The wedding reception was held outside in the church's courtyard. The small, grassed expanse had been converted from an area of simplicity to an enchanted, mystical land full of love and wonder.

The sun was beginning to set as we left the cathedral, the bright crimson and amber hues embellishing the San Diego skyline in the distance. As the sky began to darken, dozens of lanterns hanging from nearby trees lit up the night, along with thousands of twinkle lights that were strewn across the veranda, creating a feeling of elegance.

Beneath their effervescent beams, I could see long tables that were beautifully decorated with vibrant tablecloths, and centerpieces made of succulents and water lilies.

Jake and I found our seats at the long table nearest the bride and groom. I felt a little weird being seated at the family table. But when I voiced my concern to Mariana, she shook her head.

"You became a member of this family the day you and Jake got together. You're more of a sister to me than anyone here. Sit, relax, have fun," she encouraged with a smile.

I did as she suggested and quickly found that my paranoia was pointless. People were happy to see Jake after his being gone so long and, by default, were happy to see me. I received more hugs during that time than I had at any other point in my life.

I found myself anxious when I realized that the couple sitting across from us were Jake's parents. Not once, during the entirety of the trip, had I worried about what they might think of me. I had been focused on Jake and making sure the trip wasn't overwhelming for him.

But now, it was my turn to panic. All I could think about was making a good first impression. In the end, all of my worrying was for naught because Jake's parents were, the kindest people I had ever met.

Jake's mother, Ramona, was a plump woman who was quiet and meek. She wore thick glasses and had a smile on her face that never really went away. Jake had inherited her deep brown eyes, and her contagious grin. She made me feel like my stories about the architecture business were the most fascinating things she had ever heard. She reminded me of my Abuelita.

Jake's father, Nicolas, was her opposite in many ways. He was tall and lanky, though his height was diminished slightly by being the wheelchair he was confined to. He was very outspoken and enjoyed being the life of the party, a trait that he had passed down to his daughter. Everything he said was comical, and he soon had me doubled over in laughter, the risk of soda coming out of my nose a very real possibility.

Seeing how Jake acted around his family filled me with joy. I could see a different side of him as he played with his baby cousins, or goofed off with high school friends he'd lost touch with over the years. Despite the trepidations he'd had about returning to San Diego, this was Jake's home. The relief he felt at being here was written all over his face.

Being around Jake's large family was bittersweet, for it reminded me of all of the things that I wish I had as a child. I didn't have both of my parents, or any siblings, or even an extended family to celebrate special occasions with. It was just me and my mom. I was fortunate to have my mother, and I would be forever thankful for her because she made me who I am. Still, I couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like to have cousins to play with or aunts and uncles who could step in for the father who was never there.

I forced the notion from my mind. The past was in the past, and there was no point in dwelling over it. I was here now, in the present, surrounded by people who accepted me as one of their own because Jake loved me. I now had everything that I ever wanted- a man who held my heart, and the family I always longed.

The commentator appeared and introduced the newlyweds. I watched with tears in my eyes as Mariana and Dwayne held each other during their first dance as husband and wife. They looked so happy. I glanced at Jake and saw the joy on his face as he watched his sister having the time of her life. I knew Jake was sad that his best friend would be moving away, but I think his happiness outweighed his sadness. If anything, he and Dwayne would be closer than ever before, now that they were officially brothers.

The reception dinner may have been the most delicious meal I'd ever had. It was full of traditional Mexican dishes that reminded me of the meals my mother would make when I was a child. I loaded my plate with pozole, enchiladas, and elote corn, and proceeded to stuff my face with the amazing food until I couldn't possibly take another bite.

I wanted nothing more than to lie back and nap, but Jake continued pestering me until I was forced to my feet. Before I knew it, I was on the dance floor doing the Cha-Cha Slide like I was back at my senior prom. The three glasses of champagne I had during dinner kicked in midway through the song, allowing me to overcome my stage fright so that I could get into the dance. I yanked my heels and surprised everyone, Jake included, when I showed them all how to Charlie Brown, Albuquerque style.

Jake and I attempted to salsa during the next song. We did a piss poor job at it, but we didn't care. The alcohol was strong, and the company was good, so we were more than happy to make fools out of ourselves. Before I knew it, two hours had passed and then three, as we drank and danced and laughed until we couldn't stand it anymore.

As the night began winding down, the ladies lined up for the traditional bouquet toss. I was determined to sit that one out, never really being a fan of the custom. I didn't need to catch an arrangement of flowers to tell me I would find my happily ever after. Especially not when the man I was hopelessly in love with was sitting right beside me.

But Jake encouraged me to go, as did everyone else at our table until I felt like I had no choice. I stood in the courtyard with a dozen single and excited women, each of whom longed to catch the bunch of blossoms that meant they would find their true love soon.

As Mariana tossed the fresh lilies and irises over her head, I took a step back, not wishing to be trampled by the desperate bridesmaids. But my attempt to avoid the bouquet was ineffective, as the flowers flew straight toward me as if magnetized, landing in my startled and outstretched hands.

