‘I recommend it totally,’ she giggled. ‘It feels wonderful!’
‘Fergus and I might try it once this little pumpkin is born.’
‘I can’t believe you’re going to be a mum in a few months!’
‘Scary thought!’
‘No, you’ll be a brilliant mum. Really cool, doing art and finger-painting and making puppets and sand stuff.’
‘I know it’s going to be mega fun, and Fergus wants us to do this big bed thing where we all sleep together.’
‘Maybe you should talk to Liz about that!’ she teased.
The party moved inside to the orangery, the room lit up by candles, with vases filled with roses and garden flowers everywhere. Everyone stood and cheered as she and Luke entered to walk to their places at the top table.
The meal went perfectly. Gina had outdone herself with a fabulous menu that everyone was raving about. Then it was time for the speeches. Kim’s dad said how he wished her mum had been here today to see their beautiful daughter marry and told everyone how proud he was of her, adding how glad he was that she had found the man to love her and care for her the way she deserved. Luke’s dad, Tom, recalled a few tales about Luke’s antics and warmly welcomed Kim to their enlarging family. Luke, clear and strong, stood up beside her, telling the world how much he had loved her from practically the first day they met.
‘I fell headlong, hook, line and sinker for Kim the minute I saw those amazing blue eyes!’ he admitted. ‘I knew then that I couldn’t let this girl ever get away.’
Slightly nervous, Kim stood up, Luke holding her hand, as she said a few words about how happy she was and that she had felt when she met Luke that the missing piece of her heart had been found. She thanked her family and his. ‘And I specially want to thank Molly for not only being the best aunt ever, but for being like a second mum to me over the past few years. She has always made me feel welcome here and there is no other place in the world I would want to get married except in Mossbawn.’
Everyone clapped madly and then it was Luke’s brother Justin’s turn to give his best-man speech. He had everyone rolling around laughing as he told them about the misdeeds of his younger brother and the night he had borrowed his boat to propose.
As the sun went down and darkness fell, the party got into full swing, everyone up dancing as the lamps were lit and fairy lights twinkled everywhere. Luke held Kim in his arms as they danced together.
The sun was coming up as the wedding party finally ended, Kim and Luke, arm in arm, saying goodnight to all their friends.
‘I love you,’ said Luke.
‘And I love you,’ replied Kim.
She was bursting with happiness, more fulfilled and contented and happier than she could ever have imagined. She wasn’t even tired, for today had been the most perfect day ever – and today was only the beginning …
About the Author
Marita Conlon-McKenna is one of Ireland’s favourite authors and a regular number-one bestseller. She is the winner of the prestigious International Reading Association Award and her books are enjoyed by readers around the world. She lives in Blackrock, Dublin, with her husband and family.
Also by Marita Conlon-McKenna
THE MAGDALEN
PROMISED LAND
MIRACLE WOMAN
THE STONE HOUSE
THE HAT SHOP ON THE CORNER
THE MATCHMAKER
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
A TASTE FOR LOVE
THREE WOMEN
For more information on Marita Conlon-McKenna and her books, see her website at www.maritaconlonmckenna.com
TRANSWORLD IRELAND
An imprint of The Random House Group Limited
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www.transworldbooks.co.uk
First published in 2013 by Transworld Ireland,
a division of Transworld Publishers
Copyright © Marita Conlon-McKenna 2013
Marita Conlon-McKenna has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
This book is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Version 1.0 Epub ISBN 9781446487181
ISBN 9781848271234
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