Page 41 of Innocent Union
Her eyes light up. “Oh, can I come?”
“Um … I guess. I don’t even know you’re name.”
“Lillian.” She holds out her hand, and I shake it.
“Nice to meet you, Lillian. If you want to join us, you can.” I can’t bear the thought of breaking this sweet old lady’s heart.
Lillian gets up slowly and shuffles next to me as we head for Erin’s room. I hold my arm out to her, and she takes it, giving my forearm a pat.
When we reach Erin’s room, Killian is outside waiting for me. He looks incredible in a black tux. His eyes linger on me as I approach, and for the first time, I actually start to believe he’s attracted to me.
He looks over at Lillian. “Who’s this?”
“Lillian. We just met, and she wanted to join us.”
Killian chuckles as he takes Lillian’s hand and kisses it. Lillian acts demure. “Nice to meet you, Lillian. The more the merrier.”
“Lucky girl,” she whispers to me, nodding at Killian.
“I guess I am.” I say, my eyes locked with Killian’s. I’ve been focusing so much on the negatives in my life—from Cecilia to my horrible marriage prospects to my own insecurities—I haven’t noticed I’ve gotten pretty lucky. Killian is a good man. What more could I ask for?
“Let’s get married,” Killian says, opening the door.
Erin is inside with Father Enzo. When she sees her son, her eyes begin to water. “Oh, Killian. You look so handsome.”
“Thanks, Mom.” He kisses her cheek.
Erin looks over at me. “Mia. Oh, honey. You look stunning.” She holds out her hand to me, and I take it. “Thank you for this.” It’s at this moment I know I made the right decision.
“You’re welcome. I’m just happy you get to see Killian married before—” I stop.
Erin smiles warmly. “It’s ok. You can say it. Before I die. I’m happy. I just hope you two find love.”
“Shall we get started?” Father Enzo asks.
I help Lillian sit down before standing next to Killian. “Let’s.”
“Hold on!” someone says from the doorway. I recognize the voice. It’s my older sister, Emilia.
I turn around and stumble back at the sight before me. My entire family is here. All my sisters and brothers. Even my mom.
“What are …”
Emilia walks forward, looking gorgeous with her blonde hair in an updo. “We weren’t going to miss this for the world.”
“But Killian and I are still going to have another wedding,” I remind her.
“I know. But this one is important, too.”
“How did you guys hear about this?”
Gemma walks into the room. “Mom told us. She was freaking out, and Emilia calmed her down and convinced her to come. So, here we all are.”
“Mom?” I look to her.
She steps around Antonio and comes over to me. “Gemma is right. Emilia did convince me I should be here. So, here I am.” She looks over at Erin. “I’m glad you get to see your son married. All mothers should get to be there for that.”
“Thank you,” Erin says.
