Page 172 of See You Maybe
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
County Kerry, Ireland—6 months later
Her wedding day started with rain. She woke in Declan’s arms to the sound of a steady patter on the roof of the cottage. Olivia smiled and pressed against Declan’s chest. “We have to get up.”
“I disagree,” Declan grumbled, pulling her closer, sliding his hand down to cup her thigh and pull it over his hip. “We have time.”
Her body stirred to life, but she pulled away and rolled out of bed, reaching for her robe, before padding barefoot to the door. “I’m going to put the kettle on. Your moms and sisters will be here soon to get ready, and you’re supposed to meet your brothers.”
“Come back to bed,” Declan called after her, but she only laughed, setting the teapot on the Aga.
They had spent a lot of time at the cottage over the last six months, and she loved the simplicity of their life there. Sometimes, they only had enough time for a long weekend, but it was worth it to both of them. When they were in Ireland, they could be themselves, away from the responsibilities of their jobs.
Olivia, now the CEO of Armstrong Electronics, was excited for production on XEROS to start next month in the rebuilt manufacturing building. Since Atlanta had become their primary residence, Declan had taken offices nearby so they could still see each other during the day if they wanted to.
It was still necessary for Declan to travel occasionally, but they arranged it so that Olivia could accompany him on those trips and work remotely. Fortunately, with Declan’s new role, he was in Atlanta more often than he was away.
Olivia had been worried when Declan stepped down as CEO of Bloom Communications to a less supervisory role.
“I don’t want you to do this for me?” Olivia chewed her lip. “You worked your whole life for this. It’s what you’ve always wanted.”
“I’m not doing it for you,” Declan assured her. “The way I’ve structured the new position, I’ll still have significant influence over major decisions, and I’m still one of the majority shareholders. It just won’t be what I do every day.”
“We can spend more time in New York,” Olivia blurted out.
He smiled, pulling her into his arms. “That’s not it, Olivia. I’m doing this for me.” Declan kissed the tip of her nose. “It wasn’t until you asked if I was happy that I even considered there was a different way. It’s funny what almost dying can do for your perspective. I will always be extremely vested in what is happening at Bloom Communications, but I also realized I love what I do at Bloom Capital. Why can’t I do both?”
“This is really what you want? Promise?”
“No question.”
She was eating toast on Declan’s lap when there was a brief knock at the door before it opened, and all five of the other Bloom females spilled into the room.
“Put the dresses over there,” Siobhan ordered the three women trailing her, weighed down with a variety of dress bags and boxes. She had insisted that even if the ceremony was only family they should all still have their hair and makeup done.
“Anne, you and Cami sit there.” She pointed at the sofa. “Dahlia, you and Cara, make him leave. Declan can get her back in a couple of hours.” She narrowed her eyes at her son.
“Please come in,” Declan drawled from beneath her. Olivia giggled and moved to get to her feet, but Declan’s arm locked around her hips. “Mam, you need to calm down. I don’t want you to stress Olivia out.”
Siobhan rolled her eyes. “I’m not stressing Olivia out.” She eyed her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, and her expression softened. “I’ve never seen a happier bride.”
“Hey! I was an extremely happy bride.” Cara huffed from where she was pouring herself a cup of tea. “And Cami, you were freaking glowing when you married James.”
“Leave me out of it,” Cami arched a brow at Cara.
“Siobhan said ‘she’d never seen a happier bride.’ We didn’t get to see you on your wedding day.” Anne pointed out tartly.
“You walked right into that one,” Cami laughed, both hands supporting her giant belly. “Ow! Dang it, now I have to pee. Can someone help me to my feet? I swear they both jumped on my bladder at the same time.” Dahlia took her hands and helped hoist her to her feet, and Olivia pointed Cami in the right direction. They all watched her waddle away.
“It’s been over a year,” Cara groaned. “Are you ever going to stop giving me a hard time about eloping?”
“No.” Siobhan and Anne said at the same time.
“You know what? I think you should take all the things you imagined my wedding would look like and put that energy into planning the next wedding.” Cara grinned.
“Cheeky little madam,” Siobhan groused. “Plan our dream wedding in two hours, pfft.”
“Oh right,” Cara’s eyes gleamed, and she turned to stare at Dahlia, who was definitely giving the petite blonde a death glare. “I meant the next, next one. Have you and Luke picked a date yet?”