13
CIARA
“God, Erin, you are looking radiant. Does my brother have any idea how lucky he is?” I say to Erin who is dressed and ready to marry that ass who is my brother Patrick.
“Sure hope so.” She smiles at me, glowing. There’s not even a moment of hesitation in her behavior. She is full of joy, the picture of felicity.
“The guys are downstairs and they’re waiting on us. We’ll go in separate cars,” Rain announces. She is also quite stunning in her bridesmaid’s gown. “Your dad is here and he’s a bit emotional,” she adds, smiling and caressing Erin’s shoulder.
“I’m ready,” she says, taking in a big breath. “Go on, I’ll see you there.”
We hurry to gather our things and our bouquets, which the florist delivered this morning. It’s time to go, the wedding is about to be celebrated and I’m all wound up and bordering on a panic attack although I’m not the one who has to do the deed.
How can Erin be so calm?
We open the door and let Erin’s father in, leaving them alone for a few minutes.
Rain goes down first followed by Alex. The boys are waiting for us at the bottom. I must say, they’re looking elegant, impeccable and super cool.
I can say that, can’t I? What’s wrong with saying it?
Liam is handsome and intriguing with that tough-guy look he has, covering up a whipped-cream heart. Rain hugs him and kisses his beard gently. He says something to her which makes her laugh nervously and I’m sure it’s something that couldn’t be repeated out loud.
Alex comes down the staircase like a goddess. She’s beautiful and seems like she’s in good health. I’ve seen an improvement in her recently and I hope things will continue in that vein. Jay opens his arms and she runs to him. He kisses her on the forehead before taking a moment to admire her. She smiles and he does the same, showing off his delicious dimples which manage to be both sweet and sexy simultaneously. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen in my life.
The four of them grab their keys and walk out of the front door, taking their things with them.
I inhale and go down the last few stairs. I’m holding the banister tightly because I’m not very confident in these unfamiliar heels.
I watch my feet so as to avoid tripping when I smell his unmistakable cologne and I raise my eyes to meet his.
What I see takes my breath away and makes my legs tremble so that I have to brace myself against the banister to avoid rolling down the rest of the stairs like a jackass.
Aaron is standing up straight with his head held high. He’s trimmed his beard and has his hair brushed back, although there are a few rebellious strands that will not be contained. His eyes are big and luminous and that suit, God… Did they just sew it on him?
I just got finished saying that Jay was the most handsome man I’ve ever seen and maybe it’s true. But Aaron…
Aaron is something more.
Aaron is pure perfection.
Mypersonal perfection.
I continue my descent of the stairs, confident despite the fact that my knees are trembling like jelly. As I get to the last step he offers me his hand to help me and I take it, smiling in embarrassment. He pulls me against his body and gently kisses my cheek before stepping back to have a better look at me.
And what he is telling me now, without saying a word, is nothing like fraternal words, I would bet my life on it.
Aaron wants me.
I just have to convince him that he does.
—
AARON
The girls walk down the stairs to join us. We’re already late and need to get a move on. The wedding is going to be held in Meath and it’ll take us at least half an hour to get there.
Rain and Alex come down the stairs first. My sister is looking radiant in her tailored gown with her hair up in a soft braid which rests on her shoulder. Her eyes are like mirrors and she has a full smile that accentuates her happiness, repaying me for years of suffering and all of the pain that went with it.
