How the Light Gets In (Cracks Duet #2)(54)
“Yes? Did you just say yes?” He looked like he didn’t know what to do with himself. I nodded and smiled so wide my face hurt. “I’m going to make you the happiest woman in the world,” he declared. “I promise.”
“You better,” I said, still smiling as I pulled his mouth to mine for a kiss.
The next thing I knew he was pulling me out of bed. “Now let’s go buy you a dress.”
“I have lots of time to find a wedding dress, Dylan—”
“Not if we get married today, you don’t.”
I grabbed him by the shoulder. “Hold up. Today?”
“Yes. We can go to City Hall and—”
“Dylan, we’re not getting married today. It’s the day after Christmas. They’re probably not even open. Plus, I’m pretty sure you can’t get a marriage licence that quickly so . . .” I paused, saddened by the disappointment in his eyes. He really wanted to do this. Did I? Was it too soon or had we spent months preparing for this moment? Or was that years? He had become my best friend and when I thought about it, I didn’t want to spend another day without him either. Even before last night, I’d felt somewhat bereft as I’d lain in bed night after night. And that was when it clicked, when I realised I wanted to marry him today, too.
“We’ll figure it out,” he said. “Come on. It’ll be spontaneous and wonderful and romantic. Our family is already here surrounding us. Marry me today, Ev. You’ll break my heart if you say no.”
I let out a long breath, but something deep inside told me this was the right decision. It was true when Dylan said we’d lost too many years, and I wasn’t willing to lose another second.
“All right,” I said and smiled. “Let’s go buy a wedding dress.”
*
My dress wasn’t white, but pale pink. We found it in a small independent boutique not far from Dylan’s house and I fell in love. I knew as soon as I saw it that it was the one. It was sleeveless, with a sweetheart neckline—perfect for the necklace Dylan gave me—and calf-length skirt. I adored its uniqueness and how it wasn’t your typical white gown.
We didn’t have time to buy rings, so instead improvised with one Gran left me in her will, and another Yvonne had at the apartment that supposedly belonged to Granddad. He died before I was born, so I had no memories of him. I only knew what he looked like from old photographs.
Dylan promised we’d go shopping for proper rings as soon as we got the chance. Yvonne thought we were being rash and impulsive, but the romantic in her couldn’t help getting caught in the whirlwind. Dylan’s dad welled up when we told him the news, and he was just happy he’d be there to see the ceremony.
“I always hoped you two would find each other again,” he said and wiped a tear from under his eye.
Our wedding party consisted of Yvonne, Conor, Conor’s parents, Bethany, Tommy and Bridget. I did my own hair and make-up, and Yvonne loaned me her nude Louboutin’s to wear with my dress.
“I promise not to scuff them,” I said when she handed them over. She was looking a little misty eyed when she took in the sight of me all gussied up.
“No, keep them. Consider them a wedding gift.”
“But, Yvonne, I couldn’t possibly—”
She held up a hand. “Don’t bother protesting. They’re yours now.”
I decided to give her the honour of being our official witness. After we applied for our marriage licence, we hustled across the street from City Hall to get a waiver from the judge. This was so we didn’t have to wait twenty-fours before getting married.
The ceremony took less than two minutes.
The whole thing was insane, but I had no regrets. I was on cloud nine, no intention of ever coming back down. It was moments like these that I really felt like Sam was watching, grumping about not being able to take part in the excitement and spontaneity.
“Evelyn O’Dea, I like the sound of that,” Dylan purred as we slow-danced in some random bar on the lower east side.
Yvonne and Conor were cosying it up at a table, deep in conversation, while everyone else enjoyed bar food and drinks. It was completely unconventional and that’s why it felt so perfect.
“Me, too,” I said, catching his lips in a quick kiss.
“If someone told me I’d be married to you before the year was through, I never would’ve believed them.”
“You’ve got to believe in the power of the universe,” I said. “It pulled us back together.” Damn, I was on such a high I almost sounded like my teenage self.
He ran a hand down my hair and gazed at me with such love. “Better thank the universe then.”
“Yep,” I whispered just as a loud pop sounded from behind us. Conor and Yvonne had ordered several bottles of champagne. Dylan chuckled and took my hand to lead me over. My aunt was in fine form, pouring glasses for everyone.
“Here you go, Ev,” she said and handed one to me. “Happy wedding day.”
“To Dylan and Evelyn. May they have many years of happiness and romantic bliss ahead of them,” Conor declared, lifting his glass.
“Here, here,” everyone agreed and we all took a drink.
I didn’t remember much after that, only that a lot of alcohol was consumed, and much dancing and merriment was had. The next morning, I woke in Dylan’s bed, completely naked, our bodies entwined.