“These aren’t sad tears,” I gasp. “They’re happy.” Gazing back down, I stem the tears with my knuckle. “It’s just… everything was so intense for so long that I’m kind of scared to be happy.”
“That’s okay.” Saoirse takes my hand. “I’ll teach you.”
I cling to her as we approach the aisle and soft music rises up from the musicians hidden just out of sight. Colorful lights and ribbons decorate the surrounding trees and several arches line the path toward the altar, each covered in twinkling lights and flowers. It’s all so beautiful and I’m so scared.
Barefoot, I walk slowly, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, and I’m so focused that I don’t realize Cian is there until Saoirse places my hand in his. Then the world goes quiet and nothing else matters.
It’s just him and me.
And occasionally, Cormac’s voice drifts through the dream-like fog I find myself in. Cian and me against the world, with a loving family at our back. I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect. Rings are exchanged while I’m in a daze and then Cian is looking at me with love and hope sparkling in his eyes.
“Huh?” I gasp, jerking back to reality as soft laughter rises from the guests.
“I said, do you take Cian to be your loving husband?” Cormac repeats.
“Oh, yes! Yes, I do!” Beaming from ear to ear, I clutch Cian’s hands tighter. Was the ceremony supposed to be this fast? Or am I just so blissfully in love that it all just drifts past me?
“I now pronounce you husband and wife!”
Cheers and claps rise from the crowd while Cian surges forward and takes me in his warm, strong arms. I skim my fingers over his smooth beard and we hold each other’s gaze for a long moment, then he kisses me deeply and every tingling worry and nerve flees from my mind. My arms loop around his neck and shoulders, drawing him in while I arch into his body and kiss him harder and harder. Every so often, he leans away a fraction just to adjust the angle, then he kisses me deeper.
Warmth spreads through my body, radiating from each point of contact I have with the man I love.
I want him to kiss me like this for the rest of my life.
“Congratulations!” Cormac’s voice cuts through the kiss and Cian finally pulls away with his cheeks flushed and his eyes sparkling.
“I love you.” Cian grins.
“I love you too.” I kiss him again, then turn to our guests. “Actually, could I have everyone’s attention?”
The claps and cheers fade instantly.
“Underneath your chairs, you’ll each find a tray of paint that’s a specific color. If you’d remove your shoes, I hope you’ll join Cian and me in painting our future together down this beautiful white aisle.”
It had been a last-minute idea and Anastasia worked her magic to not only get a canvas long enough to act as the aisle, but also safe paint for everyone in a variety of colors. I watch everyone reach under their chairs and murmur their surprise, then there’s a flurry of activity as everyone removes their shoes. Anastasiahurries up from her seat and briefly kisses my cheek, then places a tray of turquoise paint at our feet.
“When did we plan this?” Cian raises his brow.
“I did it last night. I was struck by how important this day is. Not just for me and you, but for everyone in this family who’s made it through these past six years. What better way to show that we’re all walking the same path together now?”
Cian studies my face and his smile softens. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“Oh, I know.” With a light smirk, I lift the skirt of my dress and step into the cold paint.
Cian uses my shoulder for balance and quickly removes his shoes and socks, then he does the same thing. Hand in hand, we step out of the paint and walk together back down the aisle, leaving a trail of turquoise footsteps behind us.
Then, one by one, everyone else follows suit.
Cormac and Evelyn follow with orange footsteps. Anastasia and Erik are next with yellow, then it’s Saoirse and Bruno with pink and finally, Rocky and Sarah with purple. Cian’s mother, Clodagh, comes last with red.
Everyone is careful where they step and when they join us at the water basins to wash our feet clean, everyone turns to admire the final product.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” I grin at Cian, clutching his hand in mine and running my finger along his new wedding band. “I think we should hang it up somewhere and we’ll have it to look at the next time the world gets tough.”
“Knowing our luck, that’ll be next week.” Cian chuckles, then he kisses me softly. “It’s a very beautiful idea. I love it.”
“A wedding to remember.” Saoirse appears next to us and she elbows Cian in the ribs. “Congrats.”
