Page 66 of Rory: His to Discipline

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Pacing, Bridget wondered if Winston had changed his mind about the whole thing. The only time he had been late for anything, was the day he got the ticket. It was now five and he still wasn’t here.

Feeling a little sick to her stomach, she forced thoughts of accidents and sudden illness from her mind. I don’t know why I’m in such a hurry for him to get here, when I’m not even sure what I’m going to say, she thought.

The doorbell chimed and Bridget opened the door wide, relief flowing through her. “Good evening, Bridget,” Del said, displaying confidence he didn’t feel. “I hope you’ll forgive me for being late. I had a little errand to run.”

“Good evening, Winston. No need to apologize, you didn’t miss anything. The actual wedding isn’t until eight. Won’t you come in?” she asked politely, marveling at her cool, calm voice when her heart was going crazy and her hands were shaking.

Removing his black leather gloves, black scarf and long gray overcoat, he handed them to Bridget who hung them up in the closet. His hungry eyes took in every detail of her appearance, wondering if this would be the last time he saw her. He wondered if her bottom was still the same color as her dress, but pushed the thought away lest he embarrass himself with an inappropriate bodily reaction.

On the drive over, Del decided he would demand an answer from her the moment he arrived but now that she was before him, he changed his mind. If this was the end of them, he would draw it out as long as possible, savoring every whiff of her perfume, every smile, every touch. Taking her arm through his, he escorted her to the party, following the sounds of laughter and merriment.

* * *

The grandfather clock chimed eight times as all eyes turned to the top of the staircase. Molly started down the steps, carrying a bouquet of ivory and red roses. The music of Kenny G’s sax, a beautiful and haunting melody echoed around the guests as she floated across the floor, taking her place opposite Patrick. His eyes shown with love as he smiled at his wife.

Tess and Sean appeared at the top of the stairs, Sean grinning fit to burst as Tess’s shaking hand grasped his arm tightly. Laying his hand over the top of hers he whispered softly in her ear.

“Now, don’t you be afraid or nervous, darlin’. You’re an O’Malley now and the O’Malleys are a tough lot. You just go right down there and marry my son.”

“Thank you, Da,” Tess replied before kissing his cheek. Raising her head, she smiled at the guests as they walked slowly down the stairs and across the floor until she stood before Father O’Connor and took Rory’s hand.

The sight of Tess in her beautiful dress as she came downstairs on his father’s arm was a sight Rory would remember for the rest of his days. So lovely it hurt his eyes to look at her, so graceful, he couldn’t believe she would be his forever. Her honey skin glowed in the candlelight and her dress shimmered with each step. The yards of veil framed her and everyone else in the room faded into gold mist. Tess was all he could see and his hand trembled as he took her small cold hand into his.

The guests formed a circle around them as Father O’Connor began the ceremony. Molly held Tess’s bouquet and met Patrick’s smiling eyes with a wink.

Del stood beside Bridget, and the other couples also paired up touching each other in some small way, a hand on the shoulder, around the waist or holding hands as they bore witness to Rory and Tess’s love for one another.

Tears fell like diamonds landing on the crest of Tess’s breasts as she promised to love, honor and obey her husband.

Feeling Bridget twitch, Del got ready to slip his hand over her mouth should she interrupt, but she just looked at him with a smile and shook her head.

Taking his handkerchief from his pocket, Rory softly wiped Tess’s tears before leaning in and whispering, “Babe, stop or you’re gonna make me cry and how will that look?”

Apparently, he wasn’t as quiet as he thought because friends and family alike laughed quietly, which was all right with Rory, because it made his love smile.

Rory slipped the ring on her finger, promising to love, honor and cherish her forever and not a soul present doubted he meant every word.

When Father O’Connor pronounced them husband and wife, he didn’t have to tell Rory to kiss his bride. Tipping her back in his arms, his lips claimed her in a kiss so romantic and passionate sighs could be heard around the room just before applause broke out.

After quite a display of hugging, kissing and back slapping they made their way to the dining room, cutting the four-tier cake decorated with ivory and red roses. Breaking open the champagne the bride and groom were toasted, assuring their future happiness.

Maeve and Sean beamed every time someone tapped on their glass, encouraging another kiss from Tess and Rory.

Del raised his glass for each toast, but drank very little. Bridget had managed to elude him in the moments after the ceremony, but that was coming to an end. He would have her answer tonight and his heart was heavy, thinking this might well be the last time he attended a gathering of the O’Malley’s.

Spotting her slipping from the room he hurried after her, firmly grasped her arm and pulled her into the study. It was now or never.

Bridget turned and watched as Winston closed and locked the door. His tall frame seemed even larger tonight and she backed up a couple of steps trying to avoid a crick in her neck as she looked up at him.

“How are you?” Del asked solicitously.

“I’m fine,” she replied, feeling an annoying blush of warmth rise from her chest to her face.

“That’s good. Have you given any thought to my proposal?” he asked, swallowing with difficulty.

“Look, Winston,” Bridget began, sidling up to him and walking her fingers up his chest. “I’m crazy about you, and you know it. I love … love you and I would even seriously consider marrying you,” she whispered, standing on her tip toes and looking longingly at his lips.