Chapter 59 59: The Pura Vida

Chapter 59 59: The Pura Vida


ONE WEEK LATER

KAUAI, HAWAII



\[ K A R A \]

"Oh my God!” mom gasped as soon as I walked into the room. “Ryder's gonna go crazy when he sees you,"

"Mom!" I hissed and looked away, totally embarrassed.

"Seriously though, if I swing that way, I would've married you right now," Elle added.

It was our wedding day today and I was all dressed up in the bride’s attire. I had curled my hair and let them down, and I was wearing this lovely white lace gown that cascaded down my body so heavenly. When I looked into the mirror, I was in awe too, I couldn't believe myself when I saw my reflection.

Ryder going crazy... a girl can only hope.

My bridesmaids and I were just hanging out in the waiting room. Mom was having trouble keeping her handkerchief dry and Elle was having trouble staying away from the free bottle of champagne.

It is going to be a day like no other, I could just tell.

We were just waiting for the time to pass, and I was lost in my train of thought when suddenly we heard someone knocking at the door.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

"Sorry, I need to speak to the bride," I heard a man's voice talking. I peered into the door and saw Peter standing there.

I gave mom a puzzled look and she looked just as confused. She pulled the door wide open and Peter came sliding in.

"Uh, sorry to come barging in... Kara, can I have a moment with you? If that's okay?" he said and I felt a pang in my stomach.

Did something happen to Ryder?

"Sure," I said, gesturing for mom and Elle to leave the room.

"Is everything alright?" Is Ryder okay?" I said to him as soon as we were alone.

"Yeah, he's fine... I'm just here to uh... check up on you, how are you feeling there?"

"Nervous... excited... everything all at once," I eyed him suspiciously. "Wait a minute, Ryder sent you here didn't he?"

Peter let out a nervous laugh.

"You caught me," he chuckled. "He gave me one job; dad, make sure she doesn't run away,"

That sounded like something Ryder would do. I snorted a laugh and shook my head.

What an elegant bride, I know.

"I'm feeling great, Peter. And I'm not running off anywhere, so you can tell him that,"

We shared a smile and he nodded his head. He was about to leave the room when he stopped by the door and turned around again.

"Ryder didn't ask me to do this, but I was just wondering..." he shuffled uncomfortably. "I know we're not that close or anything, but I've always considered you as my own daughter... So... if you need someone to walk you down the aisle... I would be most honored... if you like, that is,"

"The honor would be mine," I said quickly. "It's very sweet of you. Thank you," I couldn't contain my tears. Peter quickly handed over his handkerchief and I wiped my eyes carefully, not wanting to mess up my make up.

"Ry... he's my son, so I know very well he's not the easiest person to be around with sometimes. He's hotheaded and impulsive... but he wears his heart on a sleeve," he paused for a second and said, "I'm glad he's found you,"

"I'm glad I've found him too... and maybe I should thank you for that too," I gave him a small smile and he smiled back.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

We then heard another knock and our eyes quickly went to the door.

"Kara, hon, they're ready for you," mom said as she slipped inside the room. "Are you ready?"

I took a deep breath. Suddenly, my knees were shaking. I looked at Peter, then to my mom, and I nodded.



\[ R Y D E R \]

When I was on my world tour, I lived in Costa Rica for a couple of weeks, and there was a saying that the locals would say every day, which was ‘Pura Vida’. It meant pure life or simple life, and that slogan was their way of life. I thought I knew what it meant back then, but I was wrong. Today was when I finally understood what Pura Vida meant.

It means perfect unconditional happiness. And that’s what I feel right now.

So here I was, standing in front of all my family and friends with the ocean as our backdrop. I had been standing here for a while, and I never knew that standing was so damn difficult. I had to keep taking deep breaths so no one would notice I was shaking.

"They're coming," I heard one of my groomsmen spoke.

I looked up instantly and there she was. The soft violin began to play and everything else disappeared. My eyes were wide open, but I could only stare at her. She was dressed in all white, and her long brown hair was blowing gently in the wind. Dad was walking right next to her, holding her hand.

My breath was not the only thing she took away at this moment. I would gladly hand over my lungs if she asked for it. And with every step she took towards me, I could feel my heart beating louder and louder.

It was a true Pura Vida moment.

