Chapter 17

“Evelyn? Alice? Are you home?” I ask again.

“Sorry to disappoint you, my love. It’s just me here.” A voice, I thought I might never hear again, replies cheekily, and I quickly spin around.

It was my Cillian.

“Cillian? ─ Are you real?” my voice trembles. “As real as you are.” he mutters and we both rush into each other’s arms. “I’m home, Kaitlin.” his voice, deep and soothing, whispers into my ear.

“I can’t believe it.” I say, my voice tinged with wonder. He smiles, a smile that reached his eyes, banishing the shadows that had lingered there for so long. “I promised you I’d come back, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did.” I laugh through my tears. As he pulls away, his hand caresses my cheek and our eyes meet. “I’m never leaving you like that again.” he shakes his head. “For nothing in this world, got that?”

“I love you.” I sob. “And I love you.” he replies and pulls me in again tighter.

–

“I’m nervous.”

“Don’t be, it’s all going to be okay.” Evelyn tries to assure me. “What if I trip and fall? Everyone is going to laugh at me.” I panic.

“They wouldn’t dare, Cillian would kill them.” Alice jokes. “It’ll all go well, don’t worry. Just focus on Cill at the end of the aisle.” “Cillian. God, what if he doesn’t want to marry me? He’s been so busy-” “That man is crazy about you,” Evelyn cuts me off. “He loves you, trust us, Kate, everything is going to be perfect.”

“What if he doesn’t show up? What if I walk down the aisle, and he’s not there?” I panic again.

“I doubt that,” George says entering the room. “He’s been sleeping at the pew just to make sure he doesn’t miss your entrance. So calm down, Katie.” “Are you ready?” he asks. “Yes.” I nod, taking a last look at myself in the mirror.

“Well, then let’s get you married, eh?” Alice smiles, giving me a comforting hug, before rushing inside. “Do I look okay?” I ask, turning to my father, who looks like he was holding back a flood of tears, “You look like an angel.” “Thank you.” I say, embracing him and then lock our arms, as we begin the nerve-racking walk into the church. But as soon as Cillian’s gaze meets mine, every fear is long forgotten.

–

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” the pastor says and turns to Cillian. “You may kiss the bride.”

“Gladly.” Cillian smiles. He wastes no time and puts his lips on mine. As we pull away, he puts his lips to my ear and whispers:

“I love you Kaitlin, till death do us part.”