Page 200 of Destined Lovers

Though there is one thing, making my insides knot into a massive ball of nerves, the only thing I have any reservations about today.

That I should have given her more than a registry office wedding, I know she’s ecstatic about this, and she doesn’t care about the glitz and glam of a big wedding.

I can’t help worrying that perhaps I should have invited our friends or waited even a few weeks to do a small ceremony outside, having a loved one officiate the wedding.

I didn't second-guess it until we watched the videos with her parents, and a small part of me feels like I let them down and that their daughter deserves more than this.

Although I reaffirmed many times on the way here that we could easily postpone and do it even next week when we have more time, Nora wanted none of it.

“Hey!” Nora whisper shouts. “Stop those thoughts right now. I already told you—”

“Declan Buckley and Hanora King?” The Registrar pokes her head out to let us know it’s our turn.

My heart rate picks up…I need to make sure one more time.

“Are you able to give us just one moment, please?” I ask the registrar, and she gives me a knowing smile, probably thinking I’m getting cold feet.

Great.

When she heads back into the room, Nora’s fierce eyes are zoned in on me as she stomps over.

“Do you not want to marry me, Declan Buckley? Is that it?”

Always so dramatic.

“You know better than anyone that that’s the furthest from the truth. I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t ask you one more time if you’re still okay with this and if you’re sure you don’t want a real wedding.”

She leans in close enough for me to get a whiff of her new perfume, “First of all, Declan,” she spits furious, “This is arealwedding. Secondly, I’ve repeatedly told you that this is what I want. So if you want to marry me, man up, and get your arse in that room!” She turns on her heels, and I smirk to myself as I watch her hips move with meaning into the room.

There’s my spitfire I know and love, always there to put me in my place.

The last few minutes have been a blur. We’ve exchanged the legality part of the vows, and I couldn’t remember one word if I’m being honest.

It’s as if my brain fizzled, and the only thing left was my eyesight, glued on my Angel the whole time as those honey hazel eyes sparkled with pure love. The way her feet bounce in excitement and her shoulders shrug every few minutes like she can’t believe it either.

Nora playfully hits my arm and holds back a giggle, clear to everyone that I was off in another world.

“Please repeat after me,” The registrar asks, and I follow.

“I, Declan Patrick Buckley, give you, Hanora Riley King, this ring as a sign of our love, trust, and marriage. I promise to care for you above all others, to give you my love, friendship, and support, and to respect and cherish you throughout our life together.”

I take her hand in mine and slip on her wedding band, holding onto her, not letting her go, so I can take a second to let seep in what’s happening.

Nora rolls her lips to stop her emotions, then reaches up and brushes her fingertips along my cheek,

“I love you,”she mouths before repeating her vows.

“I, Hanora Riley King, give you, Declan Patrick Buckley, this ring as a sign of our love, trust, and marriage. I promise to care for you above all others, to give you my love, friendship, and support, and to respect and cherish you throughout our life together.”

She does the same with my band that we picked up from the jeweler earlier, then rubs her thumb over it while she smiles at my hand in awe.

I feel the same way, Pip.

I cup her cheeks and squeeze slightly, touching our foreheads together, “You are my forever and always, Nora Buckley. I will love you for infinite lifetimes.”

She squeezes her eyes tight as I let my tears flow, never once wanting to take my eyes off her today.

Or ever.

---