Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Until she called me out on it on the way back.
“Don’t give up your day job, Niall,” she called out. “Leave the stalking to the professionals.”
That was the day I made love to her on the porch after chasing her.
I sat up, feeling the sadness of knowing it was our last full day, but the excitement of knowing we were headed back home. We could get married. Start our life.
I pulled on my sweats and headed outside. Today, she stood on the shore, staring at the water. The last of the dawn was dissipating in the sky, the colors fading into light. I stepped behind her, wrapping my arms around her. “Hello, mo mhuirnín.”
She patted my arm. “Hello, handsome.”
I pressed a kiss to her head. “What are you thinking?” I asked after a few moments.
“Wishful thoughts.”
“Share them with me.”
“That we could stay forever.”
Her voice was sad, making me frown. She wanted to stay here? Scotland?
I turned her in my arms. “Here, Anna? Is this where you feel safe?” I swallowed. “I can arrange it with Finn. I—”
She cut me off. “No, no. I meant here—in this moment. When we’re happy. In love.”
“That isn’t going to change. I’m going to love you the rest of my life.”
“I know. But not this way. All-consuming, passionate. Where you can’t wait to see the other person. When romance takes precedence over everything else.”
“Exactly that way,” I insisted.
She smiled. “I hope so.”
I tilted my head and pulled a box from my pocket. I had been debating showing this to her, but right now, romance was going to take the precedence she wanted.
“What is that?” she asked.
I opened the lid. “Your wedding band. Mine to match.”
Her eyes widened.
“Give me your ring.”
Hesitating, she slid it off her finger, offering it to me. I handed her my much larger ring. “Hold that.”
She watched as I slipped her ring into the center of the two connected bands, forming a flowing pattern and making the Celtic knot complete.
I lifted her hand and kissed it, then slid the rings back onto her finger. I met her wide gaze.
“Years ago, people exchanged vows privately. So today, Anna, I take you as my wife. I will love you, protect you, and forever make sure our romance is alive and well. You will never be alone. I will always be there to hold your hand, kiss you, and consume you with passion any time you want. Or when I want.” I winked at her. “We’ll figure it out.” I took a deep breath. “For as long as I live.”
Her fingers trembled as she slipped the white gold band on my finger. “I take you, Niall, today, to be my husband. I will love you all the days of my life. No matter where we go, I’ll be home because you’ll be with me.” Tears formed in her eyes and flowed down her cheeks. “Always.”
I bent and kissed her. “Always.”
We celebrated on the flight once Una noticed our bands. Finn had the attendant bring champagne, and we toasted over and over. When Mum and her cronies fell asleep, Finn nudged my leg with his foot. “I spoke to Roman yesterday. He had an offer.”
“Another one?”
He laughed. “I think this came from the women. They would like to host the party and were wondering how you felt about getting married overlooking the Falls, then combining the party into a reception for us both.”
I glanced at Anna. She wanted a small wedding, much the same as Una had.
“Can we keep it minimal?”
He nodded. “Us, Roisin and company, plus the trio and wives.” He chuckled. “And his nonna. The guest list for the party is up to us. And if you’re not interested, not an issue.”
I turned to Anna. “Your call, mo mhuirnín.”
Una spoke. “Effie said she would handle everything. All we have to do is turn up in pretty dresses. You two say your vows—legally. Sign the papers, and then we party.”
Anna looked thoughtful, her chin resting on her hand. The light caught on the new bracelet I had given her, equipped with another tracker. I’d felt better once I’d placed it on her wrist, and she did as well. “On two conditions.”
“Which are?” I asked. I wanted to make sure she was happy.
“That you sing for us,” Anna murmured, looking at Una.
Una took her hand. “Yes.”
“And the second?” I prompted.
“No Irish dance contests,” she said with a chuckle.
Finn and I laughed. “That will never happen again. My legs haven’t recovered yet.”
I pulled her close. “Are you sure, Anna?”
“As long as I get to marry you again, I’m sure. Niagara Falls is romantic.”
I kissed her. “Then let’s get married. Again.”
She snuggled close.
“Always.”
Anna was a beautiful bride. Not that I’d had any doubts, but she was beyond perfect. With her long hair flowing down her back and dressed in a pretty pink dress that exploded from her waist in a froth of lace, she was a vision.