Page 157 of Until I Have You

“Don’t give her an opportunity to get in her head, Edwin,” Mom says, brushing my veil out over my shoulder.

“You’re making me get in my head, fussing over my dress,” I tell her, shrugging her away.“Relax, would you?”

Mom tsks.“Oh, you’re just being dramatic now.

I glance at Dad who chuckles to himself.

“I’m ready,” I say, casting a look to the ground.

If only the wedding party could hurry up, and the band would start the wedding march.

“Of course, you are,” Dad encourages.

Mom places her hand on my waist.“You’ve waited a long time for this day.”

I smile.It’s only been a year since Theo proposed, but she’s right.It’s been far too long.I’ve been ready for this day since the proposal.To make our love official.

I never dreamed of weddings until I met Theo.Now, my perfect wedding is playing out before me, in my mother’s country, at a historic chapel amidst the rolling, misty hills of Ireland.

We’ve lucked out with a sunny day too.Shocking for Irish spring.

I readjust my grip on my bouquet, a bounty of lilies that are so fragrant they’re making me lightheaded.“Thank you both for being here.”

Mom smiles.“Of course.We wouldn’t trade it for the world!”

“I know, but…” I look between my parents.“Together.It means a lot that you two can support me like this.”

Mom and Dad have had to spend much more time together now that I’m building my own family.The Lyons family came out to Ireland for Christmas this year so we could all be together.Everyone in my family chooses love again and again every day.It consistently amazes me.

“Abigail, you’re our daughter.We’re always here,” Dad explains, linking his arm in mine.“We wouldn’t have you without each other.”

A gentle breeze rustles through the leaves of the ancient oaks nearby.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.“I just want everything to be perfect.I want everyone to feel the way I feel right now.”

The wooden door opens up for us as strains of the wedding march reach us from inside.

I hold my breath as the aisle unfurls ahead of me, pews packed full of my friends and family on either side and at the end of the aisle… My future husband.

Mom slips her arm through mine.“Let’s go get him, huh?”

I giggle.“Yeah, let’s do it.”

Arm and arm with my parents, I start taking measured steps down the aisle.

I’ve always thought getting the timing right would be difficult, but what’s actually difficult is not running to Theo.

My god, he looks perfect.From his expression to his choices of clothing for the day, he looks incredible.

He’s dressed in a slim, charcoal suit that accentuates his stature, a matching lily in his lapel.The dusty blue tie brings out the blue in his eyes, which are already gleaming with tears as he looks at me.His hair is coiffed perfectly, a wave of salted brown.

He wanted to color his hair, but I like the gray.Makes him look distinguished.

Saying he looks at ease would be a lie, considering it’s our wedding day, and I know he’s buzzing with as many nerves as I am.But the past year has been excellent for Theo and his business.

He credits me with his ability to make the business thrive now that he doesn’t have to worry quite as much about Bonnie, but I know that’s all him.

He doesn’t feel he has to prove himself anymore.To me or to anyone else.He’s Theodore fucking Wallington, and he’s sexy, successful, and all mine.

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