Page 201 of Destined Lovers

Nora

“Do you think they’ll be mad at us for not inviting them?” I ask Declan as we drive to Marylebone, where we’ve rented out a room at a chic hotel to celebrate our marriage.

Ah! Our marriage.

I still can’t get over it. I’ve been bouncing around the house since yesterday, telling anyone I could that my name is Nora Buckley.

Nora fecking Buckley bitches.

I think if I say it one more time, Jameson may actually kill me, so of course, it eggs me on more. He’s not learned my ways yet, but sadly it won’t matter soon since they won’t officially work for us anymore.

I’m not sure how I still have this much energy. You would have figured at some point that the adrenalin would wear off, especially after yesterday.

All in a day, I found out my parents knew that they could possibly be murdered. I married my best friend in the whole world, and then we celebrated with our favorite people, Agnes and Maeve, all night long.

Then, of course, my husband and I’s celebration continued into the early morning hours in the bedroom with a bit of honey and a lot of bit of love.

I couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was more than perfect.

He’s more than perfect.

How did I get so lucky? I ask myself this often.

“I think the shock will outweigh their disappointment,” Declan says

“Disappointment? Oh god…they are going to be so mad.” When you have a close-knit group of mates, you do everything together, which I’m learning along the way.

They think they’re coming here tonight to celebrate the removal of my invisible shackles, which is true. What they don’t know is that this is also a celebration of our love.

And what Declan doesn’t know is it’s also a celebration of a new life, our baby.

“Ready, Mrs. Buckely?” Declan asks, raising his eyebrows in humor. For the number of times I’ve repeated my name, Declan has done it just as much or more.

He’s loving himself sick that he got me, a girl who grew up protesting for women's rights, to change my surname to his.

Though to me, this was more about unity, and Ichoseto take his name, proud to share something together.

We step into the room, and a roar of excitement echoes off the walls, as all of our family stands in front of us, cheering for my freedom.

I interlock my fingers with Declan and lean into his arm with a smile on my face to take this all in for a second before I greet everyone.

It’s funny how your life can change drastically in such a short time.

Months ago, I was worried about making friends. Now I stand in front of the best group of people I’ve ever encountered in my life, happier than I ever imagined possible.

And they are all here in support of me.

Our regular group, including the girls, Charlie and Chloe, and Archie. All my guards, who are here as friends, and even Bennett, came to support me, even though I know he must feel uncomfortable and out of place. At least he has Agnes.

I’ve even spotted Wills’s parents, whom we often have Sunday dinners with.

In the time I’ve taken this all in, Charlie has walked up to my side, “Mommy!” She screeches, and Sadie runs to her in concern.

“What is it, sweet pea?” Charlie points her little finger at me and doesn’t say a word.

Sadie and I share a confused look.

“Auntie, Pip?” She whispers.

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