As I watched my little sister dancing with her husband—gee, it sounded so weird to call him that—I realized that this was more than any of us would’ve thought possible after the accident.
Today was a celebration of Kathy and Colin’s love, but it was also a celebration for our family—that was why Kathy had picked May 10th, the day of Declan’s birthday, as her wedding day. She’d wanted this event to be as much about him as about her; even though we’d gotten on with our lives, none of us had forgotten him, the wonderful person he’d been and the way he’d touched all of us, even after he was gone.
My throat had constricted during my quick speech and I’d cut it short, raising the glass in a toast to Declan’s birthday because I was afraid I’d start bawling in front of everyone. It didn’t matter how many months had passed, or that I knew he was happy where he was: I still missed him and still needed him by my side.
Kathy laughed when Colin lifted her off the floor and twirled her around once, her arms wrapped around his neck, the soft layers of her ivory gown flowing like petals. The blissful smile on both their faces left no space for doubt: my hopelessly romantic sister had finally achieved her happily-ever-after, and I couldn’t help wondering if I was headed the right way for my own personal one.
The velvet jewelry box was burning a hole in my pocket. I’d been carrying it around for a few days now, and I was waiting for the perfect moment to propose. Was it too soon? Maybe in some people’s eyes it would look a little rushed, but to my family and to Claire I was pretty sure it would feel just right. I’d never had the slightest intention of proposing to Michelle, and never until I’d met Claire had I believed in soul mates and things happening for a reason, in spite of what my brother had taught me after his death.
Never had I been surer of something than I was now. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this cute, nerdy redhead who had stolen my heart from the moment she’d crashed into me. I wanted to wake up next to her every day, enjoy romantic dinners, go on holiday somewhere warm where she’d have to wear a bikini and show off her amazing body, spend weekends snuggled up on the couch watching a movie and eating popcorn, and drive with her up to County Sligo and visit Kathy and Colin, then explore the area.
I wanted beautiful babies with her same gorgeous hair and maybe my eyes. If only a few months ago someone had told me I’d be planning to get married and start a family with a girl I’d known all of eight months, I would’ve laughed in their face. But Claire made it all worth it—everything felt different when it came to her.
I wondered if Declan would be happy I’d finally grown up and was ready to settle down, or if he’d think this was too soon. Thinking of what had happened only a few minutes ago, I had a feeling my brother had somehow maneuvered the whole thing so that the bouquet would land in Claire’s hands, thus giving me a push the only way he could from where he was now. I could only hope this was his blessing to us.
I watched as Claire danced with my father and I felt a silly pang of jealousy hit me. Neanderthal as it sounded, I didn’t want anyone to touch her, hold her or be that close to her. I’d never felt like this with any of my previous girlfriends, and this was yet more evidence of how deep my feelings for Claire ran.
My father dipped her, making her laugh, then he took a bow and made a beeline for my mother. Claire turned and I smiled at her from my chair, curling my finger in a come-hither gesture. I watched as she sashayed toward me, her hips swaying sexily, and the curls that had escaped her intricate hairdo bouncing like soft springs. My heart filled with warmth and love, and if I’d had the slightest doubt before it was gone now. I loved her with every breath and every beat of my heart, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, showering her with love and attention, showing her just how special she was. I only had to pop the question now, and make sure she’d say yes.
“Aren’t you going to ask me to dance?” She smirked at me and I rolled my eyes at her teasing. We’d talked about dancing when we’d found out that Kathy and Colin had taken dance lessons for the wedding, and I’d told her I was a real klutz when I was on the dance floor.
“You asked for it. Don’t come complaining because I stepped on your toes.” I stood up, taking the hand she had stretched out toward me, and dragged her onto the dance floor, stomping my feet as if I were going to the gallows. Honestly, though, I couldn’t wait to hold her close to me while we swayed to a slow song—I didn’t really need to know how to waltz, right?
I pulled her close to my chest with one hand and placed the other hand on the small of her back, where the silk of her dress gave way to her velvety skin. She shivered as my fingers grazed her bare skin, and I smiled.
