Page 83 of Niall

Finn and I laughed. “That will never happen again. My legs haven’t recovered yet.”

I pulled her close. “Are you sure, Anna?”

“As long as I get to marry you again, I’m sure. Niagara Falls is romantic.”

I kissed her. “Then let’s get married. Again.”

She snuggled close.

“Always.”

Anna was a beautiful bride. Not that I’d had any doubts, but she was beyond perfect. With her long hair flowing down her back and dressed in a pretty pink dress that exploded from her waist in a froth of lace, she was a vision.

Roman walked her down the short aisle, placing her hand into mine. He was very fond of her, acting like the brother she missed—protective and caring. I was grateful for his presence in her life, knowing he would always watch over her if I wasn’t around. She could depend on him—we both could.

Our vows were short and simple, each of us planning on repeating the ones we’d made in private. I gazed down at my bride, and a wave of emotion hit me as I spoke. “Anna, you have completed my life. Made it full and rich. The parts of me I thought were broken you mended and made whole. I will love you fiercely until the day I depart from this earth.” I bent low, wiping a tear from her eye. “Every chance I get, I will love you.”

That made our small group laugh and Anna’s smile widen. Her dimple popped, and I knew she liked my promises. All of them.

Her words were much the same as they had been that day in Scotland, the love she carried for me soaked into her words.

I kissed her after, ignoring the clearing of the clergyman’s throat. I had to. She was too beautiful to resist.

I stepped back and he sighed. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride—again.”

And I did so with great gusto.

We had a private dinner, then headed to the room Roman had chosen for our reception. It was filled with other syndicate members, their families, some friends, and Roman’s crew and family. There was dancing and laughter. Some speeches. A beautiful cake.

And I got to dance with my wife. With her head nestled onto my chest, we swayed, our bodies pressed together. She wasn’t as relaxed as she had been in Ireland, but she was gracious and kind to everyone who congratulated us, accepting their well-wishes warmly. Still, when she asked how long we had to stay, I was only too pleased to tell her we could leave anytime.

No one would blame me for wanting my wife to myself.

I bent and kissed her. “A few more dances, mo mhuirnín. I know Finn wants to dance with you, and I need to take Mum for another turn on the dance floor.” I tickled her chin. “And I don’t think Roman would forgive me if I whisked you away without a dance.”

“Okay.” She beamed up at me.

“Then we’ll go. Tomorrow, we start a new chapter, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Our story is just beginning, Anna. And a happily ever after is guaranteed. I’ll make sure of it.”

Her dimple appeared again. “I know,” she whispered. “I love you.”

I bent and pressed my mouth to hers. “Always.”

FINN

Five years later

Roman looked over the documents, nodding as he closed the file. “Basically, the same transfer of power as we did with you,” he said.

“It is.”

“They were the first to offer men and support with the Una situation,” he mused.

“And his territories butt up against mine. He’ll simply absorb them under his protection.” I paused. “I like him as well. Marco Serrano has been nothing but up-front in his dealings.”