Open Arms

Chapter Three

Happy birthday, my dear friend!

The smile he gave when his lips caught hers was genuine. Cheering erupted from all sides of the room but it was ambiance to him. Her veil was released from his fingertips and he palmed her hair instead. It was as if he hadn't had the opportunity in so long, and as if it was his last chance. He still couldn't feel his heart beating but he was okay with it. If he could, it might have distracted him.

The hug they shared after lasted even longer. Her nose found its way to his neck and she nuzzled into him, turning his red face darker. Stroking her hair he leaned in closer and whispered. "I love you, ya' know."

"I love you too. Really though, thanks for coming. I heard you went out on a trip before the show," she answered smiling.

"What was your first guess, the cans on the bike or Malcolm's inevitable concern?"

"His warranted concern you mean," she corrected. "You're nuts."

"Always will be," he said. "What, you think I'd miss seein' you walk down? An' miss your lovely face?"

"You're nuts," she repeated giving him another hug. He eagerly returned it, picking her up off the floor. The cheering hadn't let up, it only grew. Finally the pair separated and walked down the steps of the alter, hand in hand. Angus rubbed his thumb over her ring. The ring he gave her. Not the promise ring she wore the previous year while living with a criminal, this time it was a real ring. And it was him who gave it to her. He held her hand up and kissed it as they reached the doors and together they pushed them open, sunshine hitting their faces. 

Euphoria like none he had felt that day made his veins swell, adding to the various other emotions given him. A couple various attenders with closed fists left the church early, suddenly throwing their hands up, dousing the couple with a white rain.  Floods of guests followed them through the front doors, a few stopping to shake Angus' hand or give Hannah a hug before walking past them to find their cars. 

"What did we tell ya'?" Angus turned around to see Bon right behind him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. A glass of whiskey was already in his hand, despite the reception being held somewhere else. He took a drink then raised his glass and eyebrows. "'Ello, little lady, fine day, eh?" Before Hannah could answer, the remaining crowd had parted like the Red Sea, allowing for some very quick footsteps, and very loud swear words, to pass through. 

"-ya' fuckin' could have missed it, fuckin' takin' him along on your silly little trip-" At that moment the swearing increased as the man tripped over his own shoes trying to get through the crowd. Bon laughed behind his hand. "-ya' fuckin' buggers!"

"Mal! Glad you could catch the show, ya' saw it didn't ya'?" Malcolm sighed.

"Yes, I fuckin' saw it. But-"

Grabbing him with his other arm, Bon held the two brothers like they were his own siblings. "Took a bit longer than I thought, but I managed to pay attention." Bon laughed when Malcolm pushed himself out of his grip. "Almost had front row!"

"What are ya' thinkin'?" he asked. "Did you forget your brain on the nightstand this mornin' or did your woman last night trade ya' for her knackers?"

"Come on, Mal-"

"Fuckin' startin' in three minutes, Angus nowhere in the building..." Phil came up behind Malcolm giving Bon a mischievous grin, amused by Malcolm's annoyance. "George is no help, I had Stevie keep watch for you-"

"And a lovely job he did, right Phil?" Malcolm turned in surprise to see Phil, but his temper didn't falter. 

"An' you, were you drivin'?"