Epilogue – C.A. Miconi
Joselyn
I t’s Miles and Emma’s wedding day. I wake before dawn in order to make sure everything’s ready for a sunrise beach wedding. I don’t want anyone in the wedding party, including Brennen, to lift a finger this morning, so my father and Tony are helping me with the setup on the beach. With the assistance of some portable lights and the distant beams emanating from Jumpin’ Jacks, we just finished placing folding chairs in the sand for the guests, and now we’re working on the wedding arch. Papa is anchoring the arch in the sand, while I decorate it with the thin colorful ropes that Brennen prepared in advance, fashioned with various trinity and love knots. After wrapping the ropes around the frame, I strategically place segments of grape vines and flowers matching those in the bridal bouquet along the trellis.
I stand back to admire the decor and snap a few pictures on my phone as a limo pulls up with Emma and Isabella, who spent the night at Emma’s place, in order to help her with her dress, hair, and makeup. Ruby Collins, Emma’s client and the clerk of the court who will officiate the wedding, is also with them.
Ryan and Brennen are responsible for getting Miles here. Hopefully in one piece after taking him out for his last night as a bachelor.
The ceremony is set to begin at exactly 7:13 a.m., just as the sun is set to peek above the horizon. A photographer is standing by, ready to take pictures of the ceremony with the rising sun serving as the backdrop.
The sound of the waves lapping up to the shore and seagulls flying overhead provide nature’s music for the ceremony, as the men arrive just in time. All three are striking and handsome in their tan summer suits made of linen with a single burgundy rose boutonnière.
Miles takes his place under the arch with the officiant. Emma is a vision of Irish beauty in the dress we selected at the bridal shop. Instead of a veil, she’s wearing a crown of flowers I made for her. The headpiece is adorned with wildflowers symbolizing love and devotion and herbs that represent the bride’s fidelity to her new husband. She’s carrying a bouquet consisting of stalks of Bells of Ireland, a flower that symbolizes good luck, prosperity, and harmony. I cut the stems myself from the large planters that stand on either side of the main doors of the winery. I also included a few of the Chianti Sunflowers from Mrs. Murphy’s garden, with greens of shamrocks, and mixed wildflowers in dark purple, burgundy, white, and cream, sprinkled in. Hidden in the bouquet are some special charms: a silver horseshoe for luck, a trinity knot, and a locket with a picture of Emma’s mother inside. Emma takes her place between her two brothers, and together they escort her to her groom. I proceed behind them, thrilled to be serving as Emma’s maid of honor.
When we reach the arch, the brothers hand their sister off to Miles, and Ryan takes his place beside Miles. I retrieve Emma’s bouquet and stand on the other side of her. Brennen moves away until later in the ceremony.
Ruby begins the ritual, guiding the couple through the recitation of their vows as the sun starts to rise, first as a pale pink hue, then building in presence until it reaches a full crescendo of color. Following the exchange of rings, Brennen steps back in front of the couple to perform the Irish tradition of handfasting, or tying the knot. It was his suggestion to incorporate the special custom into the wedding ceremony. Maybe it will spark a desire to incorporate shibari into their marriage.
He addresses them both. “Miles, Emma, please face each other and cross your wrists, right hand to right hand, left hand to left.”
He then binds them together, taking a beautiful, braided satin ribbon cord adorned with love knot charms and winding it around their wrists, over the top of one and under and around the other, creating the infinity symbol. As he binds them together, he recites the Blessing of the Hands :
“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving the you same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”
The officiant steps back in to pronounce the couple husband and wife. Emma and Miles, still bound together, share a passionate kiss. The attendees of the intimate ceremony cheer in celebration as tears of joy flow down my face. Out of all the weddings I’ve attended or planned, this one is the most beautiful, by far.
After the wedding party poses for pictures, Brennen squeezes my hand gently and smiles.
“That was pretty special, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was.”
“Why the tears?”
“I’m just so happy. I guess I’m a sucker for new beginnings.”
He kisses away the wetness on my cheeks. “So am I, baby. So am I.”
I’m thrilled with how the barn turned out for the celebratory dinner reception. The rustic structure is accented with twinkling lights strewn along the rafters and harvest décor infused with vintage Irish accents. The traditional Irish menu, along with some southern American favorites, is set up banquet-style so everyone can help themselves to a dinner feast. Conversations and laughter echo throughout the barn. The Vargas and Murphy families are finally reunited, bound by the knots of love and second chances. Completing the circle are friends and family of the couple and the Celtic Knot employee family, including Isabella, Tony, and Sophie and Alex.
As the face of the winery, Brennen confidently assumes the role of host, leading a traditional Irish toast to the bride and groom. He asks the couple to stand, then has everyone raise their glasses as he speaks.
“Friends and relatives, so fond and dear, ’tis our greatest pleasure to have you here. When many years this day has passed, fondest memories will always last. So, we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God’s blessing in your hour of need.”
The guests then respond, reading from index cards placed at their seats:
“On this special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the old, the best of the new. God bless you both who drink this mead, may it always fill your every need.”
An Irish harp plays background music as people line up to fill their plates and enjoy their meals. After dinner, the bride and groom have their first dance, followed by the traditions of throwing the garter and the bouquet. Both Miles and Emma swear it wasn’t planned after Brennen catches the garter, and I end up with the bouquet.
While I’m taking a break from the festivities, Emma and Sophie settle on either side of me. Both have that ethereal glow of women in love. The impressive rock on Sophie’s ring finger grabs my attention. Alex proposed at a wine competition last weekend—where the Celtic Knot swept the field—and Sophie has been on cloud nine ever since. Now I’m planning their wedding on the beach, in Sophie’s favorite spot, with their friends and family.
Emma nudges me with her elbow. “You did good, Jos. It’s all I dreamed of and more.”
“I agree,” adds Sophie. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”
“Thanks. I loved doing it. But I can’t take all the credit. Brennen was a big help. He wanted everything to be perfect for you. And the handfasting ceremony was all his idea.”
“Speaking of my brother, here he comes. And Alex is right behind him.”
There’s a tap on my shoulder. Looking up, I see the handsome face of the only man I’ve ever loved. Brennen .
“Dance with me.”
As the string quartet begins playing the familiar tune of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” I grin at Emma and Sophie as Brennen extends a hand to help me up. I don’t let go as he leads me to the dance floor and takes me in his arms, pulling me close. He rocks me back and forth, the scent of his earthy cologne tickling my nose. Any remaining weight of the past lifts from my shoulders and falls away.
I close my eyes and bask in the pleasure of Brennen’s embrace. He pulls back slightly and speaks.
“Jos, marry me.”
I open my eyes and gaze into his, peering into the depths of his soul. A feeling of calm and euphoria settles over me, and I know that I can trust this man with everything I have. The first time we shared the intimacy of shibari, I was bound to him forever. Every day, I can see in his eyes how much he loves me, and I know that in his arms I’m home. Forever.