Definitely Memorable
Page 24
As midnight neared the pints of Guinness turned to glasses of golden bubbling champagne. Nolan was strangely quiet beside her as she talked with Sean across the expanse of the bar. Keely walked out from the back, her apron off. Sean wrapped his arm around his lovely wife, and Caitlyn figured the count down to the new year was about to begin. Keely had a strange smile on her face, and Sean gave a nod. Caitlyn turned over to Nolan to ask why everyone was acting so strange. But the stool next to hers was empty. Caitlyn turned all the way around, and saw that everyone was staring at her. Nolan stood a few feet away, and he lifted a hand out to her in invitation, beckoning her to come join him. Caitlyn slid off her stool and walked over to him, setting her hand into his palm. She could feel that his hand was trembling, but as she opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong he dropped down to one knee in front of her. Every single thought flew right out the top of her head, and she let out a shaky breath. "Oh, god, Nol." Caitlyn blurted out, and covered her mouth with the hand he wasn't holding.
"Yer heart is the most important thing that I own in this whole world Caitlyn. I've known this was what I wanted from the first moment that yer eyes met mine, on that stool right over there. I want to be the last man ye ever kiss. Ye told me the other day that yer hand was mine anytime that I wanted, all I had to do was ask. This is me asking, love. Ta' gra' agam duit. Will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?" Nolan asked stumbling slightly over his words, all his usual charm clouded with nerves. As soon as the last words left his mouth Nolan held his breath waiting for the answer, his eyes pleading with her just like that first night in June when she kissed him on the sidewalk.
Caitlyn exclaimed, "yes, yes, a thousand times yes!" Nodding her head. Nolan jumped up grabbing her in a hug and spinning her around to the cheers and applause of the crowded pub. Setting her back down on her feet he pulled a small box out of his pocket, the same one he kept putting his hand in all night. Opening it up he took out the precious treasure tucked safely inside, and holding her hand slid the stunning ring on the third finger of her left hand. Glancing down Caitlyn saw the single round stone set in a classic platinum band. It was just perfect. The facets of the diamond winking in the lights. Pulling his face to hers in a kiss Caitlyn heard the count down to midnight echoing around them. Pressed against him she could feel Nolan's heart racing in his chest. Everyone was cheering and shouting but the only thing that mattered to her was the man in her arms.
His forehead resting on hers he said, "I asked the lads, and yer Dad for their blessing on Christmas."
"You've been sitting on this for a week?" Caitlyn asked surprised. Realizing that was why they had all been quiet when they came up for dinner Christmas day.
"I bought that ring after our weekend in Chicago love. But it had to be here, in this pub." Nolan said grinning from ear to ear.
Rob handed Nolan back his phone, and Caitlyn realized he had been recording the proposal.
"Wait, we need a picture!" Caitlyn said. Nolan handed the phone back to Rob and wrapped his arm around her. Caitlyn held up her hand showing off the ring, and they both grinned.
Nolan showed Caitlyn the picture, and she watched as he posted it to his Instagram account, tagging her, with the caption, "She said yes! #HappyNewYear". Then Nolan leaned in and whispered into her ear, "lets get home, I wanna see ye in nothing but that ring."
Epilogue
As the June sunshine sparkled off the sea Caitlyn looked across the grass towards where Nolan waited beside O'Brien's Tower. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo, the tie the same oceanic color as his eyes. Wyatt and Mason stood beside him looking dapper and so very grown up in their own tuxes.
"Are you ready honey?" Her Dad asked, his voice shaking slightly. "I can safely say that I think you got it right this time around. I've never seen a man more in love with a woman than your Nolan."
Words failed her with all of the emotions swirling around inside, so she just nodded her head up at him. He patted her hand in the crook of his arm and started the slow walk towards the man waiting at the end of the isle for her.
The harp started playing softly at their approach and Nolan turned around, the eyes she loved so much locking on hers. She watched as tears swam in their depths, and knew in that moment she had picked the right gown. A scalloped a-line style with delicate straps, and lace detailing. As soon as she saw the ethereal dress she knew that it was perfect for her. His shamrock necklace hung proudly from her neck, and a pair of Cora's lovely sapphire studs adorned her ears. Her hair was down and curling wildly in the sea breeze.
They said their vows to each other surrounded by everyone that they loved. Standing atop the Cliffs of Moher exactly one year to the day after they first met. The happiness emanating from the both of them tangible.
The man finally pronounced them man and wife. "Ye may kiss yer bride boyo."
Nolan cupped his hands on Caitlyn's cheeks and kissed her deeply, with everything he held for her in his soul. A loud cheer went up behind them, and Nolan wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her happily around, while Caitlyn's laugh rang joyfully out.
"I'm the luckiest fuckin' man alive, love. Welcome to the rest of yer life Mrs. Hayes." Nolan said beaming down at Caitlyn.
"Nobody has ever loved someone as much as I love you Nol." Caitlyn said running her fingertips across his jaw, feeling the stubble there scratching her fingertips. "Going to finally tell me where you're taking me on our honeymoon?"
"All ye need to pack is a bikini, love." Nolan answered with a cheeky grin.
"And sun-cream?" Caitlyn asked as Nolan winked down at her.
Thank you so much for choosing Caitlyn and Nolan's love story.
This couple has meant so much to me over these last few months, and I'm happy to finally be able to share them with you.
I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it for you.
If you're interested in reading more, please check out my other works.
Keep a look out for more titles coming soon!
~Cara
-Also written by Cara Roman-
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Definitely Memorable