Howie woke up to the Tahiti sun shining through the glass windows.  He looked down to find Ally molded to his chest, moving up and down with the movements of his breathing.  He put his left hand on her hair, his gold ring shining in the sunlight.  He closed his eyes with a contented look, the memories of the past 24 hours flashing in his mind. The ceremony was beautiful.  His brother was his best man, and the rest of the group members were his attendants.  Kira was the maid of honor, and Howie’s father gave Ally away.  They each wrote their own vows, and when the priest said, “I now pronounce you man and wife,” both Howie and Ally had tears streaming down their eyes as they kissed. The reception was large, with about 300 in attendance.  The security was especially tight, using the same methods that Brian had used.  Howie had written a song for his new bride, which he sang as Ally looked on.  The whole day, Howie could feel nothing but perfection. He looked down at his wife, her hand across his stomach, showing off the diamond engagement ring and the gold wedding band on her ring finger. She stirred and mumbled as she lifted her head to his adoring gaze.  “Morning.” “Morning Mrs. Dorough.” “Mmm, say that again.” “Mrs. Allison Dorough.”  He kissed her forehead after every word. “I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t dreaming that I had just gotten married to the most incredible man on the planet.”  She traced her fingers along his lips. “You didn’t dream, or else I would have been sleeping for the past year,” he laughed. They got up, put on their bathrobes, and went out to the terrace.  The sun reflected off the waves, and the light danced among them.  The white sandy beach seemed pure as the seagulls walked across it.  Ally leaned on the railing as Howie put his arms around her waist. “Paradise, huh?” Howie rested his head in the crook of her neck. “You know what?  I wouldn’t care if we were at some stinky motel.  As long as I’m with you, it would be paradise.” “And it will be, even when were 85, watching our grandchildren playing on the front lawn, our kids inside talking about what they’re getting us for our anniversary.” “I hope we’ll always be in this moment.” “We will, even in a thousand lifetimes.”  He turned her around and pulled her in for a kiss. “So,” Ally put her arms around his neck.  “What should we do now?” “Let’s go and unmake the bed some more.” “Ooh, good idea.”  They ran back in the room.  From this moment on, they would never forget, in a thousand lifetimes.  They would keep that promise for the rest of their life. Contents Chapter 15