Page 87 of Falling for Nicole
With a box each, we get back in the lift. The ride is silent once again, the sexual tension like a fog surrounding both of us.
“Nic,” he says, making me turn back. “You get to keep that dress, right?”
“Only if you get to keep the suit!”
“Bloody hell,” I hear him mutter behind me as we walk into the bridal suite. I’m glad it’s not just me who thinks it’s a little chaotic.
“My flowers!” Molly squeals when she sees the boxes full of ivory and dusky pink roses.
The box is immediately ripped from Dec’s hands and he stands there shaking his head at Molly as I lower mine to the table.
“You look dapper, angel,” Susan says, coming over to kiss her son on the cheek.
“Are you okay, Mum? You look pale.”
“I’m next in line for make up,” she says with a wink.
I stand and watch Dec leave after he’s kissed me on the cheek, not wanting to ruin my make up.
“Scrubs up well, doesn’t he?”
“I’ll say,” I whisper, but flame red when I look over to Susan.
“I’m so happy you two have found each other at last. There were times I never thought it would happen. All my babies are happy, settled and successful. There’s nothing more I could ask for. I watch as tears fill her eyes, but she soon shakes her head and goes off to help Molly with something.
Declan
Just like almost every other guy here, I’m not all that interested in weddings. I’ve never imagined myself walking down the aisle or having a wife, but as the music changes and I wait for Nicole to enter, it’s suddenly all I can think about. Making her mine, giving her my name, calling her my wife. I can picture myself in Ryan’s position as he waits for the woman he’s about to dedicate his life to.
“You ready?” Mum whispers over to me.
“Yeah, I think I am.” She smiles at me before looking over to the door. I blow out a breath as the question I was really answering settles. Am I really ready to do all this myself? Give up my free and easy lifestyle for a lifetime with one woman…with Nicole? I don’t know why I’m questioning it, because really there’s only one answer.
My heart pounds as I watch her enter the room, holding hands with little Lois. In that moment, I see my entire future. Swallowing down the unexpected emotion it drags up, I follow her every movement as she walks towards the front of the room. Lois lets go halfway down the aisle and runs towards her dad. Panic fills Nicole’s face for a second before she sees the happiness on Ryan’s face as he lifts his princess into the air.
Everyone else enters, but I can’t take my eyes off Nicole. She’s too mesmerising for me to focus on anything else. The way her hair’s pulled back from her smooth neck, the swell of her breasts, her tiny waist and the long pair of legs I know that dress is hiding keep me distracted—and hard—throughout the entire ceremony.
Overall, it’s a pretty good wedding—as far as weddings go. Being part of a big family means I’ve attended a fair few over the years, and I think this one may have been the most emotional. Everywhere I looked, there were women crying. Mum was the worst. She sobbed through the entire thing. Anyone would think she was either the bride or groom’s mother. Even hard-faced Karen showed a little emotion as her son tied the knot.
Dad played father of the bride for Molly, as he’s the closest thing she has, and he looked as honoured to walk her down the aisle as he did Emma and Lilly. He’s also spent the last few months trying to come up with a speech that will do Molly proud.
“I’ve had the pleasure of watching this young lady grow into an incredible woman and an amazing mother, so I have no doubt she’ll also be an outstanding wife. It’s no secret that both Molly and Ryan have been through their fair share of struggles over the years, but through it all, they’ve found each other, and I’ve never seen either happier than when they’re together, and now as a family with little Lois.
“I was so honoured to be able to act as father of the bride today and walk our gorgeous Molly down the aisle. I’m sure you’ll all agree how stunning she looks. Of course, Ryan doesn’t scrub up too badly, either…” Dad continues, but I zone out as I watch Molly and Ryan smile at each other. It’s kind of weird that only a few years ago we were all expecting him to be marrying Hannah, but I’m glad something positive came out of my older sister’s death, because Dad’s right when he says how happy they are together. They’re both glowing and buzzing with excitement about this new chapter of their lives.
“I’ve had the pleasure of walking all my girls down towards the men who have stupidly—sorry, willingly—taken responsibility for them, and we only have one more wedding left to look forward to.” I feel everyone in the room turn to me. I’ve never been one to care much about being the centre of attention, but at this moment I don’t think I’ve ever been more uncomfortable.
“Pft, that won’t be happening anytime soon.” I’ve no idea why the words fall from my mouth but the second I see Nicole’s face drop, I know I’ve just made a huge mistake.
Everyone around me laughs and shakes their heads before Dad continues his speech, but my focus is now solely on Nicole as she stares into space across the room. If I wanted to know where her thoughts are at for where this relationship is going, I just got everything I needed. I have to say I’m more than relived to know she’s in the same place as me, and it only brings my earlier thoughts to the front of my mind.
Everyone gives Dad a round of applause before Ryan stands. Most of what he says goes over my head; my mind is too distracted by thoughts of asking Nicole to marry me and the when the best time might be. I’m pulled from my musings when the entire room bursts out in cheers and applauds. Looking up, my eyes immediately find an image projected on the far wall. I knew there were photographs being shown, but no one expected the image they’re currently looking at. A scan picture.
“We’ve got an unexpected surprise to share with you. I’m excited to announce that we’re thirteen weeks pregnant, and are thrilled to be expanding our family.”
I watch as both Mum and Karen wipe their tears and Ryan bends down to give his bride a kiss.
The conversations continue on our table as we finish off the meal before they all retire to the bar so the room can be prepared for the evening event. We all go out for photographs.
