But I like it.
Then Killian releases me, turning to face me, and his hands rise to grasp the veil. He lifts it slowly, draping it back over my head, and my heart leaps right into my throat as if it’s trying to crawl into his hands, open and vulnerable. I suck in a steadying breath as cooler air brushes over my cheeks and throat then I notice Killian is looking at me.
The church is silent and I glance at the priest to see him silent.
Oh no, I don’t know what’s happening.
Think Cara! What did he say?
Then Killian starts to speak. “I Killian Scarano, take you, Cara Ryan as my wife, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” A light smile graces his lips as he squeezes my hand and tilts his head.
Shit. My turn.
I repeat the words back to him, switching our names as he mouths along with me, his hand an unwavering rock.
“What God joins together, man must not separate. May the Lord confirm the consent that you have given, and enrich you with his blessings.” The priest's words cause my heart to lurch, and I lick my lips as Killian accepts a gold ring from Dante and effortlessly slides it onto my finger. Kimmy appears at my elbow, a welcome heat as she presses a cold ring into my open palm, but I can’t tear my gaze away from Killian.
He holds me in place with those stormy eyes as I slide the ring onto his waiting finger, then he weaves our hands together and clutches me tight. His face bursts into life so vibrantly that the corners of his eyes crease and his eyessparkle. My heart soars and I can’t help but beam up at him.
“Lord, bless Killian and Cara and consecrate their married life,” the priest continues. “May these rings be a symbol of their faith in each other and a reminder to them of their love. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.”
“Amen,” Killian and I repeat in unison.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest finishes.
Killian’s burning hands return to my waist, pulling me in. He presses a palm flat to my lower back, igniting the charge that exists between us. My skin thrums with energy, goosebumps flush down my arms, and I lift my arms to gently cup his face as he leans in.
The church erupts around us the moment his lips press against mine, but it’s all background noise to me. His lips are soft and warm, his jaw smooth under my fingertips, and when I breathe in, his musky scent of sandalwood and spicy aftershave floods my senses. He dips me back slightly with the force of his kiss and his body becomes a solid line of hot iron pressed against me.
He cradles me close and I’m suspended once more like a willing puppet in his grasp, awaiting my next guiding instruction as my heart beats out so hard in my chest I’m sure he can feel it.
“Iabsolutelyfucking do,” Killian whispers against my mouth, sealing the promise with another press of his lips, and I’m consumed, completely.
19
KILLIAN
“You’re a married man now, Kill!” Dante exclaims in my ear as his heavy hand lands against my back, “I’m proud of you. Seriously, six months ago, I never would have seen us here.” Dante pats my back again, a touch that I might have recoiled from in the past. I don’t have that urge to push him away. Nothing could tear me down right now, not after seeing Cara walk down the aisle looking every bit the Goddess she is, uttering “I do”like it’s the most precious promise she’s ever spoken.
“What can I say,” I reply smoothly, “times change.” Dante laughs and flags down a passing waitress, muttering his drink request in her ear and then sending her scuttling back into the crowd that heaves around us. Sienna has done afantasticjob with the planning, whipping up a beautiful wedding and now a thriving reception in just four days.
“This is fantastic, Sienna. Thank you so much.” I lean close and press a light, thankful kiss to her cheek. Her hands skim down my suit jacket, and she shakes her head, brushing off my thanks.
“Don’t mention it,” she smiles, settling into Dante’s side, “I’m just glad we got through the day without a hitch. Keeping the lid on something this important was tough.”
“You’re a woman of outstanding talent,” Dante compliments. I avert my gaze from their moment, giving them a small moment of privacy as the party moves around us.
The lights are low and the music pulses vibrantly as Irish and Italian alike mingle and dance like there’s no tomorrow. There are no battle lines here, just integration and the igniting of new friendships no longer hindered by alliance. I scan the room, seeking out my new bride. It was written all over her delicate face that the wedding had been intense for her.
She’d looked drop-dead gorgeous. The only irk being the fact that her pale skin was completely void of the possessive marks I’d graced her with. Though for a good reason, it didn’t calm the rolling urge to reveal her to the world asproperlymine. After tonight, there will be no need to hide.
The waitress reappears with several crystal tumblers and a bottle of whiskey. She sets them down and ducks away as Dante begins pouring the drinks. I wet my lips.I can have one drink, right?It’s a special occasion and we’re celebrating. I haven’t had a drink in a few days; one wouldn’t hurt, right?
I watch the copper liquid fill a glass and my mouth grows dry.
“Hi.”
Cara’s voice steals my attention in an instant and my focus hones in on her hand as it lands on my forearm. She’s changed out of her wedding dress into a cream-colored dress with an A-line skirt, still looking incredibly elegant but infinitely more relaxed.