Page 84 of A Second Chance Summer in Dublin
Down on one knee, Donal was holding a small, black, square velvet box.
‘I love you. God, how I love you. Everything about you. I always tell you that you are the measure of my dreams, and it becomes more and more true every day I spend with you. Will you be my forever? I mean will you be my wife? I mean .?.?. will you marry me?’ He didn’t blink.
For a moment, I felt like I was submerged underwater. His green eyes sparkled under the twinkling chandelier and his face radiated happiness. Then, resurfacing like a pearl diver, I regained my breath in a loud gasp.
‘Absolutely!’ My hand flew to my mouth as my heart raced, but somehow the moment felt perfectly natural. Just how I always thought it should be.
Donal opened the box to display a beautiful, emerald solitaire ring and he lifted it out.
‘It’s .?.?.’ I gasped again. ‘Oh, it’s so me! I love it!’
Donal took my shaking hand and slid it perfectly onto my finger.
‘I love you so much,’ I told him, my eyes filling with tears.
‘So, it’s a yes?’ He grinned.
I hear the sounds of footsteps on the stairs outside now and riotous giggling. I peer up to see the troops. Mia, Belinda, Amanda, Denise and Kathleen all pile down. They are all lookingstunning in simple gowns we have designed for them all. Each dress I create is infused with the spirit of hope and resilience, celebrating not just the union of couples, but the beauty of second chances. I have never felt more creative.
Except for now, when I am about to put on a very special dress. My own wedding dress.
‘Here we are, hun!’ Belinda squeals as the Kearney sisters and Mia pile in.
Mia comes straight over and hugs me tightly.
‘All right?’ she asks. Mia has almost finished her two-year contract in Belfast and plans to come back to Dublin so that herself and Marek can start a proper relationship and to take up a new position atThe Irish Times. Their friendship has blossomed into a full-on romance, as much as she resisted that. The last she heard, Michael had relocated to Monaco, taking up a new position with a toy-plane manufacturer. Funny how people can change.
A big grin spreads across my face. ‘Never been better.’
‘We bought you this.’ Denise hands me a bottle of Moët.
‘Thank you! Let’s pop this open. I’ll get the glasses,’ I say. I have some beautiful crystal flutes in my china cabinet as I offer a glass of bubby to all my clients.
The guests have all been briefed. Mine and Donal’s wedding is at twelve o’clock at Trinity College Chapel, one of Donal and my favourite buildings, followed by a meal at Chapter One restaurant for our parents, close family and friends. There are twenty people. No fuss. Great food. Chilled vibes. Just the way we wanted it.
I turn and walk down the soft plush cream carpet of my bridal store. My creations sway on delicate, golden rails, twirling like prima ballerinas as I walk by each one. I pay my rent, I work crazy hours but it has all been worth it, especially when I think of Donal.
The unconventional man who stepped into my life when I least expected it. With his quiet strength, quirky humour and steadfast support, he has shown me what true love should be. A man, I’m ashamed to say, I’d have taken on first looks and never got to know, if the fates hadn’t aligned. Warm, understanding, loyal, and beautifully imperfect. I implore every woman I meet now to open her eyes and I’m in the perfect business for it! My journey with Donal Kearney has been an adventure filled with the kind of laughter that hurts your belly, late-night design sessions, and quiet moments spent strolling through Dublin’s cobblestoned streets; eating and drinking and living life side by side, an equal partnership.
‘Let’s get you into the dress first?’ Mia suggests.
‘I can’t wait to see it on ya!’ Denise says.
‘Me, either.’ Amanda tries to peer around the red drapes.
‘No peeking!’ Kathleen laughs, phone in hand, waiting to snap me for her stories.
I step into the changing groom. The wedding dress that I’ve made for myself is hanging in one of my beautifulBy Grace Algardress bags. I zip it down slowly and take it off the hanger.
‘It all feels a bit different to the last time we got you into a wedding dress?’ Mia smiles at me with a quick wink.
‘Right!’ I laugh.
Mia holds it out and I step in. It’s a simple gown with clean lines and minimal embellishments, letting the elegance of my design speak for itself. I wanted a timeless silhouette. A-line, crafted from soft, flowing silk fabric. The neckline a classic sweetheart, providing a gentle frame for my face.
Mia takes me all in. ‘It’s so beautiful,’ she says as I turn to allow her to fasten the shank pearl buttons up the back.
‘The belt is around the hanger,’ I tell her and she retrieves it, hands it to me. I fold the soft satin belt around my waist. It adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the simplicity ofthe gown.
