Chapter 23

One week later

Maxim

I was getting married today.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my sudden batch of nerves. Pulling my shoulders back, I lifted my chin and put on a brave face.

Was my Riley feeling the same way?

My mind drifted back to her punishment just last week, the way she broke and cried and came so hard for me. I'd been hard on her, but she'd blossomed under my firm hand. She'd trembled in my arms for nearly an hour, but she clutched at me like I was a lifeline. The truth was I didn't want to let go of her either. Afterwards, she curled up to me and said the three little words that would melt my heart every time she said them.

"I love you."

I didn't know if she understood the significance of those words, but to me, it was a promise, a vow, a way of life.

She was mine, and I was hers.

And I meant to show her that every day. I'd returned the sentiment and had pulled her even closer to me, wrapping my hand around the back of her neck and pressing my lips to the top of her head.

"Daddy?"

"What is it, little girl?"

"You were right. That hurt, but I enjoyed it maybe more than a little."

Her confession had made my cock impossibly hard. It also earned her a hard fucking that left her pussy as sore and satisfied as her ass.

We'd spent the rest of the day in bed together getting to know one another's bodies. I worshipped every inch of her and by the time we collapsed in each other's arms that night, we were thoroughly spent.

She was fucking perfect and now I was waiting for her to walk down the aisle to me so that I could make her my wife.

The scent of lilies and roses filled the air, blending with the old-world aroma of the old stone church.

Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the stone floor. I breathed deep, the scent of the flowery decorations scattered around the church surrounding me.

They were really quite beautiful. Riley had done an incredible job picking them out. I didn't know what kind or type they were, but she'd chosen an arrangement with blue and white flowers that seemed undeniably her, breathtaking and innocent and wild all at the same time.

I gazed out at the guests who were seated on dark wooden pews. The Murphys took their seats at the very front of the church. Ada smiled and winked in my direction, while Kieran nodded his approval. Cormac's expression remained serious while Aidan tipped his head with respect in my direction. The twins' mood was light, and they grinned toward me. All of them had their significant others with them and I smiled in greeting to all of them too.

It felt like I was officially part of the family.

As the doors at the back of the church opened, I turned to look, and my breath caught in my throat as I saw my future wife in her wedding dress for the very first time.

She was an absolute vision. The dress was elegant and simple, yet stunningly beautiful, with a flowing skirt and a bodice adorned with delicate floral embroidery. The deep V-neckline showcased her grace and beauty, while the soft tulle skirt floated around her like a dream. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore a delicate veil that framed her radiant face exquisitely.

A harp began to play, and Riley slowly made her way down the aisle, her eyes locked on mine. I felt my heart swell with emotion as I watched her approach, her smile full of love and joy. In that moment, everything else faded away—the dangers, the challenges of our relationship, her past—and all that remained was the woman I loved walking toward me, ready to become my wife.

As she reached me, I took her hand, feeling the softness of her skin against mine.

She smiled and just then, her beauty struck me.

I felt like the luckiest man alive.

The priest cleared his throat and the guests chuckled at our momentary distraction. Finally, we turned toward the priest, who began the ceremony with a blessing as the guests quieted down. The priest spoke of love and commitment, of family and unity, but I hardly listened to a word he said because I was too caught up in the loving gaze of my bride.

Riley had wanted a traditional wedding, so I'd given her exactly that. There was Irish music playing in the background and several Celtic designs scattered throughout the church.

When the priest moved on to the handfasting part of the ceremony, I smiled at her, and her entire face lit up.

He brought out a beautiful, braided ribbon that he wrapped around our joined hands, binding us together as one.

Riley's eyes met mine, and in them I saw a love so deep and pure that it took my breath away.

After the handfasting, we exchanged rings, simple yet elegant bands that represented our eternal love and commitment. The priest declared us husband and wife, and I pulled Riley into my arms, kissing her with all the love and passion I felt in my heart.

It was a kiss I would remember forever.

The church erupted into cheers, and we turned to face our family and friends, ready to begin our new life together as husband and wife.