Shamrocks and Secrets (24 page)

“
Maggie, I only have one question for you,
”
Nora
’
s soft voice filled the table.

“
Yes, Love, what worries you so?
”

“
I
’
m concerned that you
’
re so new to this and have no connections. You do realize the size of the wedding?
”

I watched as Maggie chuckled softly to herself.
“
Aye, I know what you
’
re getting at, but the bigger question is, Love, do you have the quid to pay for it?
”

Yes, Maggie would do just fine.

“
C
hristi, can I ask you a question?
”

I looked up from my computer screen and into Maggie
’
s green eyes.
“
Of course, is something wrong?
”

Choosing Maggie as my wedding planner had been the very best thing I could have done. She had everything mapped out for me and even went as far as to contract a company in Ireland to make the traditional fabric I would use for accent pieces.

Although, I wanted to use the Malloy colors, I didn
’
t want to go overboard. Patrick refused to wear a kilt and I agreed, as long as he wore one for me when we were alone. He had agreed with a cocky grin. He knew that I wanted to answer that age-old question for myself and find out what he wore under it, if anything.

“
Nothing is wrong, per se, I just have a delicate situation that I don
’
t know how to handle.
”

I scooted away from my desk and made my way over to the electric teapot I had behind my desk. I made a pot and then settled back into my chair.
“
The tea will be ready shortly, but go ahead and tell me what
’
s on your mind.
”

Maggie took a deep breath and then squared her shoulders.
“
Angus asked me to supper.
”

I waited patiently for her to finish, but she seemed stuck.

“
And
…
?
”
I finally gestured with my hands for her to continue, drawing out the word.

“
Well, I don
’
t want to do something inappropriate.
”

I couldn
’
t help but smile. This was mine and Nora
’
s doing. After our initial meeting, Maggie had followed us out to the car where Angus stood holding the door open. I noticed that his usually stiff stature was suddenly off kilter as he looked at her. Nora had nudged me and I could only respond with a quick,
“
uh huh.
”

That night, we set about a plan to introduce the two. I, being who I was, aka the fianc
é
e, did what any woman in my position would do, I called Patrick.

“
Hey, Babe,
”
I cooed into the phone.

“
Hello,
croi
freisin
milis
.
”

“
I need a huge favor.
”

“
Of course, anything.
”

“
I mean I
’
ll make it worth your while.
”

“
You don
’
t have to bribe me, Love. Just ask me so I can make it happen.
”

“
But you don
’
t know what I have to bribe you with, you might like it.
”

“
All right, ask me and then tell me what you
’
re willing to trade.
”

“
Okay, I
’
ll give you a repeat performance of your birthday gift, if you tell Angus that it
’
s fine to ask Maggie out.
”

There was silence for a short time and then I could hear chuckling.
“
Did he put you up to this?
”

“
No, I noticed him looking at her and I thought since they
’
re both just-off-the-boat Irish, they might enjoy each other
’
s company.
”

I knew that Angus had left his home in Ireland to work for Patrick, and I also knew Maggie had left when she couldn
’
t find work.

“
I
’
ll drop the hint.
”

When I talked to Maggie later about Angus, she looked like she wanted to protest.

“
Do you not like Angus, Maggie?
”
I didn
’
t really look at her reaction to his ogling. Maybe she didn
’
t care for him.

“
That
’
s the problem, I like him
—
a lot. I just don
’
t want to cause problems.
”

I smiled at her as I began to pour each of us a cup of tea.
“
So, what are you going to wear on this date of yours?
”

"I
’
m not sure. I guess it
’
ll depend on where he takes me."

"Oh, I have a pretty good indication it
’
ll be over the top, so dress nice."

"I think it
’
d be better to wait until after your wedding, though."

"Oh, no you don
’
t, Maggie. You call him right now and tell him you
’
ll go out this week."

Maggie looked at me with big eyes and quickly donned a bigger smile. She followed my direction and called Angus. Their first date would be tomorrow night.

Later that evening as I was trying to get ready to leave, I was finding myself quite distracted.
“
Patrick Shane, if you don
’
t let me finish getting dressed, we
’
ll miss our own engagement party.
”

Patrick only continued to nip and lick my earlobe and neck. If I knew we could get away with not going, I would have taken this to a new level, and a more horizontal surface, but we had a room full of people waiting for us.

“
Besides, I
’
d let you deal with your Ma all by yourself.
”

That was the proverbial ice bucket as he pulled away with a deep groan.

