"The bride needs to be fresh as a daisy for her wedding day. The wedding night will be more special for the abstinence."
"I wasn't going to touch her." He muttered, flushing slightly at the sage look his mother gave him. "Just hold her. That's all. I find it difficult to sleep without her. And she feels the same."
"Nice try darling. Now go on about your business. I believe Eric and your dad has something in store for you at the pub."
He had kissed her and left reluctantly. "I'll check in before I go to bed."
"No." His mother intervened firmly. "The ladies will be having their own entertainment. I will make certain Kiara gets her rest. She will be turning in early. Big day tomorrow. One would think you cannot be without her for a minute."
"I'm going, aren't I?"
"Good." Maeve kissed him on both cheeks. "Have fun. We intend to do just that."
And it had been fun. Both Irene and Maeve had prepared delicious finger foods. There had been outrageous gifts, lingerie with holes in them and some so frivolous and thin, there were almost non-existent. Her mother had not turned up, even though she had received an invitation, saying stiffly that she would be at the wedding.
"I'm sure my presence will not be needed."
She was not missed. The women, including her soon to be sister in law, had made the night special, telling stories about Oscar when he was growing up.
"He used to run wild in the hills of Kinsale." Maeve recalled whimsically, a glass of Irish whiskey in her hand. "We had sheep back then and he would do his best to do the shearing of them."
"How did that go?" Kiara had to settle for non-alcoholic beverage.
"Terrible." Mary Margaret remarked with a laugh. "He caught one once and mangled the poor animal so badly, it had to go into hiding."
"He was always a precocious child." Maeve's beautiful eyes were sheened with tears. "I would nag him about finding a nice girl and start giving me grandchildren."
"And he would always answer the same." Mary Margaret reminded her.
"That when he meets the right one, he would know, right away." Maeve turned her gaze on Kiara. "He was right as usual. We could not have asked for a better wife for our Oscar."
"Now, you're going to make me tear up." Kiara sniffed.
"We fell in love with you the first time my son mentioned you." Maeve reached out and clasped her hand. "We were never disappointed."
Now standing in front of the mirror, she gazed at her image in wonder. The dress was light, a floaty ice blue, near to the color of Oscar's eyes. The top was figure hugging, the sleeves long and sheer. The skirt billowed from the waist to below her knees, effectively concealing her baby bump.
Diamonds and sapphires glittered at her lobes and around her throat, a gift from Oscar. The braids had been removed a few days ago and Brian had worked his usual magic. Her natural hair had been shampooed and deep conditioned and treated.
It was swept back from her face, highlighting her narrow face and sharply etched cheekbones. The style was an intricate knot, with tendrils floating down her cheeks. Delicate buds were intertwined at the front. Her makeup was flawless, leaving her face glowing.
"Oh, my darling girl!"
Kiara turned at the sound of Maeve's voice. The smile blooming faded as she noticed the woman standing behind the woman.
"Mama."
"She wanted to come up and see you." Maeve sent her a reassuring smile as she walked in and embraced her. "Sheappears contrite." She whispered, kissing her cheeks. "You have ten minutes before my son comes tearing upstairs to find out what's keeping his bride."
Dr. Victoria Landan, looking resplendent and handsome in purple silk, walked forward stiffly, eyes wandering over her daughter's attire and lingering on the stones at her lobes and throat.
"I thought you would want something borrowed." Digging into her small reticule, she brought out an embroidered handkerchief. "Your father gave it to me on our wedding day." A smile ghosted her lips. "I'm sure he would want you to have it."
Tears blinded her eyes and had her turning away. She could not help but wished that it was her dad standing here, instead of a woman who had made her life a living hell since she could remember.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she turned around and nodded soberly. "Thanks. I need to finish getting ready."
"I understand. I know we have had our differences--" Her daughter's snort of disbelief had her mouth tightening.
