Nerves had never been something that got to Seamus. He was a steady man, one that wasn’t scared of much, if anything at all. Yet now, in this moment, he was truly nervous. A part of him didn’t know if this was real or not, or if he had fallen into some coma and this was all a dream, which if that was the case… he hoped he never woke up; he would rather die than wake up. However, he knew this was his reality, he knew that this girl—— no, this woman; loved him and wanted to be his for the rest of their lives. The first time he had done this was a mistake, something he had regretted before it even happened, but this time? This time he was more than positive, and beyond eager. Seamus released a shaky sigh, which caused Acer to place a hand upon his shoulder, and give it a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry too much, boss. You’ll do fine.” He said to Seamus, to which Shay merely nodded before his glance went to the woman across from him. Penelope Miller, Erika’s best friend and one of the few to bare witness to the union that was about to take place.
Penelope had a smirk on her face, amused by how nervous Seamus seemed to be. “Never pegged you for the nervous type, O’Donovan.” She stated before they both laughed lightly. “You’ll be fine, yeah? Erika… she loves you, a helluva lot—— bitch would probably push me outta window to save you, which is saying a lot; so chin up yeah?” Penny stated, causing Seamus to smile. “T’anks, I’ll be sure ta keep steady.” He said, right before the doors opened, causing his breath to catch in his throat. This was it, it was finally happening… it was finally real. His gaze never averted from Erika’s form, watching as she made her way down the aisle, looking like a vision stolen from a dream. She was…. perfect, but more importantly, she was about to be his. Once she reached him, Seamus gave Timothy a small nod as a thank you, and then took Erika’s hands into his own. “Hello.” He whispered back, smiling down at her after doing so. It was then that the man began to speak, yet Seamus’ eyes never left Erika’s.
“Seamus and Erika, the symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another- acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this– is my husband, this– is my wife. Seamus?” The man said, to which Seamus nodded and let go of one of Erika’s hands, pulling out a piece of paper that had his vows written upon it.
“Erika,
Ta be honest, I wasn’t sure how ta even go about t’is. I’ve never been t’best wit’ words, an’ I never needed them before, because ya always knew exactly what I was tryin’ ta say. Yet now, I want ta express it all, say how I feel because ya deserve ta hear these words; especially if yer agreeing ta put up wit’ me fer t’rest of yer life. First an’ foremost, I love you. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone, or anything in my entire life. I’d forfeit my life fer ya in a heartbeat, an’ I wouldn’t have a second thought or regret about it. You saved me, Erika—— an’ not just my life, but you’ve saved me from the man I was becoming…. which wasn’t someone I wanted ta be. You’ve taught me how ta love, and how ta be kind. You’ve taught me how ta forgive, and how ta t’ink before I go an’ make any foolish decisions. Wit’ you… I feel like a better person, an’ when I didn’t have you… I didn’t feel like a person at all. You’ve made me human again, an’ I don’t think I can ever express how grateful I am fer you. Thank you fer puttin’ up wit’ me, but most importantly… thank you fer lovin’ me. I cannot wait ta take t’is step wit’ ye, so t’at we can move forward, not as individuals… but as one.”
As she handed off the bouquet, (the one she thought was unnecessary, but hey, when in Rome) she gave Penny a bright smile and a gentle squeeze. Her best friend had been a huge help in all of this after all. But as much as she adored Penny, she could thank her later. Right now, her attention was completely on her grumpy Irishman. Even as the man spoke, their gaze stayed solid, wordless communication of excitement, of devotion, of complete union passed between the two. And then Seamus began to speak, spilling his heart in a way he had never done before. And Erika’s own felt like it was going to explode. She knew Seamus loved her, he made that crystal clear through his actions everyday. But now, he spelled it out in such a way that nearly brought her to tears. Really, Erika? You’re gonna cry? On your wedding day? she scoffed at herself. But fuck it, it was her wedding day! And damn right, she almost did cry. With another squeeze of his fingers that were laced through hers, she gave him a tearful, joyful, nearly ecstatic smile. "I love you,” she mouthed silently to him once he finished.
“Erika?” the man prompted. She had been too caught up in Seamus’s declaration to even think about her own. Clearing her head of that cloudy bliss, she took her own paper that Penny had waiting to hand to her. “Thank you,” she whispered to her friend. With a steadying inhale of breath, she looked down at the paper she had poured over so many times, ensure it was absolutely perfect, and began to speak.
“Seamus… Shay. We’ve known each other since I was 16 years old. And back then, you were my mentor, my teacher, a man who showed me that you either choose to be the victim, or chose to be the fighter. You showed me how to fight. You were there during the most difficult times of my life, and you never once faltered. Even when I was the most broken, when I was the most out of my head, you still held my hand, and walked me through my grief. As I got older, you stayed just as patient. And I was in love with you far longer than I’m willing to admit. We saved each other, in every single way. And I wouldn’t trade any of what we went through together. Even when we were separated, even when I was so angry at you for so long, I never stopped loving you. Not for one second. And the day you came back to me, was one of the best days of my life. And even then, you walked me through my recovery. Even when I yelled at you a lot. Seamus, you are the only man I’ve ever wanted, the only man I’ve ever loved, and the only man in this world who is right for me. Every day that I waited was worth it. Because it brought us here. And fuckin' finally, we’re getting married, darling. Because when I picture the rest of my life, you are always, completely, one hundred percent there. Without you, my life is darkness. I want nothing more than to make you happy. I love you, Seamus Ezekiel O'Donovan. With every fiber of my being. And the moment I’ve been waiting for since I was 17 years old, is finally here. The moment I get to be Mrs. O'Donovan."