“Have I told you how sexy you look in this dress?” I whispered in her ear. She shuddered again and goosebumps covered her arms. The Neanderthal in me gave a loud roar, happy to see how I affected her.
“Um… about twenty or thirty times, I think.” I could hear the smile in her voice, and I was positive she’d given an inward eye-roll at my comment.
“As much as I love you in this dress, I have to admit I’ve been fantasizing all day about the moment I’ll peel it off you tonight.”
She giggled against my chest and pulled slightly back to look at me. Her eyes were alight with amusement. She was so beautiful I thought my heart would burst at any time.
“I’m glad I didn’t place a bet with your sisters, or I’d be broke now.” I frowned, and her smile turned cheeky. “Maggie and Kathy both thought you’d probably be thinking more about taking it off me than how I looked in it.”
I laughed. “Seems like my sisters know me well.”
She nodded, and rested her cheek back against my chest. I spent the rest of the song enjoying the feel of her warm, slim body against mine, grazing her back every now and then and feeling a jolt of pleasure every time she shivered against my touch.
Yep, definitely can’t wait for tonight.
I managed to dance through the whole song without stepping on her lovely, turquoise-polished toes, and sighed dramatically when the song was over, wiping my brow with the back of my hand in mock relief.
She laughed and I took her hand, pulling her off the dance floor toward the big windows that led into the garden. I needed to be alone with her and finally make my move—the one that would change our lives, as we knew them. Even though she’d looked flabbergasted when the bouquet had fallen into her hands, I knew she wasn’t against marriage and wanted one for herself one day. I was positive she wouldn’t spin on her heels and run away the moment I proposed. Well, at least I hoped I was right.
“Come with me. Let’s go for a stroll.”
Her eyes widened and she stopped in her tracks. “In these killer heels? Do you want to see me face-plant into the gravel? I’ve already pushed my luck too far today.”
I placed a soft kiss against her temple and pulled her close to my side, wrapping my arm around her waist.
“Don’t worry. I’ll look after you and make sure you stay upright.”
We walked out into the huge garden that was bathed in the afternoon sun. The sky was a deep shade of blue and was dotted with scattered fluffy clouds, a typical Irish spring day. The smell of wet grass and flowers in bloom hit my nostrils and I was brought back to my childhood days, when Declan and I used to run through the fields with our friends.
Now’s not the time for sad thoughts, O’Hagan. Focus on the task at hand.
We strolled along the gravel path, passing by geometrical flowerbeds, taking in the beautiful sights all around us. Claire wobbled a little every now and then; I had no idea how Maggie had convinced her to wear those heels, but I was sure after today she’d probably put them back into their box and forget about them. Then again, she could always wear them for me in her bedroom, with some sexy, lacy lingerie and…
“It’s such a perfect day for a wedding. Kathy’s been really lucky.” Claire let out a sigh of contentment, pulling me out of my dirty thoughts. She looked at me with a heart-warming smi
le that made me feel all giddy, like a teenager on his first date. I nodded, and my throat constricted with emotion. Why was I suddenly turning into a jelly-legged mess?
“I’m the lucky one, ’cause I’ve got you,” I blurted out in a dreamy tone that didn’t sound like my own voice at all.
Her smile widened and she took my hands, bringing them to her lips. “We’re both lucky to have met each other. Some people go all their lives without knowing what it feels like to be truly loved. I’ve only had to wait twenty-four years, after all, and look what a hunk I’ve caught.”
I chuckled, and the knot in my stomach slowly eased as I pulled her flush to me. She let go of my hands, and I wrapped both my arms around her waist. She rested her cheek against my shoulder and everything felt just right. I felt complete, and I knew I wouldn’t need anyone or anything else to be happy, if Claire was with me.
“I’m going to check out a house on Monday. Can you come along?”
“A house?” She pulled back just a little so she could look at me. I met her quizzical stare, and my resolve crumbled just a little. Maybe I was running too fast? “I thought you were looking for a bachelor pad?”
