Chapter 42 - Niall - Bumping into You
Chapter 42
Niall
“Wouldn’t dare,” I reply, smiling at her.
Gwen sets the bouquet on the table then heads off to let the DJ know it’s time to announce the cake cutting. Holly and Greg make their way over to a beautiful two-tier wedding cake with white roses and pink ribbon spiraling around the cake like a waterfall.
Gwen hands over the knife and cake server to the couple.
“You ready?” asks Holly.
“Definitely,” replies Greg as he places his hand over Holly’s and they cut their slice of cake.
Greg nicely places a piece of the cake in Holly’s mouth, but Holly smashes her piece into Gregs face. They laugh and then Greg pulls her in for a kiss, rubbing cake all over her face. The crowd cheers and whistles at the kiss.
The rest of the reception goes by in a blur. After the DJ finishes the last song, we line up with our bubbles and send off the bride and groom. Holly and Greg race through the bubbles, everyone cheering and congratulating them. Once everyone starts to trickle out, I spot Gwen chatting with Courtney.
“Thank you, Courtney,” she says. “Everything was beautifully done.”
I lightly touch Gwen’s side to let her know I’m next to her.
“I couldn’t have pulled this wedding off without you,” Gwen continues.
“It was beautiful,” says Courtney. “You have a great vision, Gwen. It was a pleasure to work with you. I will be sure to email you the itemized invoice and receipt once the cruise is over. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”
“Thanks again, Courtney.”
Once Courtney is out of sight, I grab Gwen’s hand. “Let’s walk.”
We end up at the Imperial SkyDeck, a quiet place that will give Gwen time to unwind after pulling off a beautiful wedding. We find a big circular chair and scoot in together. I wrap my arms around her, the night air blowing softly around us, a slight chill to it causing Gwen to shiver slightly. The front of the ship gives a 180-degree view of the ocean beyond. Tonight, the ocean is calm, and the moonlight illuminates the water around us.
“These past few days,” I say, wrapping around Gwen more tightly, “have been remarkable.”
“They have,” says Gwen.
“I don’t want them to end.”
“Me either.” She turns to face me. “But what are we going to do? After the cruise, I mean. How are we going to make this work?”
“We’ll travel to visit each other.”
“My work is event-based, so it’s hard to know when I have time off. I don’t want to be a burden if you end up being the one who has to travel the most.”
I adjust in our seat slightly, so I’m facing her. “Gwendolyn, look at me. I want you to hear me when I say this. You never have been, nor never will be a burden. Ever. I’d travel every single day if it meant that I could see you if only for a moment.”
A soft gasp escapes her parting her lips, and a tear begins to fall slowly down her cheek.
I reach out and wipe away the tear, then stroke the side of her cheek with my thumb. “I know it will be hard, but we are going to figure out a way to make this work.”
Another tear slips from her eye, and I lean in to kiss it away. “I want you to come to Boston with me.”