White chairs dotted the lawn, with flowers twined between the slots. The air was redolent of freshly cut grass and flowers in full bloom. It might have been fall, but the weather had a spring like feel to it that cooled the skin.
Guests mingled, their laughter blending with the gentle music as servers moved between tables set with green and gold linens. The scent of baking bread and slow-roasting meats drifted on the breeze, promising comfort and celebration. Children darted around the chairs, their excitement infectious, while older relatives shared stories, their voices weaving a tapestry of memories that honored both past and present.
Finally, it was time. The guests settled and a sudden hush fell over them as on one accord, they turned towards the entrance of the manor.
Oscar felt his throat tightening and tension riddling his body. This was the moment he had waited for since he had seen Kiara walked into his pub. She was finally going to belong to him, bear his name and wear his rings. She was going to be his wife.
He barely glanced at the women walking forward, holding bouquets of flowers. When the music changed and the guests rose, he straightened his shoulders, waiting for the first glimpse of his bride.
Padric appeared in the doorway, his arm steady beneath Kiara's trembling hand. The soft rustle of her gown echoed in the silence as every head turned, admiration lighting the faces of family and friends alike. Sunlight slanted through the trees, illuminating the delicate lace of her dress, each step carrying her closer to the future she had chosen.
As she and Padric moved forward, Kiara's gaze found Oscar's. Hope, love, and anticipation shone between them, unspoken words bridging the space as she walked toward the man who would soon be her husband.
He was her entire focus. The flowers blooming all around, the brilliance of the sky, the people gathered to celebrate their union, all faded away. He became her entire world. There was no one else.
This man who had forced his way in her life and stayed there no matter how much she tried to push him away. Tears blurred her vision and it wasn't until she felt Padric's hand soothing hers that she realized she had tightened her grip on his arm.
"Sorry." She whispered a little shakily.
"I understand completely." His own eyes were a little blurry when he saw the way his son was looking at her.
"Go on then."
She did not need any further prompting. She saw that he had anticipated her action and answered it in kind. They both started forward at the same time, meeting somewhere in the middle.
The crowd cheered when he lifted her up and twirled her around, before kissing her lips with aching tenderness.
The applause washed over them like a warm embrace, echoing the joy that filled their hearts. For a moment, it felt as though time itself had paused, allowing them to savor the significance of this union and the love of everyone gathered to witness it. Oscar gently set Kiara down, their laughter mingling with the cheers, and both knew that this marked not just the beginning of their marriage, but the continuation of a shared journey.
The celebration at the club was open to all of the patrons. Now that the threat of being stalked was finally over, there was no need for vetting. The bride and groom had changed out of their wedding finery in anticipation for the evening ahead.
He had cleared it with her doctor for her to travel and they would be accompanying his family to Ireland, where they would be spending two weeks.
The teakwood bar was crammed with patrons clamoring for drinks. Everything was half price to celebrate their union and the word had spread. The live band played Irish ballads that were in tune with the mood.
"Slow down." Laughing, Oscar snagged her around the waist and into his arms.
"You're pregnant, remember?"
"I have the bulge to show for it." Her eyes danced in excitement as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Hi."
"Hi, yourself." Even though it was his wedding night, he had been called several times to deal with matters concerning the pub. He would be away for two weeks and had to tie up some things.
"I was beginning to think you'd deserted me after a few hours of marriage. Eric offered to take me away to Bali."
His eyes darkened. "I just might have to kill him for saying something like that. Are you happy darling?"
Going on her toes, she brushed her lips against his. "More than I thought possible."
"Good." He could not wait to get her all by himself. It was his wedding night, and he have every intention of celebrating, just the two of them.
The music softened as Oscar led Kiara to a quieter corner, away from the revelry and laughter. For a rare moment, it was just the two of them again. No audience, no expectations, only the gentle thrum of their hearts in sync.
They exchanged a glance filled with gratitude, knowing that every trial had brought them here, to this evening brimming with hope and promise. In the glow of the club lights, Oscar pressed his forehead to hers, silently vowing to cherish this happiness they had fought so hard to claim.
"Your mother cornered me while I was in the office."
He felt when she stiffened and lifted her head to stare at him.
