Page 198 of Destined Lovers

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After we settled, we watched the first video altogether. I cried…we all cried. My da explained how he tried to back out of the case, except it was too late, and that he was sorry he put his family through this. I feel bad that he died with regrets. But I don’t blame him. He was doing his job. If anything, I was proud of him for trying to get justice. It was because of him that I held onto my strength.

They hoped I was still painting, which I’m thankful I am. They were always the biggest supporters of my passion.

Although sad, I’m glad I’ll have these videos of them talking to me forever.

“Hello, love.” My parents say in unison as we start the next video. “If you’re watching this video, it means today is your big day. You’re getting married!” My mam shrieks, and it feels like she’s looking right into my eyes.

“Hi, Declan” They both wave to the camera.

“What if I weren’t marrying you, that would be awkward as hell.”

“Who the feck would you be marrying?” He scoffs.

“Aoife, what if it’s not Declan,” My dad’s worried voice says through the screen. “Can we cut this part out? Hanora, if you’re not marrying Declan, which you better be, shut this off now, please.” My dad says.

I elbow Declan. “See, they thought the same thing.”

“You’re missing the part where he says ‘you better be,’”

I’m only teasing him. My parents knew we were always supposed to be together just as much as we did.

“We wish we were there to see our girl walk down the aisle,” My dad says through a soft sob, and my ma grabs his hand in comfort, putting me over the edge.

Declan holds me tight to his side as we listen to the rest.

My mam continues, “Know we will be there in spirit. We are always with you. Not just today but every day. I know in my heart that we would be so proud of the woman you have turned out to be. I want you to enjoy today. Please don’t be sad, don’t miss us, and be present with your new husband. Which better be Declan,” she whispers the last part, and we all laugh.

“They loved you,” Agnes states and rubs Declan’s leg affectionately.

“Declan,” my dad continues, and I feel Declan stiffen next to me. “You already know you have my blessing, but I wanted to officially tell you that I wouldn’t want anyone else marrying my daughter. No one, and I mean, no one else, is worthy. You are a good man, and I know you will treat our Nora, with the respect she deserves. I’m confident you will take care of her, bring her happiness, and always put her first. There is no doubt in my mind that I’ve left her in good hands. It was a privilege to know you and watch you grow into an extraordinary man. You are like a son to me, and we wish you both so much happiness in the next journey in your lives.”

I look around the room, and there isn’t a dry eye here.

“Before we go, there is one last thing, Nora.” My mom says. I reach up and press my necklace as she continues to talk, and Agnes places a box on my lap.

“Open the box, Nora.” I snap my head back to the screen and look at my mam. It felt as if she was standing right there.

Maybe she is.

I suck in a deep breath. I can’t cry anymore.

Inside the box is a smaller box and a beautiful silk wedding gown. “I’m sorry I’m not there to go dress shopping with you, and I know this dress will never make up for that. I can only hope you love it, as much as I think you will. This is your something new. The ring you wear now, the one your da gave me, is your something old.” I open the small box next, and there is a beautiful blue handkerchief embroidered with my new initials. “I made the handkerchief for you, as your something blue,” she smiles. “And Agnes has your something borrowed.”

My parents lift two champagne glasses, and tears fill their eyes again.

“To the happy couple, we love you both very much and hope you live a long, loving, and happy life together.”

My mam places her thumb over her heart, blows me a kiss, and then they are gone again.

“You okay?” Declan whispers, and I nod my head, unable to answer yet.

That video was more challenging to get through than the first.

I look over at Agnes, “How did my mam know you would want to give me something borrowed?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure. I think she knew it would be impossible not to love you.” She says in earnest and hands me another small box.

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