“Why the tears?”
“I’m just so happy. I guess I’m a sucker for new beginnings.”
He kisses away the wetness on my cheeks. “So am I, baby. So am I.”
I’m thrilled with how the barn turned out for the celebratory dinner reception. The rustic structure is accented with twinkling lights strewn along the rafters and harvest décor infused with vintage Irish accents. The traditional Irish menu, along with some southern American favorites, is set up banquet-style so everyone can help themselves to a dinner feast. Conversations and laughter echo throughout the barn. The Vargas and Murphy families are finally reunited, bound by the knots of love andsecond chances. Completing the circle are friends and family of the couple and the Celtic Knot employee family, including Isabella, Tony, and Sophie and Alex.
As the face of the winery, Brennen confidently assumes the role of host, leading a traditional Irish toast to the bride and groom. He asks the couple to stand, then has everyone raise their glasses as he speaks.
“Friends and relatives, so fond and dear, ’tis our greatest pleasure to have you here. When many years this day has passed, fondest memories will always last. So, we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God’s blessing in your hour of need.”
The guests then respond, reading from index cards placed at their seats:
“On this special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the old, the best of the new. God bless you both who drink this mead, may it always fill your every need.”
An Irish harp plays background music as people line up to fill their plates and enjoy their meals. After dinner, the bride and groom have their first dance, followed by the traditions of throwing the garter and the bouquet. Both Miles and Emma swear it wasn’t planned after Brennen catches the garter, and I end up with the bouquet.
While I’m taking a break from the festivities, Emma and Sophie settle on either side of me. Both have that ethereal glow of women in love. The impressive rock on Sophie’s ring finger grabs my attention. Alex proposed at a wine competition last weekend—where the Celtic Knot swept the field—and Sophie has been on cloud nine ever since. Now I’m planning their wedding on the beach, in Sophie’s favorite spot, with their friends and family.
Emma nudges me with her elbow. “You did good, Jos. It’s all I dreamed of and more.”
“I agree,” adds Sophie. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”
“Thanks. I loved doing it. But I can’t take all the credit. Brennen was a big help. He wanted everything to be perfect for you. And the handfasting ceremony was all his idea.”
“Speaking of my brother, here he comes. And Alex is right behind him.”
There’s a tap on my shoulder. Looking up, I see the handsome face of the only man I’ve ever loved.Brennen.
“Dance with me.”
As the string quartet begins playing the familiar tune of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” I grin at Emma and Sophie as Brennen extends a hand to help me up. I don’t let go as he leads me to the dance floor and takes me in his arms, pulling me close. He rocks me back and forth, the scent of his earthy cologne tickling my nose. Any remaining weight of the past lifts from my shoulders and falls away.
I close my eyes and bask in the pleasure of Brennen’s embrace. He pulls back slightly and speaks.
“Jos, marry me.”
I open my eyes and gaze into his, peering into the depths of his soul. A feeling of calm and euphoria settles over me, and I know that I can trust this man with everything I have. The first time we shared the intimacy of shibari, I was bound to him forever. Every day, I can see in his eyes how much he loves me, and I know that in his arms I’m home. Forever.
