As we return the candles to their holders, polite claps echo throughout the chapel before quieting down as Father O’Donnell begins the next rites. My mind finally isn’t buzzing with nerves or overstimulation, but instead floats with hazy reverence. My eyes keep looking over at Kerry, only to find his eyes already on me, that same smile on his face like his face doesn’t know how to do anything else at the moment.
Kerry’s not a man that shows his emotions well. He keeps them locked away, hidden and secure, for a plethora of reasons. So to see his eyes shine, his entire face lifted with joy, it’s…monumental.
The tension in the air makes me think that everyone else here knows it, too, like they’re all holding their breath as they look on in awe at the miracle that’s unfolding before them.
Marjorie is a puddle of tears in the front row, a miracle all on its own.
Lily’s eyes are shining. The big man beside her has his eyebrows raised, and I get the feeling that’s a big reaction coming from him.
Alessandro keeps dabbing at his eyes with a handkerchief.
O’Neil holds his wife close to his chest, both of them smiling brightly. Their daughter has a soft, dreamy look on her face.
Jack bites his lip to keep it from wobbling as tears leak from his eyes, while Liam just outright sobs on Jack’s shoulder, making me smile.
But my eyes keep coming back to Kerry, right where they’re meant to be.
We sing another song, have another prayer, and then go through the steps of communion. I’m mindful of my motions,but less anxious than I was before. The magnitude of emotion I’m seeing reflected back at me in Kerry’s eyes has washed away all of those feelings, if just for a brief moment in time.
Finally, the vows come. I admit, I wish we could’ve done personal ones, but they aren’t really a thing in this type of wedding. I try to say them with my whole heart nonetheless. The way that Kerry says them sticks with me; how his voice is deep but wobbles, how his eyes glisten, how his tone gets tense as he says the vows like a declaration instead of casual speech.
I wish I could live in this moment forever. It feels…sopeaceful.So grand, but not in a materialistic way. My emotions are swirling in my chest in a way unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. He’s captured my heart, and I know he’ll never return it. It’s not in his nature. Not that I’d ever want him to; I know he’ll take good care of it.
Finally, after so many prayers, songs, and communion, Father O’Donnell addresses the audience. “Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Michael Alasdair!”
Kerry turns to the elderly man, and the priest smiles and nods.It’s finally time.
Kerry doesn’t hesitate. He pulls me in by the hand, leaning down and sealing his lips on mine. Something about this kiss feels different. A claim, a promise for the future and his devotion to me. His tongue runs along my bottom lip, as if teasing me with what will come later. A soft groan leaves his mouth as if he’s tasting the finest of delicacies, and I inhale sharply, body flushing with heat as I realize the extent of his desire.
He’s dreamt of this for years. He’s put in so much time and effort to get here, to be mine. He’s fought for me, forus,and now it’s finally paying off.
His eyes swirl with desire as I pull away from him, not wanting the kiss to get too heated in front of everyone, especially an elderlypriest,in achurch.I doubt Kerry cares, but I do.Thankfully, he seems to recognize this, chuckling as if my thoughtfulness for others amuses him, even on our wedding day.
Yeah, well, that’s something he’s going to have to learn to deal with, because it’s not going away anytime soon. There’s people-pleasing, and then there’s just being a good person.
Kerry looks like he’s been given the heavens when he looks at me. I have no idea how one person could make me feel so special, so treasured. A giddy feeling bubbles in my chest. As we descend the stairs, I can’t help but squeeze my hands into tight fists, shaking them as I stim with joy.
I wince as the guests stand and clap loudly. Kerry takes my hand as we walk down the aisle of the church, and I put on my best smile as we leave, nodding to the guests and saying politehellosas we pass.
Kerry’s hand squeezes mine, bringing me back down to earth. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as we get into the car.
Kerry’s hand stays firmly in mine on the center console of the car as he starts to drive, his thumb caressing my skin in a soothing rhythm. The silence between us is comfortable, and I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s been a bit of a long and overwhelming day already, and the moment of quiet relieves some of the building pressure of stimulation in my chest.
We’re escorted in by security as soon as we’re out of the car. I dart for the stairs, wanting to get out of this dress. It’s beautiful, and my dream wedding dress, but it’s uncomfortable. Marjorie suggested a second one for the reception, a light and airy white summer dress that hugs my waist and then flows out, and I think she’s a genius.
Kerry carries half of my dress as we ascend the stairs, which I’m thankful for, because I’m fairly certain that I would’ve tripped a hundred times going up these steps if he wasn’thelping me.Yeah, I’m glad I’m not wearing this for the reception.
I hurry to the closet, feeling like my skin was crawling after being in this dress all day. I twist around, desperately trying to tug at the zipper on my back and tangle my dress in my hysterics. Marjorie had helped me into this big thing this morning, and now I have no idea how to get out of it.
A rough chuckle echoes from behind me.
Oh yeah. I forgot I have a husband for these things.I freeze and look over my shoulder at him. He’s grinning, lookingwaytoo smug as he takes a step towards me. “Need a hand, love?”
“Yes, please.” The smile I give him is definitely sheepish. I forgot he was there.
His hands are warm as he grasps my shoulders, holding me still. Kerry leans in, fingers dragging down my spine in a slow glide.The bastard knows exactly what he’s doing.His touch sends heat coursing down my belly and between my thighs. My eyes flutter closed as his lips press kisses along my neck and down my shoulder, his fingers peeling the dress off of me.
“We have to get to the reception,” I remind him in a quiet voice. It sounds weak even to my ears, but I know we don’t have time for this, even if Iwantit. And gods above, I do.
