“Niall, the fact that the two of us are standing here today means our love was too big to be overcome by any of the many, many things that stood against us. I'm so in love with you and I'm so happy that we are going to have a family together. I want to stand by your side and see it through to the very end. Being with you is what is going to make this journey worthwhile.”
We had kissed countless times before, but this time was different. To the applause of our friends and family around us, we kissed for the first time as husband and wife. I heard a couple whoops from the crowd and flushed. They all knew what the two of us would be up to later, but it was still a little embarrassing. Embarrassing, but in a good way. I had just said yes to Niall for the rest of my life, and that was the best decision I had ever made.
The guests went inside before we did. Niall, Riley and I were going to pose for some pictures before joining them for the party. Over near the pond we had decided to build a gazebo where we ended up taking a number of the wedding pictures. The estate lived up to its name now. No longer was it derelict and running out of money. Now it was a place I was happy to live in. Happy to raise my family in.
By the time we were done, Niall had Riley dozing in his arms as we walked to the house to join the reception.
“Poor thing, he’s tuckered out,” I said, ruffling Riley’s hair.
“That might be a good thing,” Niall said. “I’m jealous, actually.”
“Don’t you want to join the party?” I asked.
“I just got married. I’d rather get an early start on my wedding night,” he said with a wink. I laughed. The two of us had a child together, there were no illusions about our wedding night. It would be the first time that we had sex as a married couple though. I looked at Riley asleep in his dad’s arms.
Maybe one more? We hadn’t really talked about it because let’s face it, Niall had only been a father for the last three months. I didn’t think it was time yet. I wanted to give Riley a sibling though. We handed him off to Prue to take upstairs as we joined the reception. Everyone was sitting at tables strewn around the room. My first wedding had a huge, wasteful buffet that I barely even ate from after going to each table to say hi to all the guests, most of whom I didn’t know. After a quick circuit around the room, we sat at our table with the bride and groom party to eat.
Right on cue, Charlie stood up and whistled loudly so everyone kept quiet.
“Finally, the part we’ve all been waiting for,” he announced. “The toasts! Can I start by saying I never thought this day would come? A round of applause for the happy couple please,” he said. The room erupted in applause. Niall rolled his eyes beside me, but he had a smile on his face.
“I really never thought this day would come. Niall was always a lone wolf. I was thinking about setting him up if he never ended up finding anyone. I want to thank Eddy for finding my cousin and making an honest man out of him. Seriously, I’ve never seen him like this. He’s happier and he’s a lot more bearable. Thank you for taking him off my hands. Niall, well done. She’s beautiful, she loves you and I’m finally not afraid of what’s going to happen to you,” he said. I glanced at Niall. His face was calm, but his eyes were full of emotion. He and Charlie were like brothers. I watched the moment between them, tears coming to my eyes. I was so happy Charlie and Brenna were my family too now.
Niall got up and hugged his cousin, then hugged me after his toast was done. Missy was next. She stood up next to me.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Eddy for most of my life and let me just say, you’ve got a winner here. Niall… We didn’t have the best first impression but I can say with confidence that I’m comfortable letting you become my best friend’s husband. The two of you are proof that fate exists. Maybe it took a while and god knows there were twists and turns on the way here, but you’re together now and that’s all that matters. I can’t wait to see the rest of your journey. I think we all know how cute the kids you make are,” she said. The audience laughed and we stood to hug her. This was perfect. My fairytale wedding had a ten-person long guest list and took place at my home.
After dessert, we danced. I closed my eyes, laying my head on Niall’s chest. Every part of the day just got better and better. I was in heaven. This was what I deserved from the beginning. It had been a long time coming but I had gotten there eventually. Now, I was never going back.
“Did you ever think you’d be dancing to Stevie Wonder at your own wedding?”
He chuckled. “No, never, actually. But I’m happy I am.” He leaned down and kissed me. “It could have ended up a lot worse.”
“What do you mean?”
“I didn’t want to have to marry Lisbeth to save my father’s behind.”
I laughed. “Do you think the check will be enough to hold her off?” I asked.
“Six figures is more than that whole kerfuffle deserved,” he said. “It better hold
