Chapter Nineteen #3
There would be champagne and regular wine, along with water and soft drinks. It would all be served with mead, of course, to which Parker was sure he would have to fight off Kelli because she was a honey lover so mead and honey cake would attract her like the proverbial bee.
Cheyenne tried to weigh in on behalf of the women of the family, stating it was her wedding as well and if she wanted the women in her family to enjoy all the treats at the reception, they should be able to enjoy all of them.
Quinn looked over at his brothers, including Parker, who was standing off to the side, and tipped his head in their direction.
“I’m choosing not to make a stand on this so if any one of you wants to tell the bride that she must tell the guests at her wedding that they may only participate in certain rituals, by all means please do so.
But,” Quinn held up one finger as a deterrent for one more moment before they spoke.
“Do not ask me to back you up, don’t look to me for support, because this is Cheyenne’s day and I’m stepping out. ”
Quinn did precisely that, standing to the side, eyes full of mirth, his muscled arms partially crossed as best they could, waiting to see what would happen next.
“Parker, sorry old man, but you aren’t married yet and you can’t let her drink the mead or we will be shot-gunning you to your wedding.”
“What? I have plenty of self-control and know how to use protection,” protested Parker.
“Huh? TMI man, that’s my sister,” exclaimed Ciarán.
To which Shane added, “Mead is said to make you fertile.”
“Mead more than likely makes you drunk and after a month of uninhibited sex, a eunuch would be productive,” remarked Liam dryly. His voice turned stern. “And don’t have relations with my sister and tell any of us about it. That’s just against the law of man.”
Shane added, “Or at least the law of O’Connor.” They all laughed, but Liam was serious, and they all knew it.
Each of Cheyenne’s soon to be brothers looked in her direction, and each in their own way assessed the situation quietly for a moment before Liam made the statement they would all stand behind.
“Cheyenne, we understand this is your special day and we wouldn’t take anything from that.
However, as I’m sure you’ve learned and will learn the longer you’re part of this family that the O’Connor men take control of their homes and the outcomes of actions that happen within that home.
That includes social events, no matter how precious they are to us.
It’s our job to make sure that our wives and our children are protected.
When we know they will be tempted to do something that isn’t safe, we need to step in and do that protecting ourselves. ”
“So, we love the idea of the groom’s cake.
It’s perfect, just not for our wives. Katie is already pregnant, Alesha, Jocelyn, and now I guess possibly Kelli,” Liam paused to look over towards Parker with raised eyebrows, “all have the possibility of being pregnant. We don’t think any of them are, but you never know.
Caoimhe may either still be pregnant or possibly nursing by then. She can’t share that in her milk.”
He waited, and Cheyenne knew what he would say, but allowed him to say it first.
“So, it’s simply easier if we say have a taste of ours but that’s it.
Then, no one feels left out. No one has to be more careful than anyone else is and there’s camaraderie in not being able to do something together.
You and Molly are the two who we expect don’t have any possible issue.
Do you understand? We aren’t trying to dictate your wedding; we are trying to protect what is ours. ”
While Liam was talking, Quinn came up behind Cheyenne and wrapped his arms around her waist. In response, she leaned back against his chest. He bent down placing his lips close to Cheyenne’s ear when Liam was through speaking, and whispered.
“This is very much like I’m standing behind you now, without you ever noticing me here so that I could support you.
When I reached out you naturally leaned back onto me because you trust me, without even thinking about it.
Each man is standing quietly behind the scenes trying to keep his wife and family safe. ”
Quinn kissed Cheyenne’s ear and straightened up behind her, resting his chin on the top of her head.
Cheyenne smiled as she looked out over the men who were to become her secondary protectors from here on out and decided if she didn’t give in on the little things, she couldn’t make points on the big things.
She judiciously inclined her head, acquiescing to the decision.
“So long as you allow them to toast with us,” looking over at Shane and Ciarán saying, “with the exception of Caoimhe and Katie, of course, we have sparkling cider for them, then I’ll do the same as the others.” Looking up at Quinn, she added, “If the groom will share with his bride.”
“What is mine is always yours.” Quinn leaned down to kiss Cheyenne before breaking up the little group to get more work done.
“That was perfect,” Quinn whispered to Cheyenne against her lips. “You are perfect. I can’t believe you are almost mine.”
“Soon. So very soon.”
His kiss was a touch of magic.