Hello, my loves! It's been a while, but my new story "A Chosen Love" has taken some of my time (and I hope you love it too). Pleus, I was waiting on contribution from my dear friend ClaymoreQueen6176 for these next few chapters and she DID NOT disappoint! She wrote the majority of this one (I only added some color), so give her love and praise in your Review! As always, all my love to wwechristina, Tm12Brady, GoldenGirl1920 and ClaymoreQueen6176 for being the best ladies ever! Love you all!
The chapter will backtrack just a touch at the beginning to show what happened just before the gang landed. OK...Will Drew, Cherry and the gang get there in time to be with Phoenix and Sheamus when they elope? Let's find out! Enjoy!
The Dublin Affair: Part 4 - Hope We're Not Too Late
Aboard the Jamie Lu
Cherry was feeling nervous and frustrated at the same time. She mumbled to herself, "All I wanted was to be there for her as she was for me." This entire trip was a whirlwind. So many life altering events had happened in Scotland. Telling Drew he was going to be a father two times over, suffering a head injury, her tormentor killed, and getting married to the love of her life. She sighed as she tried to rest, but the fact that Christine and Sheamus had run off to elope weighed on her mind.
Now, she smiled as she looked down at her left hand at her wedding ring. Then, her eyes went to her husband and her friends. Kevin and Lady Christina sat, holding hands nervously. Kevin sighing and Lady silent as the plane flew to its destination of Dublin Ireland. Denise and Randy were quiet as well. Denise was overjoyed to become an Angel. But she was just as nervous about her future in that job and the fact that she was going to become a mother.
In the first seat next to Cherry, sat Drew. He shook his head. In a way, he understood why Christine and Sheamus ran off. But it didn't mean he had to like it. Now up in the air on their way to Dublin, what happened was painfully real. He stood up and addressed the group, "Lads, ladies. Here's the plan. We land in about twenty-five minutes. I know that's not a lotta time, but we'll make the best of it. Let's get dressed and get ready. We gotta figure out where they're at."
He grabbed his bag, going to his and Cherry's private room. She followed him and said, "Drew, I'm really trying to not be too mad at them. But I can't help it." He said "I'm not mad. I'm just...aw, hell I kinda understand why. Sheamo has a brother. A younger brother. They haven't talked in years. It's a horrible rift. I feel as if it's my fault."
She put her hand on his shoulder, "How would it be your fault?" Drew shook his head, "Aye. We got together, Sheamo and I. Jack, that's Sheamo's brother...he thought it was stupid. He blamed me fer the rift. Said I took Sheamo from him and the family. We had the same dream ta come ta America and bacome wrestlers."
Cherry only embraced Drew, "Hey. Don't say that. It's not your fault." Drew shrugged, changing his clothes. He quickly changed into his black leather kilt, a dark blue button down shirt, and a black coat. Cherry changed into her flare leg ruby red two-piece set, fixing her hair and putting her makeup on. Drew grabbed her and kissed her, "Gods, yer sa fucking beautiful. Try not ta be too mad a Phoen. She didn't mean any harm by running off. Besides, ya don't need tha stress with these two beauties." He reached down to cradle her lower belly. They rejoined the group, everyone dressed up quickly given the time they had. Dom came over the intercom, announcing that the plane was to land in about ten minutes.
The Dublin Streets
The two cars drove through the scenic streets of old Dublin town. In the first car, Sheamus and Christine drove, with his mother and dad in the backseat. His brother, Jack, was behind them. Christine said, turning to the couple behind her "Ireland is so beautiful." Martin nodded, "Aye, that it is, Lass. We were a wee bit sad when Stephen and Andrew left."
He sighed, "I remember how much his mum, dear Angela, she cried. Gods, she cried. But she knew her baby boy was destined to do good. Just like our Stephen." Sheamus giggled, "Ah, Da! Yer too kind. We weren't exactly choir boys, eh?" Martin snickered, "Well, yer right. Ya and Galloway were very naughty. I'm sure his missus has her hands full, right?"
Both Christine and Sheamus answered, "Yep!" Sheamus shook his head, "He's always the pain in my arse, always. But we've been there fer each other. Had each other's backs Good, bad, all of it." Christine laughed, "And besides, the more people to mess with McInFart, the better." Davina exclaimed, "Now, now! Ya all be nice ta Andrew. He's a sensitive boy."
Sheamus laughed louder, "Sensitive! Haggis?! Tha muppet? The same one that trew me an 'Old Bastard' bowling alley birthday party recently?" Christine considered, "Actually, honey. That was kinda funny." Davina said firmly, "I want ya ta be nice, Stephen." Sheamus rolled his eyes, "OK OK! Ma, fer ya only."
They drove on to the old pub named McFerson's, just outside of Dublin. Sheamus and Jack both pulled up to it and parked beside each other. Christine said as she got out, helping Davina, "It's beautiful, it's got character. And it was last minute. Kinda like us." Sheamus sighed, "Yer not lying, Lass." Jack looked around the outside, "Well, this is a nice place! I will say this, brother, yer Lass has good taste." Jack smiled at Christine, who said, "Jack, thank you." He recalled, "Think I got in a few rows here. Ah, maybe they forgot. Besides, my big brother is a wrestling superstar. A champion." Everyone laughed as they walked inside, ready for the elopement.