Our party was being held at
Pieces,
the club I had gone to with Patrick on our first date. It seemed only fitting to have it there as that was where he had revealed his intentions.

Maggie had joined Nora in planning this event and as we made our way into the bar, the cheers rang loud and the music stopped temporarily.

Thomas and my father were standing at the bar as we greeted everyone. I kissed my father and then hugged Charlotte. Having my dad and Charlotte together turned out to be a wonderful thing. I could tell they cared for each other and it wouldn
’
t be long before they would also be celebrating an engagement.

Maggie had found ribbon and paper products made in the colors of my wedding. Each table had a flower arrangement and as I looked closer, I noticed smatterings of shamrocks around the bottom. All of the drink napkins were of the Malloy plaid with
‘
PMC
’
monogrammed
in gold in the center. Yes, Maggie was perfect. Paige had continued with the theme and had my shoes covered as well.

The drinks flowed and the laughter sounded as story after story was told. I learned that Patrick was such a
Superman
fan, that he had worn a cape around his neck until he was six. He learned that I took tap lessons for three weeks and then was expelled from dance school.

Nora had a collage of photos that were currently being shown on the large flat screen. It was fun to watch as photo after photo of both of us growing up was displayed. Honestly, even as an awkward teen, my Patrick was hot.

As Patrick held me, pressing his chest to my back, a picture of me dressed for my first communion flashed on the screen. The crown of flowers that encircled the top of my curly hair and the white dress that was so delicately covered in lace, made me smile at the memory.

“
I want all of our girls to look just like their mother,
”
Patrick
’
s gentle words whispered into my ear.

“
I hate to disagree, but I want all of our children to look just like their dad.
”

Patrick excused himself to go to the restroom and I took that opportunity to head to the bar. The night had been perfect and I couldn
’
t have asked for anything better.

“
Christi, I finally get to offer my best wishes,
”
a slurred voice sang in my ear. I turned to my left and came face to face with none other than Sophia.

“
Fuck, me! What security guard did you blow to get in here?
”

I was having too good of a night to let her ruin it.

“
My, my, such words coming from a so-called lady.
”

I didn
’
t want to even dignify her with an answer. She was the true spawn of Satan and I wanted nothing to do with her.

“
Listen, I think you should know that in time, Patrick will get tired of this Pollyanna image you have going on and want a woman who will do very dirty things to him, and you know what? I
’
ll be waiting.
”

Maybe it was the three martinis I had already had. Or maybe it was the fact I hadn
’
t eaten since breakfast, but what I was certain of, was the fact that Patrick had taken his place behind her, listening intently to everything being said.

“
Really, Sophia? And what makes you think I don
’
t do really dirty things to him already?
”

Patrick only smiled and wiggled his eyebrows, he knew I had this under control. He was going to enjoy the show.

“
Oh, dear little Christi, we both know you
’
ll enter your wedding chamber pure as the driven snow. You most likely haven
’
t even seen a naked man up close.
”
She took another drink from her wine glass.
“
Patrick is the type of man who needs a woman who
’
s comfortable with her sexuality. You, my dear, have not even discovered yours yet.
”

The bartender had handed me my drink at that point and I turned to her again.
“
Sophia, I may not have frequent flier miles on my bed sheets, but I do know how to make Patrick very happy. As for him running to you for those dirty things, well, we
’
ll have to see about that. Right, Honey?
”
As I said the latter, I looked directly at Patrick.

“
Not a chance, C
roi freisin milis
, you know all my dirty secrets.
”
He moved past Sophia and lifted me by my hips and placed me on the top of the bar where he kissed me good and deep.

The catcalls from around the bar caused both Patrick and I to chuckle, thus breaking the kiss.

“
We
’
re definitely finishing that kiss later.
”

Had I not been so distracted by Patrick lips, I would have overheard Sophia call someone to say, "Va bene, sto cazzo dentro." (All right, I
’
m fucking in.)

I
loved Patrick. I couldn
’
t say it enough. After all the pushing him away I had done, I found myself just loving everything about him. Last night at Paige
’
s rehearsal dinner, he sat beside me with his entire body gently wrapped around mine. Even as the toasts were made and the gifts handed out, he kept at least his fingers touching mine. Even when Sherman stood and made a slurred drunken toast, Patrick only snuggled closer to me. It was still a mystery how Eileen got the large yellowing bruise on her chin even makeup couldn
’
t hide. Well, a mystery to those who didn
’
t know Nora.

Patrick even laugh as we watched Eileen pouring leftover wine from the tables into empty bottles, and then slipping out to her car. She must have had at least a case of wine in the trunk of her car by now.