Dad and Kara stopped walking when they were right in front of me. Dad gave me a look, motioning for me to take her hand. I had completely forgotten what to do with myself at this point. But I managed to hold out my hand and she took it.

Everything else was a blur after that. The water in my eyes blurred away my vision. She was just so beautiful and I was just so goddamn lucky.

And the next thing I knew, it was already time to say our vows.

"Dear K,"

"Dear Ry,"

"I've been searching for you my whole life,"

"I had no idea I would ever love you this much,"

"Because of you, I could be the person that I've always dreamed of being,"

"You made me brave,"

"I love you for your immense capacity to love,"

"I love you for your passion and determination in everything you do,"

"I vow to be a quality roommate,"

"I vow to be careful when I cross the streets,"

"I vow to keep you wild,"

"I vow to be your home,"

"I vow to make every moment with you count,"

"I vow to make each tomorrow the best it can be,"

"I vow to take you as my wife,"

"I vow to take you as my husband,"

"I vow to be your friend,"

"I vow to be your family,"

"I vow to love you always,"

"Until death do us part,"



\[ K A R A \]

It could have been a disaster.

Our wedding band canceled the day before our wedding. Thankfully I was friends with a few musicians in my life, Gabe and Elle had agreed to sing at our wedding.

The crisis was averted, and the night turned out to be better than I expected.

Ryder and I had our first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Ryder Jake Williams while Gabe and Elle sang wonderfully. I couldn't stop myself from smiling whenever I heard those words. Mrs. Ryder Jake Williams.

Ryder looked incredibly handsome in an all-white tux and his hair slicked to one side. But what I loved the most was how he'd notice me gawking at him and he'd throw me the 'I know you're eye-raping me' look.

I would then roll my eyes and give him the 'yeah I am, sue me' look.

After our dance, Ryder and I got a chance to greet and talk to everyone. I took a moment to notice our surroundings, Peter was chatting casually with mom and grandma, Cole was busy trying to get Elle to stay away from the open bar, Ryder was talking with his old high school friends, and there was Gabe at one of the tables.

"Gabe! I'm so glad you can make it," I said to him, giving him a hug. "And thank you for agreeing to be our wedding band on such short notice,"

"No worries, I'm glad I could help," he smiled brightly.

"You are a life-saver,” I said as I put a hand on my chest. “So, how you've been? It's been ages,"

"I know," he laughed. "Last time I saw you, we were at another wedding,"

I shook my head and laughed at the irony.

"A lot had happened since then,"

"Yeah. I'm really happy for you two,"

"Thank you," I paused for a second and said, "So what about you? I heard you're becoming a big shot singer-songwriter now, I'm sure you've got, like, at least fifty girlfriends,"

"Ha-ha, I wish," he snorted. "Well... actually, there is this girl..."

"Go on,"

"Her name's Sera. We've been friends for a long time and I really like her, but I haven't actually asked her out yet... I'm not sure if she’s into me like that,"

"Do I have to do this with you again?"

"What?"

"Didn't I say that you have that Shawn Mendes vibe going on? Five years ago Shawn was cute, Shawn right now is hella sexy. The same goes to you, Gabe!" I said and he laughed.

"Fine, you know what, I will go ask her out,” he said as he gulped down the champagne in his hand. “I'm gonna put my big boy pants on and do it,"

I laughed and nodded several times, remembering this exact moment five years ago. I felt like a proud soccer mom as I watched him stand up from his seat and started dialing a number.

I was just about to turn around when suddenly I felt two hands grabbing me from behind. Within seconds, my back was pressed onto a strong body. I inhaled a familiar scent, and his voice spoke huskily.

"There you are, wife,"

My heart skipped a beat at his word. I turned my face slightly, catching sight of this gorgeous man I had just married.

"I think they've all had enough of you. Let's get out of here," he murmured to my ears, nibbling on my earlobe as he did, sending shivers up and down my spine.

I didn’t say anything, but I turned around to get a better look at him. He had that smile on his face, that sexy boyish smile that sent the butterflies in my stomach flying.

Taking my hand in his, there was mischief in his eyes as he said, "Milkshake?"

I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling too much.

"I thought you'd never ask,"







\- - - - - To Be Continued - - - - -