Cheyenne worked hard to incorporate the Irish traditions into her wedding that took on a completely new meaning and a life of its own. She was not going to let anyone know that she was adding these Celtic traditions but her expertise was limited and she wanted to share some of the discoveries with someone else. Mom O’Connor had been the perfect person to do that with because she had the most understanding of why it was important to Cheyenne. It was to give honor, to carve a place out for herself. To show her intense love of all that was Quinlan O’Connor.
It hadn’t all been easy. The ring, for instance, was naturally a Claddagh ring but was usually passed down from mother to daughter but Siobhan bought one to be used for the ceremony. Cheyenne had a simple thin, inlaid and sculptured band Quinlan insisted he purchase and bestow to accompany the solid platinum Claddagh. The conversation that ensued over that was not one she wanted to repeat.
“I don’t get to buy your ring, so I’m buying this one,” declared her affronted fiancé.
How could she argue? He let her pick it out and she got a matching one for him. Siobhan spent a long time deciding before her son weighed in on the longer lasting platinum versus 18K gold or 24K gold, which was a good choice as it would be very strong in comparison to the gold.
“She’s going to be wearing it a long time, Mom.”
Next, Cheyenne incorporated a verse she found that gave instruction on when to marry and she had it in the programs for all to read and smile. Her favorite line, of course, was November, which read, “If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come, remember.”
Then, spending weeks to find the right lace, her soon to be sisters in law came together to find the perfect veil, an Irish lace dream.
“I found it. I found it,” yelled Alesha over the phone when Cheyenne answered right after finding the wedding dress in September.
“Found what? Do you know what time it is? Only ranchers are up at this hour,” Cheyenne yawned into the phone.
“The lace, I found the perfect lace. And for your information, ranchers and mothers are up at this hour.”
“Another reason to not get pregnant for a good while,” groaned Cheyenne.
It was an Irish lace mantilla but edged and embellished with hand stitching on the lace. Caoimhe worked hard to create the hand stitching on the lace and then the veil with the help of supportive sisters who watched her children when she needed it to give her uninterrupted time to create. Every time Cheyenne looked at it, she cried. She loved the lace so much she had ordered each of her sisters-in-law to be and her two mothers an Irish linen and lace handkerchief made of the same lace.
The groomsmen were more difficult and then she found cufflinks with the perfect-knotted design taken out of the Book of Kells. She excitedly showed it to Quinn who quickly ordered one for each groomsman and his father.
“Quinn, are you sure you want to do that? The cost seems prohibitive. I’m sure there is something that you might get for less money. Just get one for Da. I’ll find something else for the groomsman that’s similar.”
Quinn laughed. “We won’t do much for Christmas.”
“Christmas? Oh Lord, I’d forgotten all about Christmas with this large family!” Quinn just laughed as he reached over and soundly kissed her.
“You’ll get used to it. I promise. This year I have it all figured out so you won’t have to worry. The wedding on DVD and all of the photos are going to be put onto a memory card and placed in one of those digital photo frames. Believe me, it will be the best Christmas present we could give them.”
Quinn reached over and kissed Cheyenne as a mischievous look appeared on his face.
“That’s unless we want to give them a new O’Connor coming their way. Now we don’t have enough time to make that happen before Christmas, but we certainly could give it a try if you like.”
Cheyenne quickly shook her head. She had already given her earliest timeline to add to the O’Connor family and that was another year away before she would even begin to consider it. Quinn had easily agreed, so both knew that this was simply a joke, a tease. Laughing again, he leaned down and kissed her a second time, thanked her for the great gift idea and went out to do whatever Quinlan did when she was working on the wedding. Cheyenne sighed and prayed it would always be this way
She knew the “tying the knot” would take on special meaning when she had her brother-in-law Ciarán tie the two newlyweds together to symbolize agreement to be together for always in the traditional way. Taking a silk cord and tying the two of them together would mean something to the rest as she would make sure all the little traditions would be identified in the program. Therefore, while all would identify this binding traditionally, Quinlan would attach their own special meaning to the ropes and Cheyenne liked that. Cheyenne wished that Quinn would bind her to him in another significant and personal way. She was looking for him to give her some symbol such as a collar, but she knew that he would do it when he was ready and thought she was ready. Cheyenne knew that whenever he was, she was more than set to receive it.
Quinn wanted to ring the bell of good tidings after they were pronounced man and wife and the kiss was complete. He wanted to herald the new era but privately. The bell would bring good luck warding off evil. His mother was not as keen on that idea but didn’t speak against it. Quinn told Cheyenne it was to announce that the dye was cast and she was announcing she was his forever.
“Using that bell later as a reminder of who you belong to and as a warning might be a better deterrent that the threat of those spankings you’re beginning to like too often.”
“Hmm, I might like that new tradition.”
He winked at his lovely lady. “Nah, I’ll simply change the implement, up the anti—if you will. I enjoy reddening that bottom too much to trade it for something else.”
Her horseshoe ornament was in the bridal bouquet to bring them good luck. The tiny bells were strung for good luck warding off evil in the reception venue.
