1. Mandy's Point of View

It had been five years since my design had first appeared on my skin. Five years since Mike and I had shared our first french kiss. Five years since we had started dating.

Now, I was standing beneath a flowery arch out on the beach, my heels digging into the sand. A white dress with a heart-shaped neckline clung to my curves. Lace sleeves fell halfway down my arms, ending at my elbows. The spot on my forearm was left exposed, so that everyone could see the design that matched my future husband's.

In only a few short minutes, we'd officially be married, but the seconds felt too long. I wanted him now. Needed him now.

It was strange to think that there had been a time when I wasn't attracted to him. He was only a few feet away from me, in a teal suit with a forest green tie, but I could smell his woodsy cologne. Could see the smile tilting his lips upward. Could feel the love radiating from his skin.

"It's time for your vows," my mother said. She had gotten ordained a few weeks earlier, just so she could perform at our wedding. She didn't find it fair that my father got to walk me down the aisle while she just sat and watched. "Honey, you wanted to go first?"

When I nodded, my tight curls bounced against my diamond-studded ears. Then I grabbed Mike's hand and said, "I remember back when we were kids, you used to tease me, and my parents said it was because you liked me. Then we got to middle school, and you hated all the guys I dated, and my friends said it was because you liked me. And I always called them crazy."

The tears were already sprouting in the corners of my eyes. I picked up my speaking pace, hoping to finish my vows before my voice broke. "My whole life, I've been waiting to get my design, waiting to find my true love. But you were always right there. I never actually had to wait." The tears finally fell down my cheeks. I could imagine what they were doing to my perfect, peach blush. "But you did have to wait for me to figure it out, and I'm so glad you did. Thank you for waiting for me. Thank you for loving me."

My mother couldn't hold back her tears either, because she was barely audible when she said, "Now it's the groom's turn."

I turned my attention back towards Mike. His eyes looked glossy, but he kept standing tall and breathing steady.

"Mandy," he said, squeezing my hand tighter. "Like you've already said, I've loved you since we were young. Before we even started dating, I'd seen you cry after your dog died, seen you vomit after downing too many shots in a night, seen you break picture frames when your favorite singer got booted off of a reality show..." He paused when everyone laughed. "I know you think you have flaws, but I don't see any. All I see is you, and you're beautiful. And you're finally mine. So really, I should be the one thanking you."

Everything that came after his vows felt like a blur. The only other thing I remembered was feeling his hand against my skin, moving my lips against his, and hearing everyone I loved applaud our undying love.