The Private Airfield: Dublin, Ireland
Dom landed the plane, fretting about the time. Drew sensed the older gentleman who Christine protected was just as hurt as they were with them running off to elope. Dom said, "Mr. Galloway, sir. We're here. I just hope it's not too late." Drew swallowed the lump in his throat, "It's not. I can feel it. Dom, yer allowed ta call me Drew. None of this Mr. Galloway stuff. That's my father." Dom nodded, "OK. I'm just so used to...you know." Drew said, "Aye. I'd like ya ta come with us, Dom. If it's OK with ya. Yer presence is important. Ya been here as long as the rest of us."
Dom corrected him, "Longer, Drew. Much longer. I knew Christine when she was a child. You see, I was her dad's best friend. Knew the man when we ran the streets as young boys. Was there when he proposed to her mom. In a parking lot of all places! They were good people. Helped me out many times when I had nothing. And it wasn't like they had a lot. When they got killed, Christine was torn. She has a lot of guilt. I'd find her at a bar, or at the cemetery. Once with a loaded gun."
As Don talked, Drew understood the visions he had more and more. They all connected. The nightmares of fire. Haunting dreams of what looked like his ex-wife tearing up a wedding picture. The pain of loneliness. The undying fear of loss. It was as if he lived it too. Because he did. There were nights he was at the pub. Days he swore up and down that he was alive but his mother wasn't. And yes, those scary nights he felt the hurt and struggle of loneliness.
He exhaled, "Bloody hell. Dom, I never knew any of that." Dom said, "Of course you didn't. None of you did. Even you, sweet Cherry." She groaned, "I only know what she lets me in for." He looked out at the group, "Now we have to go. And please, don't be too mad at her. She loves all of you so much. Trust me."
Dom sighed as they got into the two waiting cars,and drove off to Dublin. Drew grumbled, Bloody hell! How are we gonna find out where they are? There are only a million pubs here. And I'm pretty sure Sheamo and I hit them all in our Irish Whip days." Cherry took her phone out, "Got an idea, Baby. So, your bestie got this software, kinda like when we found you after that witch drugged and kidnapped you."
Drew asked, "The witch? With a W, Love? Not a B?" Cherry rolled her eyes, "She's both OK, let's get cracking. She turned on the app and entered Sheamus' phone information. She exclaimed, "Oh! Here it is! Got it! They're at McFerson's Pub?" Drew hit his hand to his head, "McFerson's?! Gods! Out of all the bleeding places?!" Randy asked from the back seat, "What's up Drew?"
Drew scratched his beard, "Ah, nothing, Randal." Cherry folded her arms, "Oh no! I want to hear this please." Drew grunted, "Ok! Ok! Stu and I and Sheamo went there after a Def Leppard concert once. They both got these hot girls, and I got stood up! Their little friend ran ta some bugger named Donaldson! Ah, whatever. I got me a red-hot mama who kicks arse as good as I do." (Inside joke…if you know, you know)
Randy laughed, holding Denise's hand. "The more I get to know you, Drew, the crazier you are. I guess we were all a bit nuts." Denise said, "And we love you guys for it! Right, Cher? I know I love my viper." Cherry affirmed, "Right on girl! And I love my Scottie hottie Daddy." Drew rolled his eyes, "Ugh! Both of ya! Yer hormones must be raging. Randal, mate, we're in deep." Randy nodded, kissing Denise's hand, "Ah, I think we can handle it."
Kevin's Car: Streets of Dublin
Kevin followed closely behind Drew's car, nervously tapping the wheel. Lady Christina just got off the phone with Cherry and said, "They are headed to McFerson's pub. I guess that's where the elopement is planned." Kevin fretted, "Hope we're not too late. I feel sa underdressed." Instead of his usual three piece suit, he was wearing a pair of black pants and a pullover jacket.
Lady slid her hand to his, "You look fine, Kev. I feel underdressed too. But we gotta get there." Kevin asked, "Ya feel OK? I mean with the baby and all?" She looked at the ring he got her, "Yes, my dear. I'm fine, Kev. You did great with this ring. I love it!" Kevin confessed, "Well, Christine helped us. Me, Randal, Drew too." She smiled, "Aw, it's more special now." She touched the brooch she always wore.
Dom asked, "That pin seems important, Lady." She opined, "It is. Christine gave me this, four years ago. Our first Christmas together as the Angels. It was made from her great grandmother's diamonds. At first, I didn't want to wear it because I felt like I was intruding on her memory. But it's no good in a box." Dom smiled, "Yeah. She's great at personal treasures like that."
McFerson's Pub
Sheamus and Christine walked inside the pub, looking around. An older woman and man came out from the back to greet them. She looked from Sheamus to the couple, "Hi. I called about the elopement for three o'clock. My name's Christine Anderson. Well, soon to be Farrelly." Sheamus smiled, looking back at his parents and brother. His eyes got huge for a moment at just hearing those words. He panicked, "Lass?! We need a license! We never applied fer one!"
