Sherryl Woods - Patricks Destiny

A lice had drawn on every bit of persuasive skill she possessed to try to convince Molly to be the maid of honor at her wedding. Shed even gotten Patrick into the act, hoping he could charm Molly into reconsidering the firm No shed uttered each time Alice had asked.

I wish you all the luck and happiness in the world. You know I do, Molly told Alice when she made one last plea. But I cant do it, not if Daniels going to be there, and especially not if hes going to be Patricks best man.

But how can I possibly get married without you as my maid of honor? Alice asked. She could see the stubborn light shining in Mollys eyes and knew she was defeated.

You pick someone else and walk down that aisle with your head held high and your eyes focused on your handsome groom, thats how, Molly said. Ill be thinking of you every second.

You wont even come to the wedding? Alice asked.

I cant, Molly said. I wish I could, but its not possible. If thats being selfish, Im sorry.

Youre not being selfish, Alice insisted, giving her a fierce hug. And Im the one who should be sorry. I shouldnt have tried to put you in that position, knowing it would make you miserable.

Molly gave her a halfhearted smile. It was nice to be asked, she said, then added wistfully, I love weddings.

Youll have your own, one of these days, and youll be the most beautiful bride Widows Cove has ever seen, Alice assured her.

A pretty thought, but you dont have to butter me up. Ill still do all the cooking for the rehearsal dinner.

Alice regarded her with surprise. You agreed to have it here?

As if Patrick would give me a choice in the matter, Molly said. But Ive brought in help for the night. Ill be far away.

Licking your wounds, Alice said.

So what if I am? Believe me, Im entitled.

I just wish the wounds had healed by now. If they run that deep, they could infect the rest of your life. If youd only talk about what happened between you and Daniel, maybe you could move on.

Molly frowned at her. I have moved on. I just dont care to set eyes on that weasel ever again.

Alice grinned at the heat in her voice. Yes, youve moved on all right. I can hear it in your tone.

I have, Molly insisted.

Then you could catch a glimpse of Daniel and not have it turn you inside out?

Of course.

Alice regarded her with a speculative look. Ill keep that in mind.

Dont go getting any wild ideas, Molly said, alarm in her eyes. Concentrate on your wedding and leave my life to me.

Oh, I have plenty of time for both, Alice assured her.

Not if you expect to live to see your wedding day, Molly said, her expression grim.

It was the heartfelt sincerity behind her words that told Alice everything she needed to know. Molly wasnt over Daniel. Not by a long shot. Maybe their relationship couldnt be fixed, but Alice had never let long odds stop her from trying. Besides, she was deep in the throes of her own bridal joy. She couldnt be totally content until everyone around her was just as happy. Unfortunately, in this instance, she might have to wait till after her own wedding to pull it off.

Patricks nerves had been pretty much shot by the time Alice finally walked down the aisle and stood next to him. He hadnt believed they were going to pull it off until he actually heard her say, I do, and the priest pronounced them man and wife. Then he let out a whoop of joy that could be heard in the next county.

Alice grinned at him. I hope I always make you this happy, she said, her tone dry.

No question about that, he said as he took her hand and marched her out of the church. Outside on the steps, he pulled her into his arms and gave her the kind of kiss hed feared would send the priest into heart failure.

When he finally released her, he tucked a finger under her chin and looked into her eyes. I love you, Alice Devaney.

She rested her hand against his cheek. Her fingers were trembling. I love you, Patrick Devaney. And all your brothers.

He gave her a searching look. Even Daniel?

Why wouldnt I love Daniel?

Because he hurt Molly. Even I have a hard time with that one.

Were going to fix it, she said with confidence.

Maybe we should concentrate on us, he said, regarding her worriedly. Molly and Daniel are adults. They can fix their own problems, assuming they even want to.

But I want everyone to be as happy as we are.

Not possible, he told her, pulling her close for another kiss. No one on earth could ever be as happy as we are.