Page 106 of Love, Lies, and Celtic Knots

“Yes,” she says, her voice strong and sure. “Yes, Ryan. I’ll marry you.”

The crowd erupts into cheers as I slide the ring onto her finger, standing to pull her into my arms. Fireworks burst overhead, painting the sky with brilliant colors, but all I see is her—my future, my everything.

As the celebration swirls around us, I hold her close, my heart full in a way I never thought possible.

We’ve weathered the storms—most of which we have created ourselves, but that’s okay, we both like storms. We’ve faced the past and come out stronger on the other side. And now, as the music swells and the stars shine above, I realize it wasn’t so longago that I didn’t believe in happily ever afters, especially for me. I now know, without a doubt, that this is only the beginning of ours.

Epilogue

C.A. Miconi

Joselyn

It’s Miles and Emma’s wedding day. I wake before dawn in order to make sure everything’s ready for a sunrise beach wedding. I don’t want anyone in the wedding party, including Brennen, to lift a finger this morning, so my father and Tony are helping me with the setup on the beach. With the assistance of some portable lights and the distant beams emanating from Jumpin’ Jacks, we just finished placing folding chairs in the sand for the guests, and now we’re working on the wedding arch. Papa is anchoring the arch in the sand, while I decorate it with the thin colorful ropes that Brennen prepared in advance, fashioned with various trinity and love knots. After wrapping the ropes around the frame, I strategically place segments of grape vines and flowers matching those in the bridal bouquet along the trellis.

I stand back to admire the decor and snap a few pictures on my phone as a limo pulls up with Emma and Isabella, who spent the night at Emma’s place, in order to help her with her dress, hair, and makeup. Ruby Collins, Emma’s client and the clerk of the court who will officiate the wedding, is also with them.

Ryan and Brennen are responsible for getting Miles here. Hopefully in one piece after taking him out for his last night as a bachelor.

The ceremony is set to begin at exactly 7:13 a.m., just as the sun is set to peek above the horizon. A photographer is standing by, ready to take pictures of the ceremony with the rising sun serving as the backdrop.

The sound of the waves lapping up to the shore and seagulls flying overhead provide nature’s music for the ceremony, as the men arrive just in time. All three are striking and handsome in their tan summer suits made of linen with a single burgundy rose boutonnière.

Miles takes his place under the arch with the officiant. Emma is a vision of Irish beauty in the dress we selected at the bridal shop. Instead of a veil, she’s wearing a crown of flowers I made for her. The headpiece is adorned with wildflowers symbolizing love and devotion and herbs that represent the bride’s fidelity to her new husband. She’s carrying a bouquet consisting of stalks of Bells of Ireland, a flower that symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and harmony. I cut the stems myself from the large planters that stand on either side of the main doors of the winery. I also included a few of the Chianti Sunflowers from Mrs. Murphy’s garden, with greens of shamrocks, and mixed wildflowers in dark purple, burgundy, white, and cream, sprinkled in. Hidden in the bouquet are some special charms: a silver horseshoe for luck, a trinity knot, and a locket with a picture of Emma’s mother inside. Emma takes her place between her two brothers, and together they escort her to her groom. I proceed behind them, thrilled to be serving as Emma’s maid of honor.

When we reach the arch, the brothers hand their sister off to Miles, and Ryan takes his place beside Miles. I retrieve Emma’sbouquet and stand on the other side of her. Brennen moves away until later in the ceremony.

Ruby begins the ritual, guiding the couple through the recitation of their vows as the sun starts to rise, first as a pale pink hue, then building in presence until it reaches a full crescendo of color. Following the exchange of rings, Brennen steps back in front of the couple to perform the Irish tradition of handfasting, or tying the knot. It was his suggestion to incorporate the special custom into the wedding ceremony. Maybe it will spark a desire to incorporate shibari into their marriage.

He addresses them both. “Miles, Emma, please face each other and cross your wrists, right hand to right hand, left hand to left.”

He then binds them together, taking a beautiful, braided satin ribbon cord adorned with love knot charms and winding it around their wrists, over the top of one and under and around the other, creating the infinity symbol. As he binds them together, he recites theBlessing of the Hands:

“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving the you same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”

The officiant steps back in to pronounce the couple husband and wife. Emma and Miles, still bound together, share a passionate kiss. The attendees of the intimate ceremony cheer in celebration as tears of joy flow down my face. Out of all the weddings I’ve attended or planned, this one is the most beautiful, by far.

After the wedding party poses for pictures, Brennen squeezes my hand gently and smiles.

“That was pretty special, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was.”

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