Five MonthsLater
It’sthe middle of January, and the grounds of Ronan’s estate are blanketed in a thick layer of snow. It looks like a winter wonderland, with a thousand fairy lights shimmering in the trees like tiny stars.
When Riley and I first discussed the idea of having a real wedding, I was all set on hiring out the ballroom at the Plaza, but of course, she had other ideas.
Over the last year, this place has become like a second home to Riley and me. It’s where so many of our memories were made, where we celebrated victories and patched each other up after losses. It’s where we both learned what it meant to build a life together.
She insisted that it would be the perfect place to host our wedding, and as I’m looking out at the intricately decorated marquee, I realize she was right.
Then again, she always is.
Though we used fake names, legally, we’ve been married for months now.
But I couldn’t let Riley’s memory of our wedding be tainted by that awful Elvis impersonator. She deserved something so much better.
Also, I want this to be about us. Using our real names, no fake certificate, no fake relationship. All true feelings.
So, today isn’t about anything other than giving her the wedding she deserves. The dress. The vows. The chance to walk down the aisle with her friends and family watching. But most importantly, for us to have the chance to celebrate our love properly before our lives are turned upside down all over again in a matter of weeks when the baby is born.
Riley stands across from me now, her hand trembling slightly in mine. Her green eyes are bright and glassy as she fights to hold back her tears.
Under the soft light of the chandeliers, she looks radiant.
The dress she picked is elegant and simple, with delicate lace at the sleeves and a soft drape that hugs her bump. At eight and a half months pregnant, she knocks the breath out of me every single time I look at her. I didn’t think it was possible to love Riley more, but watching her carry my child is a feeling unlike any other.
When she starts reading her vows, my throat goes tight with emotion.
As she talks about how our relationship started, I’m pulled back to those early days when we were forced together.
“We were an unlikely match,” Riley says, and I laugh. “I didn’t think I would ever find someone as stubborn as me, but then I met Kieran, and everything changed.”
“For the better, I hope.”
Riley grins. “I never really believed in fate, and those first few weeks with Kieran definitely made me believe in it less.”
“Ouch,” Brennan mutters from behind me, and I roll my eyes.
“But the more I got to know Kieran, the more I realized that there was no way I wasn’t going to fall in love with him. It seems like I was doomed for the start.”
“Me too,” I murmur.
“I love you, Kieran Sullivan, with my heart, body, and soul. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving you.”
I don’t even try to hide how her words affect me.
Riley isn’t just the love of my life. She is the person who pulled me out of the dark and lonely hole I had dug for myself. The one who made me believe that I was capable of loving another person. And I owe her everything.
The moment we’re pronounced husband and wife, I don’t hesitate to take her face in my hands and kiss her like I’ve been starving for it.
The crowd erupts into applause, but I barely hear them.
All I can focus on is Riley.
When we finally break apart, she laughs breathlessly and presses her hand over her bump.
She laughs. “Someone’s awake. I guess the little nugget approves.”
I grin and place my hand over hers. “I love you so much.”
