Page 202 of Bride By Initiation

Zara pins her blues on me, and every feeling I have for her spins inside me like a tornado. I have to blink a few times, feeling overwhelmed that she's mine, now and for eternity.

They stop in front of me, and Luca lifts her veil. He hugs her and kisses her cheek, whispers something in her ear, then releases her. He steps closer to me and orders, "Keep doing what you're doing, son. My beautifulfigliais happy and loves you."

"I will," I promise.

He adds, "Remember, I'm the first to hold my grandson."

I chuckle. "You'll have to fight for that honor, Luca."

He chuckles and pats me on the back, then steps away.

Fiona takes Zara's bouquet, and I reach for her hand. I lean into her ear and murmur, "You look beautiful, my little brat."

Her lips twitch, and heat flares in her eyes.

The space in my pants evaporates. I take a deep breath and step back, holding her hands and caressing them with my thumbs.

The priest clears his throat.

We turn toward him.

He starts, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness and celebrate the union between this man and this woman in the presence of God."

I glance at Zara, and she bites on her lip.

Our parents insisted we get married in the Catholic church. Zara and I aren't super religious, but we agreed to a Catholic ceremony as longas it wasn't inside the actual church building. Zara said she didn't feel comfortable since she was already pregnant, and I was happy to have it elsewhere.

Earlier this morning, like every O'Malley before me, my uncles made me go to confession. I grumbled about not knowing what to say.

Killian handed me a copy of the Ten Commandments and told me to use it as a guide. He added that the priest can't reveal anything I tell him, and to wear something lightweight, like my T-shirt and shorts.

Declan claimed that was inappropriate and told me to put on pants and a button-down shirt.

Killian said, "Fuck off. No need to make the lad sweat to death in that box."

They went on and on, and I finally put on the dress clothes. When I stepped out of the confessional, Killian had a glass of water and a towel for me, but I didn't need to use it. He couldn't understand why I wasn't sweating.

After I said my piece in the confessional, I went to Liam's with all the guys, had a few shots, and hung out most of the day. I kept wondering what Zara was doing. I would have called her, but Fiona took her phone and said I had to stay away. She insisted that one man in our family would keep to tradition and not be in contact with the bride before the wedding.

Since we let everyone down the first time, I took one for the team and dealt with it.

But I've missed my wife all day. And now, the ache in me is growing, and I'm going to need to find a dark corner for us somewhere when our vows are over.

The priest says, "The couple decided to write their own vows. Sean, are you ready to share yours with Zara?"

Brax hands me the rings.

My heart races faster. I look at Zara, swallowing down the emotions pummeling me. I take a deep breath and vow, "I, Sean O'Malley Jr., take you, Zara Luciana Marino O'Malley, to be my wife for eternity. I'll obey, provide, and protect you always. My devotion is only for you, and I'll never get bored."

Zara's eyes widen in surprise and happiness, and she grins.

We had many heated debates about me saying I'd obey her. They usually ended up with me spanking her until she came, and I always told her there's no way I'm adding that phrase to my vows.

Seeing the happiness on her face proves it was worth it to swallow my pride. I slide her wedding ring and band on her finger.

The priest asks, "Zara, are you ready?"

Brax hands her my ring.

---