Orla
“I am not doing tequila shots!” I shouted over the racket of the band and stomping feet.
The party was in full swing now, cousins spinning across the dance floor, kids squealing as they joined in, my uncles attempting their best jigs while half the room clapped them on.
Even Tyler’s California crew were being dragged into an Irish dance lesson, looking slightly mortified but obviously delighted.
“Oh come on, you’ll need some Dutch courage for tonight,” Gwen cackled, waving her glass at me. “God only knows what Tyler’s got planned for you once he’s got you locked in that bedroom.”
I swatted at her, heat flooding my cheeks, but she only laughed harder.
Kate was still going, bless her, perched in Jordan’s lap like she’d claimed her rightful throne.
She looked about five minutes away from falling asleep, but Jordan had her tucked close, his hand resting protectively over her bump.
Every time she yawned, he pressed another kiss to her temple, like he could will her through the night.
I jumped when a pair of strong arms slid around my waist from behind, pulling me back into a chest I knew too well. Tyler’s breath was warm against my ear.
“Not doing shots, huh?” he murmured. “Shame. Remember Vegas? You were very happy to let me do one straight out of your cleavage.”
My face flamed. Before I could shove him, Gwen absolutely lost it, doubling over, grabbing Tom’s arm for balance while she howled.
Tom just shook his head, grinning. “Christ, Reed, you’ve got no filter.”
“Wouldn’t have him any other way,” Gwen gasped between laughs.
I glared at Tyler, who only looked smugger, then caught his eyes flicking past me. He gave a small tilt of his chin toward the far side of the room.
I followed his gaze and froze. Danny and Emma were tucked at a table in the corner, heads bowed close, his arm slung casually along the back of her chair, his big hand resting on her thigh like it belonged there.
The sight made my heart lurch. Danny, who’d been closed off for so long, smiling like that again.
When I looked back, Tyler just gave me a knowing little grin, like yeah, I saw it too.
Just then Jordan appeared beside us. “Alright, show’s over for us. We’re heading up before this one falls asleep at the table.” He tipped his chin toward Kate, who was glowing despite the exhaustion etched across her face.
“Sorry, guys,” she said with a soft laugh. “Growing another human got the better of me today.”
I hugged her tight. “You’ve been an angel. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
She smiled, pressing her cheek to mine. “You’ll do just fine, Mrs. Reed.”
“Alright, Reeds, we’ll catch you tomorrow,” Jordan said, already steering her gently toward the door, protective as ever.
Tyler’s hand slid low around my waist, his mouth brushing my ear. “C’mon, Mrs. Reed. Let’s get some air before your cousins rope me into another jig.”
Laughing, I let him steer me toward the door, slipping off my heels as soon as we hit the gravel path outside. The cool stones bit at my feet, but I didn’t care. I dangled my shoes from my fingers as we wandered toward the quiet shadow of the castle.
His eyes flicked down, a wicked grin tugging at his mouth. “Remember what I did to you in those shoes?”
Heat shot up my neck, but I couldn’t stop the smile. “Trust you to ruin a perfectly sentimental moment.”
“Nah,” he murmured, tugging me closer. “Just reminding you what I’m capable of.”
The night was still and cool, stars scattered like confetti across a velvet sky. Behind us, the music still played and laughter spilled from the hall, but out here it felt a world away. For the first time all day, it was just us.
“Today was perfect,” I whispered, my throat tightening. “More than I ever dreamt of.”
He pressed his lips to my temple, lingering. “That’s ‘cause you’re mine. And I’ll spend every day making sure you never doubt it.”
I smiled up at him, tracing my finger over the lapel of his suit. “You already do,” I whispered. “You’ve got nothing left to prove.”
“Hmm.” His eyes dropped to my mouth, voice low and teasing. “Maybe not. But I have a lot of interesting things planned for tonight, all of them involving getting you out of that beautiful dress.”
I laughed softly. “And there’s me thinking you could behave for once.”
“Behave?” His grin turned dangerous. “After tonight? Not a chance.”
He kissed me until the noise of the party faded into nothing. When he finally drew back, his forehead rested against mine, breath warm against my lips.
“So,” he murmured, eyes gleaming, “does this mean you’re gonna stop getting those birth control shots now that we’re officially married?”
I blinked as my pulse flickered. “Actually…” I hesitated. “I didn’t get my last one.”
His breath caught, the smallest pause between heartbeats. Then he tilted my chin up, that slow, knowing grin spreading across his face dark and full of heat.
“Well then,” he said, voice rough with promise. “Guess we’d better get to work, Mrs. Reed.”