“Now Ma, there’s no reason you and Da can’t come to America and visit us,” Maeve soothed, placing an arm around her mother’s shoulders and leading her away. “John and Bridy are comin’ as soon as he graduates from university. Maybe you can come over at the same time…”
* * *
It seemed all too soon they were running to the car as they were showered with rice. Sean held his hand over her head when someone tossed an old shoe. Teary good-byes were said andarrangements were made to pick up Sean’s car at the airport. He’d given it to his brother and John would fetch it the following day.
In an uncharacteristically generous gesture, Sean’s parents paid for two nights in a Paris hotel. From France, they would fly to the States.
Sean held Maeve’s hand as their plane left the runway. “I like your suit,” he said, trying to distract her.
“Do you? Ma said pink didn’t suit me, not with my auburn hair, but I had to have it.”
“It was a good choice.”
“You don’t think the skirt is too short?” she asked, peering out the window.
“No, ’tis shorter than I like, but I know ’tis the style now. Girls want to show off their legs,” he teased, “and as long as that’s all the showin’ you do, I’m fine with it.”
“Amazin’,” she sighed as she relaxed back into her seat.
“What is?”
“You don’t mind the short skirt, but hated those hot pants,” she teased.
“I didn’t hate them. You can buy a dozen pairs to wear around the house once we’re settled. I minded others bein’ able to see those sweet cheeks, and I minded what happened to my body every time I saw you in them.”
“Really?” she laughed. “If I’d known, I would have paraded all over in them.”
“I’m sure you would have. You’ve always enjoyed tormentin’ me.”
“That’s not true,” she defended herself.
“Aye, ’tis true, but I’ll soon have my revenge,” he replied, leaning closer and growling into her ear.
Maeve shivered, eyed him suspiciously and moved away. Sean grinned, leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes.
* * *
Maeve was surprised she’d dozed off during the flight. She’d been a mass of nerves for the last few days worrying the wedding wouldn’t go as planned. Thankfully, it had. She couldn’t have asked for nicer weather or a more beautiful day. While saying good-bye to her ma and da had been painful, she now found herself looking forward to her new life as Mrs. Sean O’Malley.
Sean appeared to be a seasoned traveler and quickly got them through the required stops and into a taxi headed toward the Hilton Hotel. Her bridal jitters returned as she watched him sign the register. Tucking her arm through his, he led her to the elevator.
“Are we goin’ up right away?” she asked nervously.
“Aye,” he replied. “Why?”
“I’m a little hungry.”
“We’ll order somethin’ brought up,” he assured her. His hand on her back urged her into the lift.
“I thought maybe we could look around a bit,” Maeve suggested. “It’s not as though I’ve ever been to Paris before, nor am I likely to return.”
“We have all day tomorrow,” Sean pointed out, a knowing grin tilting his lips.
Maeve frowned and straightened her spine. He thought she was afraid, frightened of what was going to happen once they were alone in their room. Well, hell would freeze over before she’d admit it, even if there was a little bit of truth in his assumptions.
The bell boy stepped back as Sean unlocked the door to their room and followed them in. Maeve began to laugh.
“This won’t do,” he stated firmly, looking around the room. “Have you another?”