I shrugged and let go of my hold on her. “Well, um… I thought… since I’m moving I might as well look for something permanent and, well, with the income from my new job I can afford to go for something a little bigger, a place that could come in handy when I decide to start a family.”
“When you… start a family?” Her eyes widened, and I couldn’t help the grin that broke across my face. Okay, this was my cue to come clean.
“Yeah, you know, since you’re around and all, I was wondering…” I cleared my throat, and my voice wobbled a little.
I took a step back from her, pulled out the small, black velvet box from the inside pocket of my jacket and went down on one knee, opening it so she could see the ring I’d carefully chosen for her. “What are you doing for the rest of your life, Claire?”
Her jaw dropped and she brought a hand to her mouth, while a veil of tears filled her eyes, making them sparkle against the sunlight. I truly hoped they were happy tears, otherwise I’d punch myself for ruining things because I’d been too eager to let her know she was the one.
“Are you… is this… um…” She swallowed and blinked a couple of times, causing a tear to spill over.
“Yeah, I guess I’m asking you to marry me, beautiful girl.” My eyes locked with hers and I found my answer there. With the sunlight shining on her face they’d turned a warm shade of caramel, and even though they glistened with emotion, the smile on her face that made them crinkle at the corners assured me those in her eyes were definitely happy tears. “I know maybe it seems a little too soon but we know just too well how unexpectedly life can change, and if I have to be completely honest, I don’t need to wait another year or two to know you’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I’ve known from the moment I kissed you for the first time that I’d never love anyone else the way I love you. We’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime love, and I don’t want to waste another moment. Besides,” I continued, giving her a wink and one of my cheeky grins I knew she loved, “you caught the bouquet, so we need to get married before the year is through. It’s bad luck to break this tradition.”
Claire let out a sob followed by a chuckle and by another sob. I guessed she was still trying to decide whether she wanted to laugh or cry.
“Er… I don’t really want to push you, but my knee is getting sore so… could you put me out of my misery and just say yes or no?”
She laughed and nodded vigorously, making the loose curls bounce. “Yes, of course I’ll say yes, David. How could I possibly say no to the offer of spending my life with you?”
I pulled the white gold and diamond-studded Claddagh ring out of the box and slid it on her long, slim finger. It was a perfect fit, and I let out a sigh of relief. I kissed her hand, then stood up, put the box back in my pocket, and stared into her eyes.
“It’s so beautiful. I love it. And I love you,” she whispered, her eyes never leaving mine. I could swear I felt her love radiate from her stare and reach down to my soul. It was a weird feeling, something I’d never experienced before—something I knew I’d never experience with anyone else.
“I saw the way you always looked at Kathy’s ring, and I thought you’d like to have a Claddagh of your own. You know, being a traditional Irish girl and all.”
She nodded, looking at it then back at me. “It’s perfect.”
I dipped my head just a little—with her high heels she was almost as tall as me today—and captured her mouth in a breathtaking, hungry kiss that I hoped conveyed the strength and depth of my feelings for her. She wrapped her arms around my waist, and all her curves fit perfectly against my body. She kept complaining she was too thin and her breasts were too small, but I thought she was perfect, and my body totally shared the feeling.
I pulled back when I heard someone clear her throat, and when we opened our eyes we saw Kathy and Colin standing beside us. The huge grin on their faces told us they’d probably been out here for a while and had witnessed my proposal. I blushed.
Oookay, now I can definitely hand in my man card.
Colin would never let me live this down since I kept teasing him about being mushy and basically a sissy when he was around my sister.
“Anything you’d like to tell us?” Kathy stared at me with her fists on her hips and a raised eyebrow. “Or show us, perhaps?” Her gaze moved to Claire’s hand. My gorgeous girlfriend—actually, make that my gorgeous fiancée—gave her a brilliant smile and lifted her left hand, which Kathy immediately grabbed. The squeal that followed was probably heard all the way down in County Clare, and when my sister hugged Claire I was afraid she’d break all her bones.
