“Yes, you’ll show up at the church in your nicely pressed suit and say your ‘I do’s’.”
“My God, woman, I can certainly tell you’ve been on your own. The last time we were parted I came home to find you so sickenin’ sweet you near gave me a toothache. This time you’re so full of vinegar, I don’t know whether to kiss you or shake you.”
“You’ll do neither. Your ma is already fit to be tied at havin’ me along. Don’t do anythin’ to make matters worse,” Maeve snapped.
“Has she been givin’ you a hard time?”
“If you call glarin’ at me as though I stole the holy child from the manger before the Christmas pageant and ignorin’ me at Mass, then yes, she’s been givin’ me a hard time.”
“You only did that once and I caught you and made you put it back before you got into trouble,” Sean reminded her sternly.
“Aye, ‘twas but a lark, but this time I’ve done nothin’ wrong, except marryin’ her son,” Maeve replied as they neared the car.
“Da, why haven’t you put a stop to this?” Sean demanded of his father.
“You’ll learn to pick your battles, son. I want her at the weddin’, smilin’ and behavin’ herself. I thought it best to let her temper tantrum burn itself out.”
“I hope you’re right. I prefer to handle any problems quickly and with a minimum of fuss. Once we’re wed, I won’t allow Maeve to stew for weeks and work herself up to a?—”
“Hello, I’m still here,” Maeve said, drawing to a full stop and putting her hands on her hips.
“I’m not likely to forget you, darlin’,” Sean said grinning. Leaning down, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to her toes, whispering in her ear. “And after our weddin’ night, I doubt you’ll forget me.”
Maeve blushed, gave a single nod and slid into the back seat. It was going to be a tense ride home.
* * *
They spent the evening on the Donahue’s couch watching TV. Maeve was a bit peevish, but Sean ignored her temper and pulled her close for a kiss or two every chance he got. He went home early, claiming he was tired from his long flight and needed to get some rest. Maeve wasn’t happy about it, but she made out with him in the hall before he slipped away.
The night before the wedding, they all went out to dinner at a pricy restaurant. Both sets of parents went along as well as John and Bridy. Maeve wore a black mini skirt, a snug gold sweater and her favorite platform shoes.
“Aw, darlin’, must you always be temptin’ fate?” Sean asked when he picked her up.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” she replied, trying to hide her grin and failing miserably.
“And I’m sure you do,” he asserted as he got into the car. “I’ve been tryin’ my hardest to behave with it bein’ so close to the weddin’ and all, and here you come lookin’ so sexy I can hardly think straight and wearin’ that perfume I love so much too. I’ve a feelin’ you’re goin’ to be a troublesome wife,” he finished with a sigh.
“If I am, ’tis no more than you deserve, O’Malley. Once, one time, you showed me what it could be like and that was weeks ago, makin’ me wonder if it was all in my imagination after all.”
Sean turned to look at her in the dim light of the vehicle in surprise. Then with a low throated growl, he pulled her close, one large hand slipping between her thighs and sliding all the way up to her core.
“I think I like these skirts,” he breathed against her lips, “although I don’t think you’ll be wearin’ them out in public after tomorrow.”
“Don’t be such a prude. All the girls are wearin’ them in the States.”
“Aye, to tempt a man. You’ve no need of that. You’ve already won me heart and soul. As far as workin’ to entice me, I don’t think you have any worries.”
“Then let’s go to your place after dinner,” she suggested, nibbling on his lower lip.
“Aw, darlin’, you have no idea how much that appeals to me, but it wouldn’t be right. Not now. Soon I’ll show you everythin’ you need to know and have a grand time doin’ it.”
Maeve pushed him away and wiggled on her seat.
“’Tis the last time I’ll mention it, O’Malley,” she said tilting her chin up. “Could be I won’t feel much like doin’ it even after we’re wed,” she continued smugly.
Sean laughed heartily as he started the vehicle. Maeve’s face was red with outrage.
“What is so funny?” she demanded.