The dresses were each complimentary but simple to each body shape and were shades of the bouquets. Her flowers and the bridesmaids’ flowers would be Heather for Northern Eire and peaceful solitude, Bells of Ireland for luck and Forget-me-nots for true love. Herbs were for fidelity, lavender for love and devotion and a few wild flowers plus all of the flowers throughout the church were a riot of assorted colors and types that flowed over into the reception. She also had the meanings of the flowers in her programs.
Her dress included the Irish lace and the satin underneath with beautiful embroidery. Her hair would be done with flowers and ivy in amongst the familiar thick twist braid that Quinn often did for her when they played. The mantilla would come down in the reception and the embellished braid would help for dancing after the wedding as well as ensuring an extra touch of luck with a different rope braid.
During the seating of the guests, they would not have the piano but the harp playing. Cheyenne chose it because she thought it was one of the most soothing sounds and the harp was the most recognized symbol of Ireland but mostly because she loved the music, that floated from its strings. Finally, coming into the reception, they would all be greeted by the pipes while the wedding party finished the pictures and the guests socialized and had hors d’oeuvres. Then the pipes would herald the newlyweds into the room.
The groomsmen would be in kilts with their tartan of blues, greens, and gold and the tartan she learned represented Ireland for those who needed an identity, like Andrew. Da would wear the O’Connor tartan, in full regal style.
Parker would wear his own tartan newly researched and purchased of blues, reds, and blacks. They made quite a colorful men’s representation of the Irish heritage they were so proud of and the lone Scots/Irishman whom they laughingly said was close enough to count.
The wedding cake would have the bride and groom, in a kilt of course, but standing in the midst of a horseshoe for luck on the top layer of cake, that they would save for the first year, surrounded by a frosted Claddagh ring. Each lay
er would also be encircled with a Claddagh design and ivy with some Celtic knot embellishments. The drawing of the design was exquisite. She prayed the drawing and actual piece matched.
The groom’s cake was the traditional honeyed cake with the ever-present Irish whiskey soaked fruit enclosed, simply frosted, and banned from the children. Cian wanted to know if he should keep Molly from it as well and the men decided their women could have a taste of theirs but otherwise, should stick with the wedding cake and stay away from the Groom’s cake. There would be champagne and regular wine along with water and soft drinks. It would all be served with mead, of course, to which Parker was sure he would have to fight off Kelli because she was a honey lover so mead and honey cake would attract her like the proverbial bee.
Cheyenne tried to weigh in on behalf of the women of the family stating it was her wedding as well and if she wanted the women in her family to enjoy all of the treats in the reception, they should be able to enjoy all of them. Quinn looked over at his brothers and brother-in-law as well as Parker who was standing off to the side and tipped his head in their direction.
“I’m choosing not to make a stand on this so if any one of you wants to tell the bride that she must tell the guests at her wedding that they may only participate in certain rituals, by all means please do so. But,” Quinn held up one finger as a deterrent for one more moment before they spoke. “Do not ask me to back you up, don’t look to me for support, because this is Cheyenne’s day and I’m stepping out.”
Quinn did precisely that, standing to the side, eyes full of mirth, his muscled arms partially crossed as best as they could, waiting to see what would happen next.
“Parker, sorry old man, but you aren’t married yet and you can’t let her drink the mead or we will be shotgunning you to your wedding.”
“What? I have plenty of self-control and know how to use protection,” protested Parker.
“Huh? TMI man, that’s my sister,” exclaimed Ciarán.
To which Shane added, “Mead is said to make you fertile.”
“Mead more than likely makes you drunk and after a month of uninhibited sex, a eunuch would be productive,” remarked Liam in a voice turned stern. “And don’t have relations with my sister and tell any of us about it. That’s just against the law of man.”
Shane added, “Or at least the law of O’Connor.” They all laughed, but Liam was serious and they all knew it.
Each of Cheyenne’s soon to be brothers looked in her direction and each in their own way assessed the situation quietly for a moment before Liam made the statement they would all stand behind.
“Cheyenne, we understand this is your special day and we wouldn’t take anything from that. However, as I’m sure you’ve learned and will learn the longer you’re part of this family and to Quinn that the O’Connor men take control of their homes and the outcomes of actions that happen within that home. That includes social events, no matter how precious they are to us. It’s our job to make sure that our wives and our children are protected. When we know they will be tempted to do something that isn’t safe, we need to step in and do that protecting ourselves.”
“So we love the idea of the groom’s cake. It’s perfect, just not for our wives. Katie is already pregnant, Alesha, Jocelyn, and now I guess possibly Kelli,” Liam paused to look over towards Parker with raised eyebrows, “all have the possibility of being pregnant. We don’t think any of them are but you never know. Caoimhe’s pregnant and possibly nursing by then. She can’t share that in her milk.” He waited and Cheyenne knew what he would say but allowed him to say it first.
“So it’s simply easier if we say have a taste of ours but that’s it. Then, no one feels left out. No one has to be more careful than anyone else is and there’s camaraderie in not being able to do something together. You and Molly are the two who we expect don’t have any possible issue. Do you understand? We aren’t trying to dictate your wedding; we are trying to protect what is ours.”
