Mafia King (Young Irish Rebels #2) - Vi Carter Page 0,89

be here.

“Come in.” I turn away from the mirror to face my da. He looks proud as he steps into the room.

“You look good,” I say. He’s in a suit, and he fills it. I haven’t seen him dressed up in such a long time.

“You too, son.” He joins me near the mirror, and I can’t deny how much we look alike.

“What are you doing here, Da?” I’m afraid Liam told him that I didn’t have to marry Emma, and he was here to question why I was.

My da looks me in the eye. “Frankie should have been here with you.”

“I’m proud of you, Shay.” My da squeezes my shoulder before stepping away. “Your ma hasn’t slept because she’s so excited.”

That makes me smile. I’m ready to leave when the light hits my flask that’s on my bedside table. I turn back and pick it up, placing it inside the breast pocket of my suit jacket.

“Are you ready?” My da asks.

I smile at him. “Yeah.” I am.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

EMMA

“You are stunning.”

I spin on my heels and face Breda, who is standing in the doorway. I blink like she might disappear. She doesn’t. She’s really here.

“Mr. O’Reagan told me where to find you.”

Getting down off the podium, I walk quickly to her, dragging my dress with me. The moment I’m close enough, she opens her arms, and I step into them. I didn’t expect to see anyone. I wasn’t sure how these things worked, but I assumed I would speak to everyone after the wedding. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She tightens her arms around me. “You look breathtaking, but I knew you would be.” Breda stands back, and I step out of her embrace. I’m looking behind her to see if anyone else has come to see me.

“They are all out front. Your dad is ready at the aisle to give you away.”

My heart jumps at the idea of my family waiting out front for me. This is the moment I have waited for, and now I would marry the man I loved.

I force a smile. “Noel?” He’s the one I’m thinking of the most. I want to see him and tell him that I love Shay. That it’s okay, he doesn’t need to stop the wedding and rescue me.

Breda’s eyes dampen. She shakes her head. “I’m sure he will be here soon.”

“You’re telling me he isn’t here?” Disappointment courses through me, and I try not to show it, but I can’t hide the truth from Breda as she steps closer and takes my hands in hers.

“It’s Noel. He will be here.” The conviction in her eyes has me nodding.

Breda releases me and glances at James, who stands in the corner of the room. He doesn’t speak, and Breda doesn’t ask why he’s there. He hasn’t left my side for one second. He has been with me since I left the house this morning and was brought to Slane Castle.

“You look so grown up.” Breda smiles at me again, and I turn to the full-length mirror. The dress is everything I could have wished for with its heart-shaped neckline. It’s been handcrafted just for me, and the lace workmanship is stunning. The train runs down to the ground and a meter onto the floor. My hair has been pinned back, some curls manage to escape, but it’s perfect. I do look older, maybe even a bit wiser.

Breda steps up beside me. “Are you okay?” She half whispers.

I nod as emotions clog my throat. “I love him.” I turn to Breda as I speak.

Her smile widens, and she tuts. “He is a fine-looking man.”

I laugh, and James glances at us, but I don’t care. “You saw him?”

“He’s the one who told me to make sure you were okay. He’s at the altar waiting for you. He’s very handsome. I’m happy for you, Emma.”

I take a moment and drag in a sharp breath.

“Your mother would be very proud.”

I look at myself in the mirror again and try to see some of her in me, but I don’t.

“I can take you to your father now.” Breda holds out her hand, and I take one final look in the mirror before I take her arm.

Today we own the castle; no other guests, only the wedding guests, will be allowed on the property. The castle is huge, and the tour I got a few days ago had brought my childhood dreams to life. The hallways are arched and wide, the sound of my shoes and Breda’s echo