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How didI think I was going to have a wedding without my family? I don’t know why I was so surprised to walk into the room I booked for the ceremony to find not only my brothers, but their wives and sons. Cass and Joe were also among the bunch.

My sister has a scowl on her face as if she plans to batter me after the wedding is over. I’m happy to see her and wish her lads were here as well. It is as I stand here waiting for Danika to arrive that I realize how important this night is to me.

“Don’t worry, we’ll forgive ya,” Jonah says as he stands beside me.

“Speak for yourself,” Jack grumbles. “He was going to get married without us. I don’t know if I’m more hurt or surprised.”

“If ya knew all the details ye would all understand. I will tell ye all later, but I don’t think anyone outside of this room should know about us until I have some things figured out.”

“I told ya he had a reason,” Raymond says.

“Aye, well, I would like to hear it before I forgive him,” Jack says.

“And ya will. Now shut yer gub. Here comes the bride,” Jonah says.

I snap my head in the direction of the doors Danika just came through. I can’t breathe. She looks absolutely exquisite.

Her dress is simple yet elegant. The seams seem to shimmer and catch the light. The small detail highlights her figure and the fit of the gown. She looks like she’s glowing from the inside out.

I know right away this is the softer side of Danny. The side only I get to see. The part of her I plan to cherish for the rest of my life.

As if reading my mind, she locks eyes with me and her entire face lights up. I can’t help but return the smile. I didn’t think I could love this woman more than I already did, but the moment she smiles at me with excitement and hope in her eyes, I fall all over again.

She’s so complex and loving. Our talk last night revealed so much more to me. For every ounce of strength she possesses, she has an even amount of love and softness.

“Hi,” she breathes when she’s standing before me.

“Hello, love. Ya look beautiful,” I reply and wink at her.

“Um, where did all your family come from?”

“Ya know better than I. I guess Ma couldn’t help herself.”

She takes a deep, nervous breath. “Okay, well, Mr. McGowan. I think we’d better go on and get married before I run off on you or you change your mind.”

I place my hands on her waist and flex my fingers against the soft fabric of her dress. She looks up into my eyes and searches my gaze. It is then that I notice the small, clear gems in the corners of her eyes and in her lashes.

“Ya do know I would follow ya to the ends of the earth and all throughout hell if I had to.Lorg a h-uile duine leatha agus cùm i leat leat fhèin,” I say.

“But am I worthy?”

“Aye, you are. I am the one who doesn’t deserve this second chance.”

She knits her brows and begins to search my eyes for answers. I turn and nod for the officiant to start. The past will not live in this moment. I’m moving forward.

CHAPTER32

Explain

Ronan

“Ye’ve been dodgingme all night. I had to follow ya to the jacks to get me answers,” Cass hisses at me as I step from the bathroom.

I’m steamin’. I’ve been drinking with my da, Joe, and my brothers. Danika has been spending time with her and my ma. Cass is right, I have been keeping my distance because she hasn’t stopped glaring at me.

“I’m glad yer here. I wouldn’t have wanted this without ya,” I say.

“And yet, ye almost pulled off the whole shebang without me. What have I done to ye? Why would ye try to leave me out?”