She produced the document, "Got it. It's amazing what you can do online these days." He blinked, "OK. But what about rings? I mean, yeah, I gotcha yer engagement ring." Again, Christine held up her hand, handing him a box. He looked at her. He knew who the weathered gold rings once belonged to. Her parents.
He shook his head fervently, "Lass. No." He looked down, "I can't wear this." She shrugged, "Can't what, Stephen? Wear my father's ring? Yes, you can. Because like him, you've protected me, been there for me, accepted me. So yes. It's yours. He'd want a good, strong, honorable man to wear it. Because that how he was."
She touched his bearded cheek when she saw the tears forming in his blue eyes. He smiled, "Lass. I'll spend the rest of my days trying my damnedest ta live up ta that." She sighed, feeling her parents' presence, "You already have. They give you their blessing." Sheamus only bit his lip, again looking at his parents. Martin nodded, holding Davina to him as she sobbed a bit.
The old barkeeper interrupted their moment and said, "OK then. Ya got yer paperwork. Ya have the rings. Ya got a wedding party?" Sheamus looked down, feeling the sadness of not having his best mate beside him, "Uh. No. It's us." "My Ma, Da and my brother, Jack." He held Christine's hand as they followed the barkeeper to the side of the bar. The barkeep smiled, looking at the two in front of him, "Well, let's get this started then, aye?"
Drew's Car: The Dublin Streets
Drew gripped the steering wheel hard as he drove into town, flying past all the familiar buildings from his days in IWW. He glanced in the rearview mirror, making sure Kevin was behind him. He groaned every time a red light or another driver slowed him, "Bloody hell! Damnit! Ya arse! Get outta my damned way!"
Cherry worried, "It's too bad we didn't have a policeman or someone to escort us. I just hope we're in time." Denise said from the backseat, looking at the website on his phone, "We should be. It says here on their site they do elopements two times a day, at twelve and three o'clock. That gives us about a half hour." Drew rolled his eyes, "We're gonna be cutting it close, guys. Bloody Jester woulda had us there already." Cherry joked, "Jester's got a lot of tickets, I'm sure." Drew shook his head, "Fer many reasons, Love. If ya only knew."
McFerson's Pub
Sheamus smiled. Although it wasn't the typical wedding, nothing about him and Christine had ever been typical. They were far from normal. He recalled that first time she walked into HQ. How he thought it was cool she was into similar things he was into. How she loved messing with Drew like he did.
He remembered the cruise, how they pretended to be married. He never danced that slow or that close to any other girl he had ever cared about. Then, he thought about that first time they made love. How he raced over to her place after she left him in a huff. He closed his eyes for a second, recalling the first kiss, that first time he held her to him, how he picked her up into his arms, the love building between them as they took turns undressing each other. How the passion built up as they came together that first time.
Christine held his hand, remembering that first time she met the Irishman up close. How handsome he looked. How good he smelled. The cruise where he told her he'd always be there. All the nights he stayed with her as she'd cry. How she immediately trusted him as she had never let antone else into her soul like the before. She loved how Sheamus held her close, their breathing rhythmic as they made love.
The barkeeper said, "OK! Since everything is in order let's begin. We have gathered here this day, this beautiful day, in our lovely city of Dublin, Ireland. Tha ancestral home of our Celtic forefathers and mothers. A rich history we have! A beautiful story we share with the world. It's a love story really. Much like tha one befer us taday…"
Almost five minutes away from McFerson's Pub: Streets of Dublin
Drew put the pedal to the floor, speeding up as he turned the corner. His voice was harsh as he drove and weaved, "Come on, wanker! Come on! Get out of my fucking way!" Cherry only gasped, "Baby, please! Let's try not to get hurt or killed. Especially us!" He smiled, "Nonsense, Love. I'm a safe driver. Yer tha one normally with the lead foot."
She gaped and smacked him on the shoulder. Denise piped up, "Sorry, Cher. But he's not wrong. Remember that time you raced those guys in the Camaro… Cherry huffed, "Oh, shut it! They bet me… Oh, this isn't about me! I was very much not pregnant with twins back then! Drew breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank fuck! There it is!" He slid into the first parking spot he came to. The four of them got out, looking over at the other car approaching. Kevin, Lady, and Dom got out of the car, joining their friends. Drew grabbed Cherry's hand, taking a deep breath and listening at the door.
Inside McFerson's Pub
The barkeep proclaimed, "We're here today, fer this wedding. Fer Stephen and Christine. They've come here of their own free will ta get married. Love is a very powerful feeling. Love can have us forgive, but never forget. Love makes us whole again. Love is sa very important." He looked at Sheamus and then at Christine.
He asked them, "Lad? Lass? Ya ready ta be married?" They happily nodded. Christine gave Sheamus his ring, and he handed her the ring she was to wear. The barkeep spoke again, "Now, even though there's only this few assembled, I must ask. Does anyone have issue with this union? Speak now or forever hold yer…" The door to the pub opened. They all turned when they heard familiar gruff Scottish accent, "Aye, I do. As do my family here!"