One Year Later

I was standing at the back of our little church, beautifully decorated with local greenery and flowers wrapped in simple white silk bows. I had never liked wearing dresses but I felt beautiful for the first time in my life, dressed in a simple white knee-length gown. Kirsten had done my hair and Mia had done my makeup, and it looked far better than I could have ever done on my own.

In any case, I was confident that Niall wanted me for me and he probably wouldn't care if I showed up in jeans and a t-shirt. Here I was, trying to catch a glimpse of my groom at the altar, but Kirsten, Joely and Mia were trying to block my view so Niall and I would only see each other for the first time when I reached the front of the church on my father's arm.

"Come on," I grumbled, trying to jostle Kirsten out of the way, but Tony stepped behind her and grinned widely.

"Sorry, Meg," he chuckled. "You'll see him in about five minutes anyway."

I stuck my tongue out at him and my father chided me, "Meg, that's not very mature for a soon-to-be-married woman."

I stared at him for a moment and then we both burst out laughing. Dad knew that I'd never grow up completely, and I hoped Niall wouldn't either. We could both make mature decisions and function well in the adult world, but we would always have our childhood friendship as the foundation of our life together, and neither of us wanted to let go of that completely.

"It's time, kiddo," He murmured as the processional music began to play.

My heart raced so hard, I felt like I was about to faint. But there were no nerves, no cold feet, no anxiety, just excitement and anticipation about my future with the love of my life.

Niall's older brother, Greg, escorted Joely down the aisle. He, his wife Denise and their son Theo had arrived just a few days ago. It was a delight to meet them, and I gave Maura a lot of credit for welcoming them into her home and family. Joely had since broken up with hot Brazilian dude and was now dating some gorgeous model from Spain.

Spencer and Mia were next to proceed down the aisle. They had gotten married last summer, not long after Niall proposed to me. We were both thrilled that they had bought a house in Bowling Green where their careers had led them. Niall and I had remained close to them and hopefully, that wouldn't change as our families expanded.

Finally, Tony and Kirsten, the best man and the matron of honor, began their walk towards the altar.

"Ready, squirt?" My dad asked, and I could see that his eyes were clouding over.

"Of course," I answered. "And I'll always be your little girl, no matter what."

"I know, but you're my only girl, my only child. It's just hard to believe you're here already."

"I know, but look at it like this, Dad. You're not losing a daughter but you're gaining a son." Ugh, that was probably the most cliche thing I'd ever said out loud.

Dad squeezed my shoulder and laughed. "Niall has been our son since the beginning."

My turn came and Dad and I took calculated steps down the aisle until I was standing in front of my Irish love, my best friend in the whole universe, the love of my life. And already, I knew we were off to a good start.

Because Niall showed up.

* * * * *

Totally forgot to FINISH this story, lol! I didn't spend much time on the actual wedding but hopefully the epilogue will wrap everything up nicely.