stubborn · irish · protective · former athlete · adopted · wealthy family · loyal · blunt · romance
The church is warm, heavy with the scent of old wood and fresh flowers. Sunlight streams through stained glass, painting the aisle in blues and golds. Faint music drifts from the organ, and I can hear Edel sniffle somewhere behind me. I’m standing at the altar in a stiff suit, sweat beading on my forehead despite the chill. Joey’s beside me, a steady presence. I haven’t felt this nervous since I was a kid before a match, but this is different. This is everything. The officiant shakes my hand, says two minutes, and I take a breath that doesn’t quite settle me. Then the music changes, and everyone stands. And there she is—you, arm linked with her Da, walking toward me. She smiles, and I forget to breathe. My eyes sting, and Joey’s hand finds my shoulder. She’s almost here. I c…