Church Boy ♱ nh

Chapter 14

"Father Collins!" Niall beamed, "It's good to see you!"

Father Collins chuckled and wrapped an arm around Niall's shoulder, glancing at Winter. She offered a shy smile, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "So, you still haven't answered my question," Father Collins mumbled, "Your father didn't mention that you'd be coming for the wedding."

"Winter's father is getting married," Niall said, reaching out to take Winter's hand in his. Father Collins pretended like he didn't see it.

"Winter?" The priest raised his eyebrows. He glanced at Winter, "I don't think I've seen you around, Winter."

Winter shook her head, "You haven't." She extended her hand to him and added, "Nice to meet you."

"You as well," Father Collins smiled warmly, giving Winter's hand a gentle squeeze. He turned back to Niall. Clearing his throat, Father Collins mumbled, "Well, I'll leave you two. I need a word with the groom." He then excused himself to find Winter's father.

"See?" Niall nudged Winter's arm. "No big deal, right?"

Winter sighed and shrugged. "I guess," She muttered, before letting her eyes nervously travel among the crowd.

"Winter?" Niall's sweet voice interrupted Winter's worries and she glanced up at him. Niall nervously rubbed his arm and avoided her eyes while asking, "Why did you kiss me in front of your dad like that?"

"Because I wanted to," Winter snapped, before saying, "Why? Are you embarrassed?"

Niall shook his head, his cheeks burning a reddish color. "N-no! I was just-"

Sighing deeply, Winter closed her eyes and breathed out, "Angel, don't listen to me. I'm just in a bitchy mood because my father is marrying some random slut and not my own mother. That's all. Don't let me get to you. Feel free to shut me up if I get to be too much."

Niall relaxed now. He chuckled a little and said, "You will never be too much." He then wrapped his arms around Winter and brushed his nose against hers, whispering, "And, by the way, I love you, too."

Winter almost choked on the very air that she inhaled. Gasping in surprise, she backed out of Niall's arms and then quickly said, "Niall, you don't have to say that. It's okay. I understand. Don't tell me until you mean it."

His eyebrows furrowed and he looked hurt by Winter's words. "I do mean it!" He defended, "I love you."

She smiled softly. Somewhere within her, she felt like Niall really had no clue what love is. Especially because Winter was his first experience with... well, girls in general. What he was mistaking as love was probably just his attempt to make Winter feel better – because she'd said it to him and he didn't want to leave her hanging. Although, Niall knew he had some sort of feeling for Winter. He couldn't put a finger on it, he couldn't name it – but there was something there. He enjoyed being around her more than anything else. Even if they weren't speaking to each other. Just standing next to her was enough to make him happy. It made him smile every time she reached for his hand. He felt a rush inside of him whenever her lips touched his, even for just a quick peck.

"Okay," Winter quietly said with a weak smile spread across her lips.

"Are you Winter?" A high-pitched voice interrupted. Winter's head turned to face a black-haired girl with a tight red dress on. She was chewing gum. Her heels were taller than any shoe Winter had ever seen in her life.

"Uh..." Winter trailed off, glancing between Niall and this stranger. Niall shrugged. He didn't know any more about this girl than Winter did. "Yeah...?" Winter mumbled, "Who... who are you?"