My mouth dropped open. I looked at the bouquet as if it were diseased. There was a small pause as the crowd quieted, but then everyone started applauding. I felt my face flush as the crowd clapped and whooped, and patted Jake on the back. My eyes met Mariana's, and she winked. I was overcome with the suspicion that she had planned for this to happen all along.

"You know what that means!" Mariana called out. Dwayne let out a dog whistle that resonated through the courtyard.

I was still gripping the bouquet, my knuckles turning white, when Jake sensed my distress. He strolled onto the dance floor where I stood, alone and red-faced, and playfully waved his friends and family away.

"Ignore them. They just like to tease," he said, kissing my warm cheek.

A chill ran through my body as the cool night air surrounded us. I shivered, and Jake draped his jacket over my shoulder. I took a deep breath, inhaling his scent, and could feel my nerves calming already.

As the crowd settled down, the DJ announced that he was playing the last song of the night. Rascal Flats' "I Melt" blared over the speakers. Without having to think about it, Jake's arms wrapped around my waist, and mine around his neck.

As we swayed in each other's embrace, I realized how appropriate the lyrics of the song were. I really did melt when I was around Jake. He was the kryptonite to my Superman, a weakness that I couldn't shake, nor one that I wanted to. Rather than a hindrance, the fragility I felt around Jake was also my strength. He made me a better person.

I tightened my hold on Jake, and he pulled me closer, the smell of his cologne as therapeutic as any essential oil. As we danced, I closed my eyes, and the rest of the wedding party disappeared; it was just me and him.

"I could get used to this," Jake murmured, his lips pressed against my forehead.

"Mmm," I responded, enjoying the feeling of his soft stubble against my temple.

"Maybe one day we will be doing this at our wedding," he mused.

I pulled away to look at him, trying to decipher the seriousness of the statement. If this was a joke, it was a cruel and unnecessary one.

But I could tell that Jake wasn't kidding around. His features were still cheerful and he had a smile on his face. But his eyes were careful, guarded as he waited for my assessment of the subject.

"Aren't you the same man who told me six months ago that he couldn't get involved in a relationship?" I asked, still in a state of shock. "Now, you're suggesting the ultimate commitment?"

"Things change," he said, pulling me back toward him and swaying once again. "People change. You never know what the future holds."

The idea brought me comfort. I could feel us growing closer, his revelation bringing forth a sense of renewal that was fanning the fires of our relationship. I found myself smiling, my heart full of joy as we held one another tight.

* * * * * * * * * *

As the evening drew to a close and the crowd began to dwindle, Jake and I made our way down a slope behind the church to the nearby beach. I took off my shoes and allowed my toes to be swallowed by the warm sand. I closed my eyes and memorized the sounds and smells of the deserted beach, as I walked hand in hand with Jake.

We walked to the boardwalk that overlooked the water, the only two people around for miles. We gazed out onto the dark sea as waves lapped gently against the walkway, the sound thunderous and powerful, but peaceful at the same time.

Watching the colors dance on the water of the Point Loma Peninsula, I realized that it was the first time I had ever been to the ocean. As I stared out onto the expanse of the water and felt the saltwater breeze blowing through my hair, I felt so small, yet so free.

"It's something, isn't it," Jake said, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Yes, it certainly is," I agreed with a sigh. "I wish we didn't have to leave it all behind."

Jake thought about this for a moment. "Maybe we don't have to," he mumbled.

I craned my neck to look at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what do you think about moving to San Diego?"

I drew Jake's jacket closer around my shoulders and turned to scrutinize his face.

"But, wouldn't you be uncomfortable living here, after... you know."

I was thankful for the darkness that concealed my blush. Jake was having such a great time; I was worried that by bringing up his family, I would ruin his good mood. But instead, Jake smiled and kissed my cheek.

"I have run away from my past for long enough. San Diego is my home. It always has been, and it always will be. Elena would want me to move on and start over in the place where I am loved, so that's what I'm going to do," he said, his face determined.

"I had been toying with the idea of coming back for the last few days. But I'm only willing to do that if its something that you want, too. You are my life now, Cat, and I won't go anywhere that you aren't."

I thought about this for a moment. "My home is wherever you are, Jake. If San Diego is where you want to be, then there is no question that I will come with you. I'd follow you to the edge of the world, if that's what it took," I whispered, nuzzling against his chest.

He kissed my hair, and I felt his smile against the top of my head. "That's not necessary. San Diego is enough."

A lighthouse shined in the distance, a beacon of hope for the lost and forgotten. It was a safe haven for those who wandered, a reminder that there would always be a place for them to call their own at the end of the day. Just like the stray ships finding their way inland, I felt like I was finally home, too, as Jake held me in his arms.

I was excited about our next journey together, about all of the adventures we would be having from this moment on. Tonight had given me hope that Jake and I might have a future after all. But as with all good things, it was something that would come in time.

At that moment, as I stood on the pier and stared out onto the Pacific Ocean, I wasn't thinking about what might happen. I wasn't worried about anyone or anything except Jake and embracing him as if it was our last night together. 

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© Dawn Norwell