Heat burnt at the back of my eyes as the silence deepened, the whole room hanging on his every word.
“She made me want to be better. She made me want to prove myself, to her, to all of you, to me. We were reckless in Vegas, sure. Dumb, maybe. But it was the smartest dumb thing I’ve ever done, because it gave me her.”
He tipped his glass toward me, eyes locked on mine. “Now, she didn’t make it easy on me. She made me work my ass off. She’s clever enough to see through all my bullshit, but dumb enough to marry me twice.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
“She’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Smart, fierce, far too good for me.” His grin turned boyish, wicked. “And yeah, a little older. What can I say? I’ve always had a thing for older women.”
“I’ll drink to that!” Jordan heckled from across the table, making the whole room howl. Kate shoved him with a glare sharp enough to kill but he just grinned wider, smug as hell.
Tyler shook his head, laughing with everyone before his expression softened again. His gaze lifted to my father.
“And sir,” he said, voice steady but thick, “I need you to know, I love your daughter more than anything in this world. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it. To her. To all of you.”
He turned back to the room, lifting his glass high, grin spreading again.
“So, please raise your glasses. To my wife.”
The cheer that followed shook the rafters, the clink of glasses echoing like a chorus as everyone shouted it back—“To Orla!”
My cheeks flushed hot, tears pricking all over again as Tyler sat beside me, sliding his hand over my thigh under the table, placing a tender kiss to my lips. His grin was pure mischief when he leaned in, his voice low enough for only me.
“God, I love calling you that.”
Chapter 68
Orla
“I amnotdoing tequila shots!”I shouted over the racket of the band and stomping feet. The party was in full swing now, cousins spinning across the dance floor, kids squealing as they joined in, my uncles attempting their best jigs while half the room clapped them on. Even Tyler’s California crew were being dragged into an Irish dance lesson, looking slightly mortified but obviously delighted.
“Oh come on, you’ll need some Dutch courage for tonight,” Gwen cackled, waving her glass at me. “God only knows what Tyler’s got planned for you once he’s got you locked in that bedroom.”
I swatted at her, heat flooding my cheeks, but she only laughed harder.
Kate was still going, bless her, perched in Jordan’s lap like she’d claimed her rightful throne. She looked about five minutes away from falling asleep, but Jordan had her tucked close, his hand resting protectively over her bump. Every time she yawned, he pressed another kiss to her temple, like he could will her through the night.
I jumped when a pair of strong arms slid around my waist from behind, pulling me back into a chest I knew too well. Tyler’s breath was warm against my ear.
“Not doing shots, huh?” he murmured. “Shame. Remember Vegas? You were very happy to let me do one straight out of your cleavage.”
My face flamed. Before I could shove him, Gwen absolutely lost it, doubling over, grabbing Tom’s arm for balance while she howled.
Tom just shook his head, grinning. “Christ, Reed, you’ve got no filter.”
“Wouldn’t have him any other way,” Gwen gasped between laughs.
I glared at Tyler, who only looked smugger, then caught his eyes flicking past me. He gave a small tilt of his chin toward the far side of the room.
I followed his gaze and froze. Danny and Emma were tucked at a table in the corner, heads bowed close, his arm slung casually along the back of her chair, his big hand resting on her thigh like it belonged there. The sight made my heart lurch. Danny, who’d been closed off for so long, smiling like that again.
When I looked back, Tyler just gave me a knowing little grin, likeyeah, I saw it too.
Just then Jordan appeared beside us. “Alright, show’s over for us. We’re heading up before this one falls asleep at the table.” He tipped his chin toward Kate, who was glowing despite the exhaustion etched across her face.
“Sorry, guys,” she said with a soft laugh. “Growing another human got the better of me today.”
I hugged her tight. “You’ve been an angel. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
