Norah
“You can’t get married!” Myra cries, slapping a hand on the table.
I’m sitting at our usual table at Paddy’s with all of the girls and just finished telling them about making up with Eamon and his proposal, flashing my ring as proof.
“Myra,” Amelia chides. “What the hell are you talking about? She’s a grown-ass woman.”
Myra growls in frustration. “Sorry, that’s not what I meant. Of course you can get married, but you can’t get married until after the baby gets here and I’ve lost the baby weight! I refuse to wear a bridesmaid’s dress until I’m back to normal.”
I roll my eyes at her. “What if I told you we’re going to Ireland to elope?”
“What?” they all screech in unison. It’s comical really.
“Norie, youhaveto have a wedding! A big one!” Myra continues to whine. “This is like a fairy-tale love story. You need the princess dress to go with your Prince Charming.”
“Are you really thinking about eloping?” Charlie asks.
I shrug in response. “Kind of. We both love the idea of getting married and honeymooning in Ireland then having a small reception here at O’Nelly’s after. But…”
“But what?” Layla asks, tilting her head to the side.
“Well, we’d like for you all to come with us.”
Myra gasps loudly. “Well, now you really can’t get married until this baby is born!”
“Wait, are you being serious? You want us to come to Ireland for your wedding?” Amelia asks disbelievingly.
“I know that’s asking a lot of you all, so there’s no pressure, but yeah, we would love that,” I confess. “We’re also thinking of his sister. With her recovery, travel may not be an option for her, which means his Mom may not be able to come either. After everything they’ve been through, I know how important it is for Eamon to share this with his family.”
“Fine,” Myra pouts dramatically. “Iguessyou can get married whenever you want. But I want to be able to drink at the reception.”
We all agree that it’s a fair compromise before diving into wedding and reception details. I may not have biological sisters, but these girls are my sisters in the only way that matters. If there was ever a group of friends that loved so completely, it’s this group. They’ve been with me through the highs and the lows, showing up day in and day out.
“Where is yourfiancetonight?” Charlie asks, emphasizing his new title. I like it.
“He’s with Ro and Teagan, I think. Is that right, Layla?” I wink at her from across the table.
The others turn to her and she glares at me. I just smile in response.
“Yes,” she says slowly. “They’re all together. I think Teagan said there wasa pick-up game tonight.”
Myra and Amelia pounce, spouting off question after question without waiting for a response.
“Wait, are you two together now? When did this happen? What’s he like…you know?”
Layla groans and starts fidgeting with her hair. She’s spunky, but reserved, so all of this attention is probably the last thing she wants. I should feel bad, but I don’t. If Teagan is half as amazing as Eamon is, then she’s going to be a very happy girl.
* * *
Weeks after Eamon’s return, we’re back into the throes of school. This new semester has started with a vengeance. On top of classes, Eamon’s busy student teaching, while I’m completely engulfed in plans for the Spring play. I’m having a blast designing the costumes though. Especially since Eamon, Ro, and Teagan lost a bet and are now my own personal mannequins for fittings.
We had all been together, celebrating our engagement at Paddy’s when Ro suggested a drinking game. I swore I’d never do that again, but I was blissfully happy and up for anything. After a few rounds, we were all well and truly drunk. During one turn, Teagan and I were facing off, and I was determined to win.
“Alright O’Brien,” I slurred. “I challenge you to a tequila shot contest.”
He groaned loudly. “Ach, tequila? I fucking hate tequila.”
“Well, if you don’t take the challenge, you automatically lose.”
