Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
When we arrived, Nuala paid for the fare, and I insisted on paying for the next one we took to the reception venue. Dozens of well-dressed people had already gathered outside the church.
“So many great fascinators,” Nuala said enviously as she eyed the gathering. “Now I wish I’d worn one.”
“You look amazing,” I told her, admiring her pink chiffon dress. I’d gone for a forest green fit and flare design with a sweetheart neckline. My hair was in loose curls that Nuala styled for me about an hour ago. I also wore a small pair of gold hoop earrings that I kept self-consciously fiddling with. It had been years since I’d worn earrings, but like all the other progress I’d made, I was slowly adding them back into my jewellery collection. My dress, which hit just above the knees, was also a new purchase. It had been a long time since I’d confidently shown off my legs, my scarred knee fully exposed.
I refused to let my trauma steer my decisions any longer, and every time I fought past my fears and took a step forward, I always felt better for it.
My eyes scanned the attendees as we approached, and I spotted Shay’s brother, Ross, his wife, Dawn and their kids, as well as Maggie’s brother, Jonathan, who looked very dashing in a tailored suit. Then my gaze landed on Rhys standing next to a slightly anxious looking Shay, and my breath caught. Both looked stunningly handsome in their three-piece, dark blue suits, white shirts, and black ties.
Almost like he sensed me, Rhys’ eyes caught mine and held. I shot him a somewhat timid smile as Nuala and I approached.
“Wow, look at you all gussied up,” Nuala declared as she pulled Rhys into a hug, and he kissed her cheek. “And Shay, the man of the hour. Oof, Maggie’s one lucky lady.”
Shay grinned at Nuala, signing a Thank you as Rhys stepped to my side. “It’s good to see you,” he said, a gruff rumble in his voice that told me he really meant it. Had he missed our daily encounters since being away as much as I had?
“It’s good to see you, too. I’ve missed you a lot,” I blurted, a little overwhelmed by him. He just looked so handsome, his hair freshly barbered, his eyes somehow brighter against the darker blue of his suit. It was a lot for me to take in, especially since I’d spent the last few weeks grappling with the fact I loved him and wanted to make a future with him.
If he’d have me, that was.
His gaze travelled over me, lingering on the nude heels I’d treated myself to recently. They were the most expensive shoes I’d ever purchased, and the heated look that passed over Rhys’ face told me the price was worth it. With effort, he dragged his eyes back up to mine.
“You look stunning. And I’ve missed you, too. More than you know.”
Air caught in my lungs at his quietly spoken statement, my pulse fluttering as I swiftly changed the subject. “How’s the groom doing? He looks a little nervous.”
Rhys cast his cousin a brief smile. “Shay’s an introvert. Being the centre of attention for an entire day is tough for him. But he’s excited to get married. Knowing Maggie will be his wife at the end of all this is what’s keeping him going.”
“That’s so sweet.”
Rhys’ uncle, Eugene, motioned him over, and he nodded, holding up one finger. “Just a sec.”
He turned back to me. “I think they’re going to start letting us inside.”
“Right, yeah, of course.” He made a move to leave, and I touched his hand. Rhys raised a curious eyebrow. I swallowed down my nerves and murmured, “Um, if you can spare some time later, I was wondering if we could talk?”
“Talk?”
“There’s something I wanted to discuss with you.” My eyes flickered to the others present. “Preferably in private.”
He studied me, heavy curiosity in his gaze before he nodded. “Sure. I’ll come find you later.”
With that, he bent and pressed a stomach whirling kiss to my cheek before he went to join Shay and Eugene. Nuala came to my side then, linking her arm through mine. “You okay?”
I nodded before quietly revealing, “I’m going to tell Rhys I love him and that I want to be with him today.”
Nuala let out a little squeal. “Oh em gee. I knew it! This is so exciting. Can I be there? I want to see his face when you tell him.”
“I’m too nervous for an audience,” I said, huffing in a deep breath. “But I appreciate your enthusiasm. Besides, I have no idea how he’s going to react. He could tell me to take a hike.”
“Never. That man has been smitten with you since he was a mere lad. He’ll be over the moon when you tell him.”