“
Some things just never change,
”
Nora whispered into my ear.

We both giggled as we watched her begin to shove leftover bread into napkins and then into her huge bulging purse.

Muscles was red-faced with laughter as he sat beside Patrick.
“
What has him so giddy?
”
I questioned Patrick.

“
He just told me he made it a point to let a good dose of backwash back into the bottle from their table, followed by half of the salt from the shaker.
”

I couldn
’
t help it, I began to laugh as well. To see the look on Eileen
’
s face, when she discovered the tainted wine.

Patrick insisted I stay with him at his condo. He had been doing that a lot, actually. In the past few months, he had gone to great lengths to get me into his bed every night. He even broke out the pouty lips on occasion. Who knew a man that carried a gun and had the status of Patrick could pout like a three-year-old child, it made me smile.

Patrick had found us the perfect house. It was huge, and I had decided not to argue with him on this one. He wanted to give us something nice, in a safe neighborhood, and I wanted that as well. So with a heavy heart, I placed my house on the market. I didn
’
t even get the sign all the way into the ground before Angus wrote me a check. I handed over half to Shannon, and as soon as she returned from her honeymoon, I would have all my things moved into my new home.

Today was Paige
’
s wedding and I was happy to announce that my dad would have two dates, myself and Charlotte. She made him happy, and I meant face numbing from grinning happy. We had a long talk about it after dad told me, we cried and hugged, and she swore she would never make me call her mom. I still loved her to death.

Frankie was in charge tonight. We had been slowly making that transition. Patrick and I had decided that starting and raising a family was my top priority. The baby-making efforts would begin on the honeymoon, so no condoms, and no pill.

I had no doubt that Frankie would do a perfect job. She and Shamus were so good together. He was just what she needed to help her cross the finish line. I always knew she would make it.

Patrick insisted on sending a car for us. I told him it was too much, but there was just no arguing with him on certain things.

Charlotte and my father were already in the back seat of the limo when Angus held the door open for me. I greeted him with a kiss to his cheek; I had grown to love Angus. He and Maggie were perfect for one another.

“
Well, Charlotte, are you ready to see what our Frankie is made of?
”

“
No, I
’
m ready to watch you fidget as she handles everything perfectly.
”

Charlotte was right, I was having a very hard time letting go. Maggie had been amazing. She had made friends with Frankie and together, they made an incredible team.

“
Listen, I
’
m going to enjoy myself. I want to kick up my heels and dance with my two favorite guys,
”
I leaned over and kissed my dad
’
s cheek.

“
One hundred bucks says you won
’
t last fifteen minutes before you
’
ll be checking on the food.
”

I extended my hand out to her and we shook on it.

I didn
’
t care how many times I had seen Patrick in a tux; he took my breath away every time. He was waiting as I tried to get out of the limo. I said tried because the dress I was wearing wasn
’
t cooperating. I had found it one day while I was shopping for another event. It was hanging in the display window and the second I saw it, I just knew it was perfect for me. I had worn my hair up, at Patrick
’
s request. The man loved my neck and I loved when he loved on my neck.

“
My God, you
’
re gorgeous,
”
he said as his arms wrapped tightly around me.

“
Well, hello to you, too, Handsome.
”

Patrick
’
s eyes were devouring me. I felt positively naked under his intense gaze. Not in an inappropriate way, but in a loving and desired way. He would do anything for me and truly loved me without conditions. He could go the rest of our lives and never tell me he loved me again, so long as he looked at me like he was right now.

“
Okay, no lingering around after the reception, I have plans for you.
”

I could only smile as my thoughts reflected his words.

I noticed security was even tighter than the Connor wedding. I held firmly to Patrick
’
s arm as we passed suit after suit. I couldn
’
t imagine how many guns were here today.

Saint Josephine church was one of the most beautiful churches in Chicago. It was built in the early nineteen hundreds and was on the national historical list. Its stone bricks and wooden doors reminded me of a castle from medieval times. The beautiful landscaping was heightened with a pond and fountain that sat majestically at the entrance.

However, nothing could compare to the interior. It was breathtaking.

“
Christi, how lovely to see you.
”
My ogling was interrupted by Eileen
’
s words.

“
Oh, goodness. Congratulations on such a wonderful day,
”
I replied honestly.

Paige and Caleb were perfect for one another. Patrick had told me Caleb had gotten his business back in the black for the first time in years. Sherman was even given a small job so that he could continue to support his family. Things were definitely looking up for them.

