That’s wherever Holly is. I’ve known the woman barely more than a month, but already she’s the most important fixture in my life. And I’ll lay my head wherever she wants me to, to keep it that way.
‘We should buy a place here, anyway. For when we visit. As much as I’d prefer a private house, I think we’re going to have to check in to a hotel tonight.’
‘I don’t care where we stay, as long as we’re together.’
‘Sweetheart, we’re going to spend the rest of lives together.’ My lips brush over hers. ‘But for now, you’d better officially introduce me to your parents. Then we can escape and get back to doing exactly what we were put on this planet to do.’ I shoot her a wink and she giggles.
‘I can’t believe you’re here.’ She exhales a heavy breath as her hand catches my forearm.
‘Well, you’d better get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere. Not without you, anyway.’
ChapterThirty-Eight
HOLLY
23rd December
The K Club is situated amidst the lush Irish countryside, an hour outside of Dublin. Surrounded by open snow-dusted fields and frosted ferns, it’s the perfect setting for a winter wedding.
The manager snuck us in through the back entrance last night and straight up to an opulent airy suite with a crackling open fire. We ordered room service and did exactly what we were put on this planet to do until the early hours of the morning.
After his performance outside my house went viral last night, we are trending on all social media platforms this morning as #Nolly #TistheseasontogetHollyed #Natesmate #Haveyourselfamerrylittlenateness.
Predictably, Nate is on the front page of every tabloid this morning and it’s all every breakfast television show is talking about today. But instead of becoming a laughingstock, it looks like Nate’s commanded the respect of the nation by standing up for what he wants and for going after it with everything he has. His public persona has transformed from being moody and untouchable to completely and utterly relatable. Which is going to make his appearance in next year’s Hallmark movie so much more believable.
Now, it’s finally time to watch my brother get married.
‘You look absolutely stunning.’ Nate circles me, his gaze trailing over the front of the Rebecca Vallance dress he had his security detail bring here.
‘So do you.’ A black tuxedo showcases his broad shoulders. Tight, fitted suit pants hug his granite glutes like they were made especially for him. I still cannot believe this man is mine.
‘Are you ready?’ Nate offers his arm to me, and I take it, not necessarily needing his support, but wanting it all the same.
Everyone I love is in this building. And I can’t wait to join them and watch my brother and Clarissa exchange their vows.
Nate opens the suite door. Four of his security detail man the wide, thickly carpeted hallway outside. He nods at two of them who follow us into the lift.
The ceremony is taking place inside one of the hotel’s grand ballrooms. We step into the dome-shaped brilliant white room. Row upon row of white wicker chairs form perfect lines, seating Conor and Clarissa’s friends and family.
We strut the length of the makeshift aisle together. It feels like every single eye in the room is on us. The sound of my heartbeat pounds through my ears and the oh-so-familiar anxiety curls around my heart.
‘I’ve got you,’ Nate murmurs. His smooth, velvety voice seeps into my soul, and the tightness unfurls in my chest.
As we make our way towards my parents in the front row, my mother turns her head and offers a reassuring smile and a nod of approval as her steely eyes appraise my outfit.
She’s wearing a pastel pink pencil dress and matching suit jacket. Daddy looks dapper in a navy suit and pastel pink tie.
I take the seat next to her and air kiss both her cheeks before greeting my father the same way. Nate extends his hand to my father and offers him a hearty handshake before pulling my mother into a Jackson embrace. Her mouth drops open, and she freezes for a second before surrendering to my boyfriend’s PDA. When he finally lets her go, she’s still open-mouthed and slightly shellshocked. It’s hilarious.
My brother stands at the front looking sensational in a traditionally tailored, ebony three-piece suit. He ambles over to greet us, flanked by his best man, Clarissa’s brother, who is making no attempt to hide his awe at Nate’s presence.
‘You look so handsome.’ I pat Conor’s arm encouragingly. ‘I’m so happy for you.’
‘It’ll be your turn next.’ Conor shoots Nate a look that translates to ‘it better be, anyway.’
The first few notes of Pachelbel’s Canon radiate around the room and Conor races back to his position at the front to await his blushing bride.
Clarissa comes into view, linking onto her father’s arm, grinning at her guests as she passes by. She’s a vision of timeless romance, her dress a stunning ivory masterpiece. Wispy ash blonde hair is swept up in a classic chignon, revealing tanned shoulders and her long slender neck.
