A vibrant blue color paints the morning sky, creating a vivid horizon line where it meets the cobalt blue of the sea. No clouds are hanging up above. The golden sun rays tease the white sands, prompting them to sparkle their glow, promising the delights that are yet to arrive. It is indeed a good day.

Not only because of the clear sky or the bright sun, but also because it's the wedding day.

The altar is made of branches wrapped with white roses, pale pink ribbons, and white draped fabric which sways cheerfully as the morning breeze caresses the beach. A few rows of seats are arranged to face the altar, divided by a white carpet that sprawls across the wedding venue. At the end of it, stand two persons Cobie loves dearly that her heart almost explodes just from the sight.

Luke is in his gray tuxedo, looking hot as ever. His walnut brown hair appears brighter under the glowing sun. A proud smile breaks across his face when he looks down at the blonde girl who is clutching his arm tightly. Rose looks like an angel in her white dress and her organza veil. Even from ten meters away, Cobie can tell how nervous her little sister is right now. Well, Rose is always one who wears her heart on her sleeves, which is a good thing.

As the two start to take slow steps heading to the altar, Cobie barely contains her emotions. Tears form in the corner of her eyes, blurring her sight. Her heart swells with pride just to see how Rose has become, and that she finally found a man who adores her and treats her with respect. Cobie wishes she could share this moment with their mom.

However, deep down, she believes their mom is here with them right now. And it's the very reason Rose chose this venue. Because this is the exact place they scattered their mom's ashes.

Once they reach the altar, Luke kisses Rose's cheeks and hands her to her groom. Without missing a glance at Cobie, he turns around and heads to his seat.

Then the ceremony begins.

The afternoon is getting wild. People are dancing to the rhythm of the music, big grins on their faces and wine glasses in their hands. The waiters are strolling around to make sure everyone is served, and all dirty dishes are taken away. Kids are slumping on their seats with tummies full of snacks and lemonade, yet some are still battling with the wedding cake on their plates. It's pure bliss.

"My feet are killing me. And I can't wait to get out of this tedious dress. Gosh," Rose whines, kicking her high heels while chugging the rest of her champagne. "But I'm glad everything is going as planned! That weatherman made me so nervous with that stupid forecast, you know."

Cobie smiles. "I told you everything is going to be just fine. Even if the weather didn't allow the outdoor party, we had plan B. The forecast isn't really that reliable lately anyway. And" —Cobie tucks Rose loose hair behind her ear— "I think Mom has somehow made sure that everything goes the way you wanted it."

Hearing this, Rose leans over and hugs her sister. "Oh, Cobie. How I wish she was here."

"I'm sure she is here. We just can't see her."

Leaning into each other, they quietly watch the dancing floor. Rose's husband is dancing with his mom while Luke is nowhere to be seen. He must be busy making sure everything is in order. Cobie can't thank him enough for taking the role as the man of the family.

Ever since she let him into her life, he's been nothing but a magnet for Rose. Welcoming him into the family was like getting a new guardian after their mom died. On the other hand, Rose is like a substitute for his late sister, and he genuinely cares for her. Cobie won't dare ask more than life has given her right now.

"May I steal my wife for a while?" asks a deep voice, making Cobie and Rose detach from each other and turn their heads. Speaking of the devil, and the devil shall appear. Luke is towering behind them, a smirk in the corners of his lips and his eyes on Cobie.

Rose giggles. "Of course. Steal her away."

Luke extends his hand to Cobie and once she takes it, he pulls her up playfully and catches her by the waist when she almost trips over in his direction. He shakes his head and glances at Rose. "Look what you've done to your big sister. And you too, Missy, enough drink for now."

"It's my wedding day," Rose replies with a pouting face, but of course, Luke ignores her.

"I know, I know, you will be giving me a lecture with that scientific reason why I shouldn't drink much," Cobie says as her husband drags her to the dance floor.

"Damn right I will give you a lecture." He leans over and his lips hover over her ear, sending her the tingling sensation that goes straight to her core. "But it's going to be about how hot you look in this dress, and how it's scientifically affecting me."

She scoffs. "Kinky."

"Oh, yeah. That's my middle name." Luke grins as he presses his forehead on hers, his hazel eyes boring into her. "I saw how stunning you looked next to the altar when I walked Rose down the aisle. You looked like a little goddess with a big shining heart. It threw me back to our wedding day and reminded me of how lucky I was to have you as my wife."

Luke's words are like music caressing every fiber of her body. "You don't look bad yourself, Mister."

"I'm glad you still find me attractive after all of these years." His lips touch hers, gently brushing before moving with confidence.

When his tongue licks the seam of her lower lip, she opens her mouth and grants his further advance. No matter how many times she's kissed him, the effect is always the same. It's exactly how she felt seven years ago when he kissed him for the first time in her front yard. It's exquisite and comforting.

When Luke squeezes her waist and presses her even closer to him, a soft tuck on her dress prompts Cobie to look down. A toddler boy with dark hair and brown eyes is looking up at her. Before she can stop the coming mess, he smears his little hand that is full of cake cream on her pink dress. "Mommy, I need to pee."

Cobie's squeak matches Luke's laughs before he picks up his son. "Okay, buddy, you made a mess on Mommy's dress. Uh oh, not mine too. Keep your hands away." Luke holds his son's hands away from his tuxedo. "Let Mommy clean up, and you go with Daddy. Okay?"

Once the orange sun disappears behind the horizon line, the sky gradually turns duskier and is adorned with violet streaks. Despite the darkness that slowly swallows the breathtaking beach view in front of her, the sound of rolling water never stops roaring, promising Cobie that the ocean will never sleep.

The balcony door slides open and closed behind her, followed by familiar footsteps approaching her. In the next seconds, a pair of strong arms wrap her, and Luke's board chest presses against her back. She leans into him and closes her eyes, drinking in his scents.

"Did you know I wanted to do this on the hotel balcony that night?"

"On our business trip?"

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you?"

"Wouldn't you scream if I did it?"

"Maybe. Maybe not." Cobie opens her eyes and looks up at him. "Did you know that I tried everything in my power to block you from attacking me with your annoying charms?"

"Did you?" Luke raises his eyebrow. "Well, you definitely looked annoyed, and I started to think that you were being honest about the email, that you were using me for that teenage drama with your online boyfriend."

Cobie giggles. "You really couldn't tell, could you?"

"Honestly? You were hard to read. Your guard was up all the time, but then it felt a bit weird that you got smitten by someone online that easily." Luke pokes her nose. "You hid yourself pretty well there."

She puts her hands on his hands and interlaces their fingers together. "I'm glad you found me."

"Oh, I wasn't planning on giving up," he says, resting his chin on her head.

They stay in the position for a few minutes, gazing at the dark beach from their hotel balcony. A group of people runs to the shore, screaming and laughing with cans of drink in their hands. Cobie smiles once she notices how young they are, reminding her of her teenage years. It wasn't all pretty but apparently, she did have moments to treasure during that time. She wouldn't be able to see it if she didn't decide to seek help. And it took her years of counseling to see and forgive her past, which later allowed the good memories she shared with her high school friends to finally come back up to the surface.

"By the way, Rose and Adam have just landed. It's noon there, but they've never been this desperate for proper sleep."

"Have they?" Cobie tilts her hair, chuckling.

"Yep. And it's also time for us to be desperate." Luke slips his hand slowly under her blouse, his warmth radiating through his palm against her bare abdomen. His hot breath tickles her ear. "In other words, let's go to bed."

"Mmm, tempting," she mumbles. "Five minutes. Just hold me like this."

"Five minutes."

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