Secrets and the Bride

ChapterFourteen

Cillian

“Is everything ready?” I ask my mom, and she rolls her eyes.

“You know this is supposed to be a surprise party, right?” My dad comes up behind her and gives her a hug. “Don’t come over here distracting me.” She pretends to elbow him, but he just grins.

“How did you expect to get this many flowers in here without him knowing?” my dad asks, and my mom grins.

“I just assumed with how distracted he was in the cottage he wouldn’t notice if I walked an elephant through his front door.”

My parents look at me with knowing eyes, and I just shrug, not confirming or denying anything. But it’s obvious from the way Glenda and I were holding on to one another as we walked to the house that we’re together. In fact, I feel strange right now not having her in my arms. How has it been only a short amount of time that I’ve had her, but I already feel the pain of being separated for more than a second? I guess this just proves that we’re meant to be. And that I’m probably crazy, but we won’t look at that too closely.

“Yes, everything is ready, and I think you’ll find your bride under the flower canopy having her picture taken.”

“My bride?” I turn to my mother and raise an eyebrow.

“Is that not an accurate statement?” She raises her eyebrow right back.

“I think she should know that before you,” I tease, and my dad chuckles.

“Oh, I have no doubt you’ve made her well aware.” My mom comes over to me and gives me a kiss on the cheek before she smiles brightly. “I’m so happy for you, son. You’ve finally come to your senses.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, but my mom ignores me as she walks away. My dad pats me on the back and shakes his head.

“One day you’ll realize that woman never misses a thing.” That’s all he says before he follows after her like he can’t stand the separation between them either.

Deciding that I’ve got more important things to worry about, I check my watch to see if it’s time yet. I have to wait exactly one more minute and then the doors in front of me open wide. The interior of my home has been transformed into a floral wonderland with flowers covering every surface and the ceiling. I have to give credit to my mother; it’s incredible, and I can’t believe she pulled this off so quickly.

The crowd of people inside yell “Surprise,” but I only have eyes for Glenda. She’s in the back directly under an arch of flowers just like my mother said she would be. She’s wearing a pale yellow gown that’s got long sleeves and delicate lace that covers her chest up to her neck. The rest of the dress clings to her body all the way to the floor, not revealing her skin, but showing off every curve I’ve had my mouth on. I can’t get hard right here in front of everyone, so I have to remind myself to breathe.

It takes me a little time to get through the crowd and thank everyone for coming. By the time I’ve made it to Glenda, it feels like we’ve been separated for hours instead of minutes.

“I’ve missed you.” I inhale her scent as I pull her against me, and she laughs softly.

“It’s crazy, but I feel the same.” She looks up at me, and her full red lips are begging to be kissed.

Just when I’m about to lean down and do just that, someone clears their throat right next to us. We both turn, and my dad is there with a concerned look on his face.

“Um, son, can you come with me for a second?”

“Sure, is everything okay?” I take Glenda by the hand, and as we go to follow him, he doesn’t move.

“Maybe you should come on your own?” He’s not telling me to do it, but he’s asking me to come alone, and it only makes me hold on to Glenda’s hand tighter.

“I’m sure whatever it is, she can hear it.”

“It’s okay, Cillian. I can stay here,” Glenda offers, but I don’t let her go.

“Her parents are here,” he says softly, and the tone he gives me is one of disappointment.

“My parents are here?” Glenda asks in confirmation, and my father nods.

“I called them earlier about an offer to wed.” My father’s eyes soften in understanding, and then I turn to Glenda. “I called while you were getting ready. I wanted to announce my intentions tonight, and I thought they would be excited.”

“What did they say when you called?” she asks, and I shake my head.

“I don’t really know. I made the offer to your father, and he said he would let your mother know. I thought that was an agreement, but perhaps I got that wrong?” I look to my dad, who gives me a tight smile.

“Then maybe it’s better if you both come.”

I’ve got an office on the other side of the house, but my father doesn’t lead us there. Instead, he takes us to the library where Glenda’s parents are waiting, but not dressed for the party. It’s black tie, and although they weren’t necessarily invited, they would have dressed appropriately if they were staying.

When we enter the library, they both turn in our direction but don’t look at me. Instead, Glenda’s father speaks directly to her.

“We’re leaving,” he says and takes a step toward Glenda.

Suddenly everyone talks at once, and we’re all speaking over each other.

“Wait, let’s discuss this,” my father says.