walked out the back door.
The chairs were full. I nodded a hello to everyone as I made my way down the aisle. The sides of the aisle had been outlined with white rose petals, matching the ones Claire had picked out for her bouquet.
I smiled at the reverend, as I took my spot in front of the arch, waiting anxiously for Claire to make her appearance.
The quiet talking came to a hush as the girls who had been helping Claire made their way out of the house, and took their seats.
My heart was beating wildly as I awaited her appearance. I looked down at my bare feet, gently playing with the sand.
The music softly started, making me looked up.
There she was, standing at the end of the aisle. Her bare feet covered with sand. Her dress started right above her knees in the front, the back was longer, but it didn't touch the ground. The silk material flowed slightly with the mild breeze coming off of the ocean. I saw the white roses she was holding in her hands, and the bracelet was around her wrist. Her dress was strapless. It was stunning. Then I caught sight of her face. Her hair was perfectly piled on top of her head. The small heart necklace hung around her neck. Her make-up was expertly placed. Not that it made her any more beautiful than she already was, there was the gleam in her eyes. I smiled as she walked down the aisle .