We continued to say hello and make our way to the massive wooden entry doors, I paused at the first step, my mind wandering back to Shannon
’
s wedding. No way in hell would Morgan show her face here today, although the mystery car had remained just that, a mystery.

Once inside the doors, and after doing the sign of the cross across my chest, I noticed Shamus was waiting patiently with his elbow extended in my direction.

“
I have to go play my part, but Shamus will not leave your side,
”
Patrick whispered as he kissed my temple.

“
Well, this is my lucky day then,
”
I smiled as I spoke, addressing both Shamus and Patrick.
“
How many girls can say they have two incredibly handsome dates to the same wedding?
”

Shamus could only smile as his eyes were clearly on my chin and not my eyes. After all this time, I was still having a hard time with that.

“
Yes, well, he
’
s only my stand-in. I get you back.
”

He eyed Shamus with his silent warning, although it was a wasted look as Shamus was head-over-heels in love with Frankie. Nora had informed me that he had given her a bracelet, not a diamond one like ours, but a gorgeous bracelet nonetheless.

“
Are you ready?
”
Shamus
’
s question this time was in perfect English.

“
Shamus, God love you for trying so hard for her.
”

His face was all smiles as he began to lead me down the aisle.

“
I love her. She
’
s good with me.
”

“
Yes, Shamus, she is good with you.
”

I couldn
’
t help but cry as I watched Paige
’
s entrance into the cathedral. Her dress was breathtaking, as she gently glided down the aisle. The detail of the lace that rested on the hem and then gradually faded as it went up the dress, was spectacularly intricate. My favorite was the sheer lace shrug that covered her shoulders, the veil trailing behind her just as gracefully. Nora was on her left and Thomas on her right. I watched as Paige graciously smiled and made eye contact with as many people as she could, as she made her way to Caleb.

Turning my attention to the front of the church, a single tear began to fall. The little ring bearer had decided that his place was next to Patrick. He stood in all his little glory, all proud and tall, hanging on to Patrick
’
s hand with one hand and the ring pillow with the other. For a brief moment I imagined our son doing the same, feeling important and safe.

Due to the fact that the Montgomery family was not from Ireland, the ceremony would be entirely in English. I leaned over and told Shamus that if he didn
’
t understand something, to tell me and I would say it in Gaelic, but he never did.

I looked on as Nora wiped her eyes and Thomas raised Paige
’
s veil, kissing her cheek. He leaned into Caleb and whispered something into his ear, I was certain it wasn
’
t congratulations, as no smile appeared on his face.

I watched in awe as they exchanged their vows. I couldn
’
t help but smile as I thought about my own wedding being not that far away. I looked to my right and noticed Maggie looking around. That had been another change; since the Makenna incident, Maggie and Charlotte had entered into a partnership. Maggie was being recommended for all the events that came through Charlotte
’
s office.

“
What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
”

With those simple words, Paige was now a Montgomery, and it was time to celebrate.

Since Patrick was in the wedding party, he had to ride with them to the reception. Angus drove me and Shamus, and Dillion and Shannon decided to tag along since neither one of them wanted to avoid drinking. As we pulled up to the venue, Shamus tried to discretely adjust the gun that rested in the small of his back, while Dillion did the same. My father looked in the other direction.

I knew Patrick
’
s guys carried; I just didn
’
t realize that Dillion did as well.

This was it, the moment I had been waiting on. We had worked so hard getting this just right and I silently prayed that Paige would be happy.

Due to the sheer number of guests at the wedding, we rented a local concert hall. We had to hire an additional three hundred wait staff to accommodate the nearly nine hundred guests. Paige was just as picky as Allyson when it came to her guests being happy.

“
God, I missed you.
”

Patrick wrapped his arms around my waist as I was leaning over to sign the guest book.

“
Shit, Babe, you scared me.
”

I turned and met his gaze. I followed his line of sight as he was looking at my signature. His eyes had a hint of sadness and pain.

“
What
’
s wrong, Sweetheart?
”

“
You signed it O'Rourke,
”
his voice was hoarse.

I placed my hand on his cheek and tilted it toward mine,
“
Honey, that
’
s still my name.
”

“
I know; I just want to see Malloy instead.
”

I smiled as I stroked his cheek.
“
Soon, now come and buy me a drink, Handsome.
”

Patrick escorted me to my table, my dad and Charlotte were already seated. I noticed they were having one of those silent conversations that couples who were in love often had. She was good for him and he deserved to be happy. Hell, everyone deserved to be happy, even Makenna and Sophia, just not with my Patrick.