Page 126 of River
Chapter 33
The Last Chapter
River
On our wedding day, the sun was shining from a clear sky as we took our vows in front of all our friends and family.
Ashford Castle made for a gorgeous backdrop and offered the romantic setting I’d wanted. When I had first contacted the venue their first available date had been in October, but before Noah and I managed to book another place for our wedding, the staff at Ashford Castle had called back telling us they’d received a cancellation leaving an opening on the second weekend of May. Noah and I had made a quick decision and moved our wedding up three months and rented the entire place, which served as a five-star hotel idyllically located by water and lush forest.
My dress was perfect, designed by one of my best friends from London who’d also dressed Noah to look like someone out of my very own fairytale when he said his vows in the local church:
“For me, it was love at first sight. I literally stopped in my tracks when I saw you in that bazaar in Bali. You are by far the most beautiful woman I’ve seen and if someone had told me that day that fifteen months later, I’d be standing here with you in front of a priest, I wouldn’t have believed them. You’ve always felt out of my league to me, River, but I’m not going to question your motives for saying yes to marrying me. Instead I’ll make it my life’s mission to wake up each morning and make sure you never regret it.”
I teared up from the sincerity in Noah’s eyes. “Now, you’re making me cry.” I sniffled and tried to gather my thoughts.
“Noah, you were everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. With your humor, strength, and curiosity you managed to make me feel safe enough to open up to you. Before I met you, I always felt like something was missing and now I know it wasn’t something, but someone. I’ve been blessed twice in my life. First when I was saved and adopted into a beautiful family with loving parents, and siblings. And today, I’m blessed for a second time because I get to marry you, my best friend.” My voice was breaking a little as emotions overtook me. I had more that I wanted to say but I cut it short because I was losing control. “I love you more than I can ever say in words.”
I hardly remember the rest of the ceremony because I was so overwhelmed with the loving atmosphere and romance.
After the ceremony we had pictures taken in front of the gorgeous castle and then we were finally ready to celebrate with our family and friends.
“So typical of ye to trump everyone in the family. This wedding outshines all other weddings,” Damian said as he came walking with his sister Kit on one side and Lumi on the other. “Ye had to go and rent a massive castle.” Damian had always had the most carefree laughter; I smiled from ear to ear.
“Your first marriage was in an old castle.”
“Aye, but it was a tenth of this in size and in the city. Ye chose one that comes with its own manicured park.”
“So, you approve?”
“Aye, it’s bloody magnificent and so over the top that even Serena must be envious,” he teased.
“Serena and Nathan had a magical wedding,” Lumi chimed in. “I’m sure she isn’t jealous.”
“We all had lovely weddings,” Kit said and gave me a kiss on my right cheek before looking back toward the large wedding party spread out on a lawn that looked so green and perfect that it could have been a golf course. “Now, what do we do with Maximum?”
“For my sake he can wait ten years to get married. I’ve had an overload of parties and people,” Lumi said and gave me a quick smile. “No offense.”
“None taken.” I knew my sister well enough to know social gatherings weren’t her favorite thing.
Damian placed his arm around her. “Awk, ye’re as romantic as River, admit it. Ye love places like this and tonight when we’re dancing, ye’ll have a whale of a time.”
“I’m just pleased that Maximum is here to celebrate.” Lumi looked in our brother’s direction.
“Aye.” Damian turned his head as well. “Has he decided where he’s traveling to next? Now that the rugby season is over, he’ll be off to Asia again, I reckon.”
I looked over to Noah, who was surrounded by friends from back home. As if he felt me reach out to him through an invisible connection between us, Noah sent me a loving gaze that made the sun shine a little brighter.
“Talkin’ about the sun.” Kit lit up when Maximum came over to join us. “We were just talkin’ about ye and yer travelin’ plans.”
“I’m going to South Africa.”
“Are you?” I said with surprise. “But I thought Fleur said no.”
“Who’s Fleur?” Lumi asked.
“Noah’s mentor. She’s a bit of a loner, like you, Lumi,” I answered.
Lumi narrowed her eyes, “Wait a minute… is she the woman who says she can talk to animals?”