While Liam was talking, Quinn came up behind Cheyenne and wrapped his arms around her waist and in response, she leaned back into his chest. He leaned down into Cheyenne’s ear when Liam was through speaking and spoke so only she could hear him.
“This is very much like I’m standing behind you without you ever noticing me here so that I could support you. When I reached out you naturally leaned back into me because you trust me, without even thinking about it. Each man is standing quietly behind the scenes trying to keep his family safe.”
Quinn kissed Cheyenne’s ear and straightened up behind her, resting his chin on the top of her head. Cheyenne smiled as she looked out over the men who were to become her secondary protectors from here on out and decided if she didn’t give in on the little things, she couldn’t make points on the big things. She judiciously inclined her head, acquiescing the decision.
“So long as you allow them to toast with us,” looking over at Shane and Ciarán saying, “with the exception of Caoimhe and Katie, of course, we have sparkling cider for them, then I’ll do the same as the others.” Looking up at Quinn, she added, “If the groom will share with his bride.”
“Always, my dear, what is mine is always yours.” Quinn leaned down to kiss Cheyenne before breaking up the little group to get more work done.
“That was perfect,” Quinn whispered to Cheyenne against her lips. “You are perfect.”
While working to put all the last touches she thought Quinn wanted in the wedding, she was able to find a few moments during the week to have a calm luncheon with the women who had begun to be the most special in her life. She had several close friends, her mother, and then she had the eight women in her life who came into it first because of Quinlan and now because of her. Maybe in the future, nine, if Cian stayed with Molly.
This group of kick butt women laughed, cried, and committed themselves to each other as a bonded force against the world’s idea of what family should be. To these women and their families, it meant together. No matter what came into their lives, they endured and enjoyed together. This family planned on staying a family no matter what was thrown at it and Cheyenne was grateful to be allowed in its sacred circle of strong women.
It was an important realization right at that moment because as they were enjoying their lunch, Maggie walked up, toned body well exposed, to offer her congratulations.
“Do you love where you’re going on your honeymoon? I mean, how awesome. Quinn is so thoughtful. But, you know that already. I mean, he has so many attributes, if you know what I mean, to do all the things he can do and then, to marry you.” The implication was clear but Maggie had no idea she was talking into the shark tank of protection.
Kelli, always the first to bite, said, “I don’t think we’ve met, I’m Kelli, Quinn’s sister, and you are…”
Maggie paused for a moment but then smoothly dove into the tank. “I’m Maggie. Quinn and I, um, are good friends. We have a standing date every Thursday and have had for quite a while. He has mentioned you before. It’s nice to meet you finally.”
Cheyenne’s mouth dropped open and the look on her face told the family she was about to do battle in full display of the restaurant, a free floorshow with their lunch. While her companions would have loved the act, they knew the owners and their men would not. Jocelyn and Mom O, sitting on either side of Cheyenne, immediately each placed a hand on her hand to stay her attack. Kelli smoothly began the introductions.
“Nice to meet you. Sorry my brother hasn’t mentioned you but let me introduce you to the rest of the group.”
By the time she had introduced the women, Maggie was rubbing her hands on her expensive slacks and quickly remembered an engagement elsewhere, racing from the room. The women laughed, all except Cheyenne who excused herself to the bathroom. When Mrs. Sterling went back to eating her lunch, Siobhan quietly followed Cheyenne.
“Cheyenne,” she said as she gathered the young woman she already called daughter into her comforting arms.
The moment Chey
enne heard Siobhan’s voice and felt her arms close around her she burst into tears. Siobhan walked them to one of the small sofas in the powder room and gathered her close, whispering soothing words. Cheyenne cried herself out eventually.
“What am I going to do, Mom? Quinn said it was a surprise but I don’t want any more surprises. Please tell me what to do.”
“Well, my advice is to not allow a stupid woman to shake the foundations of your trust in Quinlan but I do suggest a strong conversation.”
“I tried to approach the subject before and that is when he told me it was a surprise but I agreed not to ask about it again.”
“Oh, a stór, he doesn’t know about this latest event. I say you tell him what happened and watch what that man does. I’d say he is sure to take care of it instantly. Quinn has never stood by and allowed anyone he loved to hurt. You are his most prized possession and I hope he is yours. We fight for what we hold dear.”
“You’re right. I am angry about this whole thing but only because I am so hurt. Jocelyn has taught me to look first to see what is fueling my anger and it helps to know what to do. Usually.” She smiled half-heartedly and hugged this endearing Irish woman, her love growing stronger. There would be no mother-in-law jokes about Siobhan because it was obvious she made sure she wasn’t that type of mother-in-law. Cheyenne was so glad.
Walking out of the powder room after repairing her face, they found Kelli waiting for them with their lunches neatly wrapped to take home.
“Are you okay, Cheyenne?” After affirmation, Kelli continued. “Well, the rest have gone home to get back to preparing for the wedding. We will get back to the house so you can finish lunch and do what you need to.” Her voice hardened, “After you talk to Quinlan O’Connor that is. I can kick some brotherly butt if you need me to.”
Accepting His Ways (Quinlan O'Connor Book 2) Page 18
