Chapter 34
POV: Maeve?
I should’ve been freaking out right now.
My author brain shouldn’t be able to comprehend this.
It was literally like the plot of some fiction novel that I had dreamed up—but it wasn’t fiction and it wasn’t a novel—this was real life, like actually happening.
And I couldn’t be more overjoyed.
Because my fictional character—Patrick, was inspired by my real life husband-to-be, Liam.
And it felt like a full circle moment, as my grandma fluffed my lacy flower embroidered veil and fixed the back of my wedding dress.
Because—this was actually happening.
I was five minutes away from marrying Liam, the love of my life. The grumpy, emotionally withdrawn Irish pub owner, who I used to absolutely loathe, except while we were having sex.
But one day out of the blue…after a lot of barriers were broken down on both of our ends…Liam changed, for the better.
He wasn’t as grumpy as before, though I always figured he wouldn’t be able to shake being a grump completely. He wasn’t emotionally withdrawn anymore, he actually accepted emotions and feelings in general. And I didn’t hate him, instead I was totally head over heels in love with him.
In the distance, I saw dozens of white chairs lining the hillside overlooking the Cliffs of Moher. It was the spot where Liam proposed and now we would marry at.
It signified our love perfectly. Hilly. Rocky. Windy. Every single turbulent weather description perfectly described our love to a T.
And by meeting him I learned something very important—something that romance novels and rom-com movies can’t teach you.
I learned that love is hard but with the right person, you won’t care how hard it is, how bad some days are, how broken you are…because the right person can make you believe everyday is wonderful by their side.
Gran’s voice broke through my incessant thoughts. “Maeve…”
I turned towards her, wide eyed and all. “Yes, Gran?”
She smoothed out the wrinkle in my dress with her hands before taking my hand in her palm and squeezing it tightly. “Stop thinking for once, sweetheart.”
I laughed. “An author’s curse.”
“Let your future husband do all the thinking, love. I’m betting Liam’s head is turning in circles right now, just waiting for you to come prancing down the aisle.”
I let out a heavy breath and nodded.
Gran took my hand in hers and led me onward towards the ceremony site.
With each step I took, I felt my knees weaken and my breath accelerate. Our twelve guests sat in the distance, watching my gran walk me down the aisle, while Liam’s back was turned facing the cliffs.
I couldn’t imagine what he was thinking right now.
Well maybe, yes I could.
He was probably freaking out like I was, internally that is. And I’m sure one hundred different scenarios were going through his mind at the same time as he waited for me to meet him at the altar and promise ourselves to each other.
My pace slowed, to an excruciating pace, as my legs started feeling like absolute jell-o but I continued on.
When I was about 20 feet away, the priest tapped him on the shoulder, urging him to turn towards me.
And when he did, our gazes met and I felt like I was going to collapse.
The way he looked at me made me almost want to bawl.
And so I did.
Tears of joy streamed down my face as I watched him, watch me.
And in return, he started crying too. He tried to hide it well, wiping away the tears and stiffening his gaze but it was of no use.
We both fell victim to the same thing.
Love.
Gran gave me a big hug before she went off to her seat and I took my place at the altar across from Liam.
My hands shook as he took them in his and squeezed.
The sound of the officiant speaking was droned out by the sound of distant waves and the way Liam looked at me.
“This is the moment where words become promises. Liam and Maeve, you’ve written vows that reflect your journey and the life you choose together. Liam, please begin.”
Liam rifled through his black tuxedo jacket and pulled out a carefully folded piece of piece and began to read, “I never planned on falling in love with an American woman—especially one who is just as stubborn as I am but here I am, staring at you, next to the Cliffs of Moher and promising you my heart. But since then, you are my source of happiness when the Irish sun rises and when it sets. Maeve, I vow to choose you on the easy days and the difficult ones—because loving you is the best choice I’ve made. I give you my heart, my home, and my forever.”
If my knees weren’t buckling before but now, they sure as shit were.
I was practically going to pass out.
“Maeve?” the officiant asked.
All eyes were on me.
You got this Maeve, you’re a writer for god sakes, you got this.
But my hands still shook as the officiant handed me my vowbook.
“I never meant to fall in love with you, an Irishman in a foreign land. When I came here I was seeking anything but love. But you taught me that love isn’t expected, that it isn’t easy and it doesn’t make sense. But when you find it, you shouldn’t let go. You are my favorite plot twist, Liam. I vow to choose you through every chapter—drafts, edits, and all. I promise you my heart, my words, and a love that will always find its way back to you.”
I looked up and saw him fighting back tears again.
The officiant began to speak, “With the love you’ve declared and the promises you’ve made, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your union with a kiss.”
Liam stepped forward, cradling my neck with his palm and using his other free hand to hold my waist.
When his lips touched mine, it was perfect, like seeing a sunset for the first time.
Applause and cheers surrounded us and I let myself fall into Liam’s—my husband’s lips.
Because forever—well forever felt perfect with him.