Travels in Eire #72

The morning crept in quickly as everyone was still sleeping except for Maura and Mary as they started breakfast. Soon the aromas of Irish fry wafted through the house and one by one everyone woke up. The best cure for a sore head is a good greasy Irish fry and as the plates were put on the table those who stayed the night at the B&B took at seat at the table.

Ryan and Damian had taken the last empty room upstairs. Darren shared his room with Keith, so thankful that the B&B had rooms for all. Darren, Keith, Ryan, and Damian all looked like they had partied hard, but seemed to be bouncing back with the breakfast and hot cup of Barry's tea. The table filled up and once again there was plenty of chat and laughter.

As soon as they finished Keith, Ryan and Damian headed for the Connemara Coast Hotel to check out arrangements there, shower, dress and head to the church. Cailin headed to her room followed closely by her mother.

“Cailin, I just want to check and make sure everything is okay with you.” her mother stated as she closed the room door behind herself.

“What do you mean, mum,” Cailin responded.

“Cailin this all seems to have happened so quickly and I just wanted to make sure you have no reservations about this wedding,” Cailin's mom looked at her with a slightly worried look on her face.

“Mum, I just realized the other day that I have never been happier. Working here in Ireland and being part of my heritage has been such a blessing. I feel like I belong here, more than any where. This is home to me. I know you will be so far away, but it's only a plane flight and I can come and visit anytime. And I hope you and dad will be over here more often.” Cailin tried to calm her mother's fears.

“Then I guess you had better get into the shower, or you will be late for your wedding. Hardly right to keep your future husband waiting on your wedding day!” her mother smiled.

Cailin had not tried on her wedding dress since the day it was purchased in New York. She decided to do her hair up as Ruth had suggested with two tendrils curled to the front. Her makeup had a light touch to show her beautiful white skin. A touch of green eye shadow with a dark purple eyeliner to accent her green eyes and a little mascara finished the look. She wore on piece of jewery around her neck – the Connemara heart that Darren gave her. She changed the leather chain to a silver one for the wedding. Her earrings were small diamonds that her grandmother had given her. Her last accessory was a green garter that she slipped on to her leg as she smiled. She turned to look in the mirror and smiled. It was just perfect.

There was a knock at the door and Cailin jumped as she was startled out of her thoughts. It was her father.

“Time to go Cailin,” he said slowly as he looked at her lovingly. “You look beautiful,” and Cailin could see his eyes tear up.

“Dad, please, I'll be in tears if you start,” Cailin tried to chide him into a smile.

Cailin's mom came in the room and had that same look on her face, but it was more. There was also a look of pride.

“Honey, Darren and his parents have already left for the church so he doesn't see you. We need to get going. They have a friend driving us there and he is waiting outside.”

Cailin, her mum and dad headed out the door. As Cailin looked at the car waiting for them she had to laugh. It was Declan, Darren's friend they had met a while back when they visited Spiddal for the first time. He was standing at the open car door with a big grin on his face.

“Cailin, there's still time. You could have me instead of that dolt Darren, you know,” Declan kidded.

“Declan, you are so considerate, but I've already made my decision here. You might meet some of my girlfriends though. They are all cute too!” Cailin kidded back.

And off to the church they headed.....