Page 41 of Wedding Games
7
Saturday – The wedding
Rory knocked tentatively on the door, stood straighter and ran his hands through his hair. This was really happening. It wasn’t a dream. Inside was the most important person in his life, in the castle bedroom where their passion had exploded for the first time.
Fiona opened the door and gave him a once over.
‘You’ve scrubbed up well, Rory,’ she said with a grin. ‘Go on in, we’ll leave you alone for a few minutes.’
‘You look lovely, Fi.’
She lifted onto her toes and kissed his cheek. ‘You’re a good man, Rory MacGinley. Don’t forget, the tiara’s in the safe inside for when you get back from the ceremony. Now go see your beautiful bride before everything kicks off.’
She left the room, and Rory entered, shutting the door behind him.
There, standing by the tall diamond paned window, was Zoe in her wedding dress.
She smiled at him and his heart burst its banks. This was why he wanted to see her for the first time when they were alone. Despite the legalities, pomp, and pageantry of the day, the marriage was about the two of them, and he wanted this moment to be private.
‘I love you so much, Zoe,’ he said, his voice low. ‘You’re so beautiful.’
She crossed the room and took his hands.
‘And you’re the most handsome man in the world,’ she replied, her eyes shining. ‘Do you like the dress?’
He nodded. ‘I think it’s perfect. But you could wear a feed sack and I wouldn’t notice. All I see is you.’ His eyes stung with emotion. ‘How did I get so lucky?’
She cradled his jaw and kissed him. ‘I could say the same thing.’
There was a sharp knock at the door, and Charlie poked his head in.
‘You decent?’ he asked with a grin.
‘Bit late to ask that now,’ Rory replied as his best friend entered the room followed by the bridesmaids.
‘Oh my god, don’t cry, Zoe!’ Sam wailed, ‘I’ve only just done your bloody make-up.’
Charlie threw his hands in the air. ‘And look at the state of you!’ he said to Rory. ‘No tears till after the photos. I’m going to have to lend you my concealer again.’
Outside the cathedral,the minister was waiting with Zoe’s parents, his mum, and Brad. The previous day, Arnold and Brad had been carried to the nearest road and transported to Raigmore hospital for a check-up. Thankfully they’d only sprained their ankles and sustained some minor cuts and bruises. Arnold had a pair of crutches from the hospital, but Brad had managed to source a gold pair with diamante accents.
‘That’s what I’m talking about!’ Brad shouted as Zoe took Rory’s hand and exited the car. Putting his weight on one crutch, Brad waved at the official photographer. ‘Dude! Get the moment!’ He started to hobble forward, but Barbara put her hand on his arm to hold him back.
A sudden thought came to Rory as he looked at everyone present. Could they hold the ceremony here? On the steps?
‘Don’t even think about it,’ Zoe whispered out of the corner of her mouth.
‘Think about what?’
‘Having the wedding here. I know what you're thinking.’
Fucking hell, his soon-to-be-wife was dangerous. ‘Can you hear the creak of the cogs in my head?’
She grinned. ‘Something like that. But we can’t get married here. Morag and Jim are already inside. Can you imagine the shit we’d be in if Morag missed the ceremony?’
Rory shuddered. ‘You’re right.’
‘Congratulations. You’ve already mastered the secret to a happy marriage.’