Once she finished she swallowed thickly and looked up at him with teary eyes that said, I’ve never been happier. You are my life.
The man spoke again; "Erika– will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”
She spoke firm, confident, solid and without a shadow of a doubt. “I do.”
Her heart stuttered. Why? God, who knows. She was about .5 seconds away from walking down the isle towards a man she’s known since she was 16… to marry him. She was excited. Of course. But this was pretty huge. Standing behind the doors, she took a deep breath, and leaned a bit more into Tim, who lovingly, patted her arm and reassured her. She smiled up at him, and nodded. She was ready. Part of her had dreamed about this day since she was 17, and the other part refused to believe it would actually happen. Fairytales were bullshit after all. But Seamus was much more than a Knight in Shining armour, or some pampered, pussy Prince. Seamus was her protector, her guardian, her solider. Fairytales weren’t written about the kind of love the two of them shared. And as cheesy as it seemed, it really was one of a kind. She almost rolled her eyes at herself as she thought it.
The road had been long to get to this point, and she knew the stretch between her and her fiance one those doors were open would seem even longer. But she was ready. With her hair pulled up in a high messy bun, and her makeup done clean and simple, she smoothed her dress and tightened her grip on Timothy. “You look beautiful,” he whispered as he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. “Ready?” the man giving her away asked, and she whispered in return, “Extremely,” with the brightest smile she’d had in a long time. Only 4 people waited for them behind those doors, but Erika couldn’t help but look down and blush softly as Tim opened the door, and they stepped in. The woman wasn’t used to being the center of attention, even in a small crowd. But her eyes flicked back up as they walked down the isle, and met the gaze of the only man she’s ever loved, and her worries were immediately soothed.
“Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?” the priest asked as they finally reached the end of the isle. To which Tim responded, “I do.” With a smile, and one last kiss to her cheek, Tim receded, and Erika looked up at Seamus, reaching out to take his waiting hands. Licking her lips, she smiled, and squeezed his hands. “Hi,” she whispered softly, unable to tear her eyes away from the man who looked so damn good.
that moment when i’m too busy crying over n*sync to realize i was not on my personal. fail.
How unfortunate, darlin’. My sincerest fuckin’ condolences. It seems as if my invitation has gotten lost in the mail, however. You wouldn’t know anythin’ ‘bout that, would you?
It really is a tragedy, innit? Charming as ever, love.
And hell, maybe if ya crawled your way back into daylight once in a while, I could have invited you. So if it tickles your fancy, and you promise not light any one on fire, we are having a reception, and I’d love for you to come. Still owe me a drink, after all. What'dya say, Madden? Come see me in white?
You’re supposed to be a blushing bride darling…that’s a requirement.
Oh…god…um…I don’t think you can analyze things any more than I already have. I mean he took me on a date. A real date. We did a movie and dinner. He was so nervous and it was so adorable. I just…I don’t even know how to handle my feelings for him to be honest.
See… Stereotype! Oh god. Ha~!
Do you looooooove hiiiim?
That on you meaning we were both up shit creek on our predictions there, Erika. I… have something on you? It was a bad joke, alright? I do my best. I don’t blame you. I blame him. Even then, I don’t know if I even blame him all that much anymore.
Truth is, it makes no difference to you how I feel about Seamus. What I’m talking about is you and me. If he wants to rebuild that connection, then he can come to me and say he’s sorry for calling his only child a dumb whore the first time he saw her after twenty or so years. That’s totally separate from this.
All that I want to come from this is that we’re okay.
I’m sorry, Laka. But in less than 24 hours, he’s going to be my husband. Your relationship with him kind of means a lot. I have no grudge against you anymore… Not at all. But Seamus is my life, and his problems become mine. And truth is, Laka… You’re his daughter, estranged at that.
But yeah. We’re okay. I hold no ill will, darling. But… Like I said, you’re his daughter, he’s gonna be my husband. It kinda means everything.
You are not the only person that tells me that.
You are…you’re going to be all those things…and you deserve it so much.
Okay, okay. Hush, enough about me before I blush.
Tell me more about this Derrick situation. I feel its my duty to help you over analyze this.
Did I say I was-
Oh my God, you’ve missed everything I was trying to say. All this bullshit got started because we disagreed about a relationship that turned out to be a shitty part of my life anyways. What I was trying to say was that all of that is over, Erika, and I don’t want to argue with you any-fucking-more over something that wasn’t really worth arguing over to begin with. I’m still waving the olive branch over here, like a dickhead, and you’re assuming the worst of me.
Hold on. You told me I was wrong, said and I quote, “With that on you, I won’t be going to the reception”…
I’m not exactly sure what else “That’s on you” translated to besides blame.
Clearly, we’re nothing but shit at communicating. And I do appreciate the attempt at peace making, but I’m not the one you should be making peace with, Laka.
Well… it’s probably girly enough to give my boyfriend. Next time I’ll find you a knife.
You were wrong, by the way. About Jason. I gave him everything even without quitting my job, and it ended because he went nuts and fucked another girl before smashing a bunch of dishes. With that on you… I don’t think I’ll be going to the reception, but… I only have so much of a reason to be mad at you these days.
I did say I appreciated it, didn’t I?
Are you really blaming me for Jason’s actions? I never promised he wouldn’t fuck up. It’s what guy’s do. It’s what humans do. Jason’s a big boy, and he’s got his own issues like we all do. And that other girl…
Forget it. I’m getting married tomorrow to the love of my life, and I’m not gonna sit here and argue with you about old news. I’m sorry you got hurt Laka, but we all get hurt. Welcome to life.
