Page 134 of Demanding Mob Boss

I don't tap my fingernails together, but I do begin to walk toward the man who will always hold my heart.

The sea of faces to either side of the aisle do not register. Cian is a mob boss, but he insisted that our wedding not be attended by anyone other than close friends and family.

The reception is going to be huge, but from the raised dais for our table to our special dances not being accompanied by any of the other guests, Mona arranged each element so I would not get overwhelmed.

Seven, eight, release the weight.

There is no weight as I float forward buoyed by joy.

Nine, ten, inhale the Zen.

I inhale as the heated look in Cian's blue eyes draws me forward like a magnet.

Now start again.

But I don't need to. I'm almost there.

Cian steps away from Lachlan, his best man, and toward me, reaching out with his hand.

I'm running by the time I reach him and take it.

He pulls me in and kisses me. "You look beautiful,mo chroí. My heart and my queen."

"I love you, Cian."

He kisses me again. "I love you."

The priest clears his throat, and we turn to face him. Both Lachlan and Ini are grinning. The priest looks amused, even if he isn't exactly smiling.

He's been very accommodating.

Mona was not happy about planning a big Irish wedding in three months, but Cian? He refused to compromise on the timing by even a week.

Which meant finessing with the priest and event coordinator for the Irish Catholic church in order to get the wedding on the date of choice. Shea told me finessing meant bribing in the form of financing a new outreach program the priest has been wanting to implement for the last few years.

Whatever it took, I'm standing here now in a beautiful silk wedding dress with no beading or sequins to irritate my skin. The simple halter neckline and full, floor length skirt makes me feel like a princess.

Ini said I look like one. Mrs. Hart, Mona, Shea and even Máire, who I just met this week, agreed. All of them insisted on being there while I got ready. Ini did my hair. Shea did my makeup. Mona and Mrs. Hart gave lots of advice.

They all understood that I didn't want strangers touching me. Even with Ini and Shea, I was glad both opted for a simplified, elegant approach so they fussed with me the least amount of time necessary.

It was all worth it though, to be here, ready to speak the vows aloud Cian and I have already made with our bodies. The service is long, but when it comes time to speak our promises, the only person who registers is Cian.

I look directly into his beautiful blue eyes. "You will always be my person. I will love you every day of my life and try to be the best person I can for our family. When we have children, I promise to be a loving and involved mom even if I can't do the big group things."

His gaze flares with joy when I mention children. Yes, his plan to practice with Dot worked and I’m not so afraid now. Elliott and Connor have shown me that being a good parent doesn't look the same for everyone. And Mona thinks I'll be a fantastic mom. She said so. The woman can't wait to be a grandmother.

But most importantly, I want to bring a person into this world that is a little part of Cian and a little part of me and a lot themself.

Cian kisses both of my hands before saying, "I promise to always love you, to always be your person and to be grateful every day that you are mine. I will keep you…" He swallows like he's overcome with emotion. "And our children safe. I am who and what I am, but I will be the best version of that man for you."

I hear a sob and know Mona is crying. She's so happy Cian loves me and that I love him. She told me she was scared at first of his obsessiveness, but that now she knows I was made exactly to fit with him.

She's going to be an amazing mother-in-law. Maybe raising Cian gave her special insight, but she never pushes me to be like everyone else.

The wordnormalis not allowed in her home.

She and Mrs. Hart sit in the front row together. Since Ini, Mrs. Hart and Minx are the only people I put on the guest list, the church is not separated inhisandhersides.

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