Brendan’s elderly mother and father were coming, along with his old rugby team and their spouses. None of Barb’s family could make it, but she’d assured me that in the spring, all of her family would come, including Violet, and together they’d launch the castle with the glitziest wedding Ireland had ever seen.
A flash of hugging Barb jolted my memory. Recollections of spewing my guts about Shane, and the reasons I’d lied sprang to mind. I may even have hinted about Keegan’s skilled fingers and tongue.
Shit on a stick.
Had I really declared my feelings for him in front of people I didn’t know? Maybe everyone had been as drunk as I had been and wouldn’t remember my confessions. Another image flashed through my mind. A vision of me murdering I Will Always Love You, the Dolly Parton version, complete with a Southern twang.
Oh. Jesus. No.
Once in the kitchen, with a calming cup of chamomile and lavender tea in one hand, I gathered stuff for a cooked breakfast, and while lighting the stove, I spotted my phone sitting on the fireplace.
Sucking down a breath, I grabbed it and checked Facebook for humiliating pictures. Closing one eye, I pulled up my profile page. Thankfully, there was just one selfie of Barb and me with our heads pressed together, smiling. Same thing on Instagram. Next, I made sure there were no drunken texts to anyone, especially to Keegan. There weren’t. Maybe the night wasn’t riddled with as many embarrassing moments as my mind made me believe.
After eating my fill and settling my hangover, I went to check on the final wedding preparations. The snow had begun to melt, but there was still more than enough to give the grounds a mystical Christmassy feel.
Towering pine trees decorated in gold, silver, and red filled every space in the castle, creating a magical atmosphere. I envisioned the weddings and galas that would take place in the future and the love and laughter that would seep into the stones.
Giddy excitement replaced the nervousness that had consumed me for most of the week. I hugged my arms around my waist, loving that I, in my own messed up and muddled way, had made it happen. Because of my not so little white lie, two people had found each other, and a castle once neglected and left to ruin would soon return to life.
Perhaps in time, I’d find someone who could make my body quiver from one look, whose laughter could make my body flood with heat with one touch, whose lips could make me melt with one kiss.
Enough wallowing. It’s done. It’s over. It’s history. Time to wake up the bride and make this wedding day happen.
The wedding was due to begin in an hour. I’d been running around like a headless chicken all morning, so now I had to rush to get ready.
I rolled on my nude lace-topped stockings and shimmied on my berry red dress. The borrowed, shoulderless gown fitted perfectly, accentuating the swell of my boobs and flare of my hips, and when I walked, it rippled behind me like water.
I slid my feet into a pair of Manolo Blahniks and extended one of my legs, admiring the metallic red crystals covering my feet. Barb was right; they were to die for.
If Barb was queen for a day, then I was a princess. And the diamond tiara I popped on top of my loose curls did nothing to shatter that illusion. The one thing missing was my prince charming.
When I was dressed and ready, I went to the bride’s room, where a photographer snapped a gazillion pictures of the dress designer and me helping Barb into her gown.
After we zipped up the velvet bodice, Barb stepped back and gazed at herself in the mirror. I watched my new friend’s reflection, and for an instant, I saw her face glow in awe at the vision staring back, but she soon replaced it with a wry smile.
“I scrub up real nice.”
“You look beautiful. Stunning.” I struggled to keep the wobbly emotion from my voice. “When Brendan sees you, he might faint.”
“He’d better not. It’s my wedding day, and I have plans if you know what I mean.” Barb laughed loud and dirty.
“TMI.” I turned to the journalist accompanying the photographer. “Don’t even think about putting that in the write-up.”
“She can put what she wants. Here’s a quote: ‘I can’t wait to consummate my marriage.’”
The bemused journalist said goodbye and rushed out of the room, along with the dress designer and photographer.
“This is it.” Barb snatched up my hands. “The moment I’ve been waiting for.” Her eyes shimmered and filled, but her tears didn’t spill.
“I had no idea. You come across as so—”
“Cold?” Barb curved a perfect eyebrow and smiled.
“No, independent. Like you don’t need anyone.”
“I didn’t. I don’t, or I guess I didn’t think I needed anyone until I met Brendan and found my little Max.”
“I’m thrilled for you. I’m so happy all of your dreams have come true.”
Barb waved a hand in front of her face, fanning her eyes. “Don’t you go trying to make me cry. There’s plenty of time for dreams to come true for all of us. It’s a magical day, don’t you think?”
There was a firm knock at the door.
“Looks like it’s time.” Barb gave a nervous glance at the clock.
On a long breath, I took her hand and led her to the door.
“You can thank me later,” Barb said with a wink.
“Wha—” I opened the door.
“Ladies, you both look spectacular,” said an unmistakable lilting brogue.
My heart backflipped, landed awkwardly in my chest cavity, and left me dizzy.
“Keegan?” Keegan here? Now? How? Why? I needed
