Luck of The Irish (Getting Lucky)

My dress was a sheath of adorned lace in the pattern of ivy. Tight, fishtailed, and sleeveless, I’d never known a dress to be both demure and sexy. I wore a long white veil and chandelier crystal earrings, and my delicate gold charm of the sun.

"We are all here to celebrate the union of Aiden and Erin, two beautiful souls who managed to find one another in this chaotic world. The bride and groom have prepared their own vows. Erin, go ahead," the Priest said.

I shook as I recited the vows I’d memorized for my husband to be. He held my hands and gazed lovingly into my eyes.

Thank you, Aiden McCarthy, for finding me, like you’ve found so many others. You take in lost souls and you help them find their way through the darkness. Even though I might not have seen it or recognized it as such, I was lost, Aiden, wandering alone and carrying the past on my shoulders. Then you found me and brought this fire into my life that drove out the darkness and showed me the way. You are my sanctuary, Aiden, my light in the dark, a flame to lead the way. You have unburdened me and helped me to fly free. As I walk in this light, I know happiness, I know peace, and I know true love, all because you showed them to me. Now, I want to spend the rest of my days sharing these truths with you. You are my family, Aiden, your love has finally given me a place to call home.”

Aiden pulled our hands up to his lips and placed a kiss on my knuckles.

"Aiden, you may share your vows," the Priest said. Aiden stood silently for what seemed like an eternity.

"Erin, I love you. I look at you, and I see my future. I see my home, too. I see a life that is filled with hope because we have each other. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one. You owned me with the first smile. From there on out, there was nothing I wouldn't do for you, I’d move mountains just to see that smile again. I'm a better man with you in my life. You complete me in ways I didn't think possible. I didn’t know what I was missing until you showed up in my life. I’d dedicated my life to saving others and I didn’t know I needed to be saved. But when you walked into my life, Erin, it was salvation. Through your love and devotion, I finally know myself. I’ll love you forever, baby. You are my sunshine.”

"You may kiss the bride," the priest said.

Aiden wrapped his arms around my waist, yanked me to him, tipped me over, and placed his lips on top of mine. The small gathering burst into applause and showered us in rose petals. I went limp in my husband’s arms as he branded me with his kiss, sealed our fate into one. I was Ms. Aiden McCarthy, and I could say without a doubt, that the luck of the Irish was on my side.

We celebrated on the gorgeous grounds of the church under white tents and fairy lights, surrounded by lush green topiaries. A string quartet played throughout dinner and a DJ lit up the night with dance music and pyrotechnics to everyone’s amusements.

I’d changed into a flowy, shorter, white silk party dress. I let my hair down, kicked off my heels and barely left my husband’s arms but for the occasional trip to the bathroom and to get drinks.

At the punch bowl, I ran into Liam, flushed from dancing and drinking champagne. His bowtie was flapping and the first few buttons of his shirt were undone.

“You look downright giddy, sis. I’m so happy for you both!” Liam covered his mouth with one hand like he was about to burst into tears.

“Don’t cry on me, Liam! Today is supposed to be a happy day,” I told him. I pulled my younger brother into my arms and gave him a squeeze.

“These are tears of joy, Erin. I never thought we’d get here, but here we are. You and Aiden are happy. I’m going to graduate. Dad is in our lives, and he just told me he wanted to help pay for college. I think I’ll apply to Trinity in Dublin.”

“Well, he should,” I told my brother. I chucked him lightly in the arm. He wasn’t used to good things and neither was I. “I think that’s the expectation, at least in normal families.”

“Speaking of family, Dad just told me over cake that he’s put Ma in a rehab program. She left for Boston two days ago, and she’s two days clean.”

My eyes widened and I nearly choked on my punch. Unlike Liam, I wouldn’t allow myself to get my hopes up, but it was incredible news. Mom had never done a rehab program before.