Embracing Everly (30 page)
“You almost ready, Irish?” Dawson came up beside me, resting his hand on my shoulder.
“Never more ready for anything in my life.” I paused to clear my throat. “In case I’ve never told you, thank you. Thank you for taking me under your wing, acting like the father I never had but wanted, but most of all thank you for giving me Everly.”
If I didn’t know better, I think I almost made the old man cry. He looked away for a beat and then swung his gaze back to me. “It was my pleasure, Mick. I love you, kid,” he choked out as he gripped me tightly into an awkward man hug, but I brought him in tightly embracing him.
I smiled. “I love you too, Dawson.” He pushed off me and stood beside me like every best man did. The few guests we had all took their seats as the music started to play our song, “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel, only it was Everly’s voice that was sounding through the speakers. She recorded it last week as a surprise, but I had feeling she was going to do something like this when she wouldn’t let me in on the music decision.
Sara smiled the entire time as she walked to the makeshift altar to stand up as her matron of honor. I looked back to where Everly finally came into my view with Thomas right next to her, and my breath caught in my throat. She looked so stunning. As she came closer, our eyes remained on one another, unwavering. I wanted to look at every detail and brand it inside my head, but her blue eyes had small tears of joy, and I couldn’t seem to pull my gaze anywhere else. I knew I was supposed to stand there and wait, but I couldn’t.
I heard Dawson murmuring something about getting back next to him, but I didn’t listen. I jogged up to her as fast as my feet could take me. Thomas stepped aside. “Angel,” I stopped and stood there, holding her hands in mine. I stepped back and took every little detail from the flowery veil to the lace around the waist of her dress, to the feel of satin underneath the tips of my fingers and down to the tips of her pink toes. “You look so beautiful, baby.”
She kissed my lips, and we both pulled apart as several throats started clearing.
“I think we’re supposed to kiss after the vows,” she said with a wide smile that melted my heart.
I sighed, letting go of one hand and pulled her the rest of the way with me. “All right, let’s do this Mrs. O’Malley.”
“I like that.”
I leaned in to kiss one more time before the wedding started. “I love that,” I whispered with a smile knowing that I’d have her forever.
To every single reader out there that keeps on having faith in me.
I’d also like to thank my family for their continuous support as I delve into creating these characters that pull me away from family time.
A big thank you to Amy Malek Concepcion! You are always my go-to girl as a beta. I adore you, and I cannot thank you enough for all your input. XOXO
Also, to my cover designer, Rogenna. The cover is perfect—thank you!
Ellie, for editing my baby and loving Mick as much as I do. Thank you so much for being a part of Embracing Everly.
I love to hear from my readers so please come find me at
www.facebook.com/kellymooneyauthor
Other books available:
Down the Shore
Never Say Never
Please Don’t Tell
Please Don’t Go
Twist of Fate
Stay
A Long Goodbye
Beautiful Innocence
Only One
Affliction