Colin reached out for me and pulled me into a hug. Ungrateful as it seemed, at that moment I wished it were actually my brother hugging and congratulating me. I quickly shoved the thought away, knowing I didn’t need any gloomy feelings hovering over me right now. Colin was officially my brother-in-law now, and that was just as important.
“Dude, you’re doomed.” He grinned at me, and immediately earned a punch on his arm from Kathy.
“Excuse me? Your wife is standing right here and has perfectly functioning ears, you know?”
Colin wrapped an arm around my pixie sister’s waist and pulled her flush to him, lifting her off the ground in the process. She giggled when he kissed the tip of her nose. What once I would’ve found sickeningly mushy, now I found extremely romantic. I was really turning into a sissy—but I was willing to pay the price, if that was what loving Claire did to me.
“How long have you been planning this? Why didn’t I know anything about it?” Kathy stood in front of me once she managed to free herself from Colin’s grip, and tried to look menacing with a badass glower on her face.
“I bought the ring a couple of weeks ago, but was waiting for the perfect moment.” I shrugged. “I didn’t mean to steal the limelight, but since Claire caught the bouquet I thought maybe it was a sign.”
“I’m pretty sure Declan had something to do with that,” Kathy said, with a smile, voicing my earlier thoughts. “He knew you’d never man up enough to do it, so he gave you a little push.”
We laughed, and I couldn’t contradict her because I knew she was right.
“Oooh, this is sooo exciting! I can’t wait to help you plan your wedding.” Kathy clapped her hands, and jumped up and down like a little girl. “We’ll start as soon as we get back from our honeymoon. It’s never too early to plan a wedding, and we could—”
“Babe, slow down. Breathe,” Colin cut her off, and my sister glared at him. He gave her his dimpled smile and Kathy’s stance melted like ice cream in the sun. I wish I had those dimples, too.
“I’d love for you to help me, Kathy,” Claire said, a little timidly. “But I guess you’ll have to be ready to wrestle Ciara.”
Kathy laughed. “Not a problem. We’ll ma
ke a great team.” She took Colin’s hand and pulled him in the direction of the building. “We must go tell everyone now. Mum will be delighted to have another wedding in the family. Come on!”
I reached out for Kathy’s arm and stopped her mid-spin. “This is your wedding. I don’t want to steal the spotlight from you. We’ll tell Mum and Dad tonight when we go home and all the relatives have left.” I winked at her before adding, “I’m not sure I really want to invite all of them, so let’s keep them in the dark for a while until we make a guest list.”
Claire opened her mouth to say something, but froze with her gaze fixed beyond me. I frowned and before I could say anything, her lips curled up into a beautiful smile. “Guys, look at the sky.”
We all turned to look in the direction she pointed, and saw a beautiful rainbow painted across the turquoise sky.
“Deco,” Kathy and I said in unison.
Colin wrapped his arms around Kathy, pulling her against him with her back to his chest, and rested his head on her shoulder, smiling at the view. I looked at Claire through blurred vision, and her bright, loving smile melted the ice shards that pierced my heart every time I thought of my brother. She reached out for my hand and I pulled her into a bear hug.
“He’s giving us his blessing,” I whispered in her ear, and I felt her nod against my chest. We stared at the rainbow for another minute, and when a warm breeze engulfed us all I had the confirmation the rainbow wasn’t a mere coincidence. Declan was here, celebrating my sister’s wedding and my engagement, sharing our happiness just as he would have if he’d still been alive.
We’d gone through hell and back during the past two years but somehow we were still here, still standing, and both my sister and I had managed to get out of the black hole we’d sought refuge in after Declan had died. With his help, we’d found a way to fall in love and be happy again, even though we still missed him like crazy. I couldn’t help wondering if Declan had something up his sleeve for Maggie, too; if the fact that her stupid boyfriend, Killian or whatever his name was, cheating on her had something to do with fate having other plans for my little sister. I couldn’t wait to find out; I wanted Maggie to be just as happy and loved as Kathy and I were.
Finding Our Hearts Page 25