It was March 17th and the weather could not have been any more beautiful. The sky was a gorgeous shade of blue and was spotted with a few pure white clouds. The sun shone brightly and warmed the air just enough to tone down the slight breeze that blew. The entire country of Ireland was in high spirits on St. Patrick's Day, as usual. The streets were full of people wearing green clothes, drinking Irish whiskey, and singing. In the small town of , the people were celebrating for another reason altogether. When , member of the world famous band Westlife, proposed to his girlfriend, , on St. Patrick's Day, they decided immediately that their wedding would have to take place on the same date, the following year. Planning such a large wedding in just a year's time proved to be a very complicated task for the eager young couple. The wedding had to be perfect. It had to be the greatest day of their lives. On the other hand, they had to accommodate both their best man and their maid of honor and make sure that the day did not cause either one of them any further heart ache.

              Just a few short years ago, had everything that any young woman could ever want. She made her living doing what she loved, singing and she did so as a backup singer for one of the world's most successful bands. She spent every day on the road with her best friend, , who was also a backup singer for the band. She was madly in love with her boyfriend who happened to be a member of said band and she was pretty sure he was going to ask her to marry him. That was the happiest time in her life. One phone call took that all away from her. She was sitting on the tour bus, watching her amazing boyfriend take a nap, when a restricted number called her cell phone. The woman on the other line sounded mad with excitement as she explained to how she had been married to when he was nineteen years old, a fact that had never been informed of. She was crushed. It was not the fact that had been married that bothered her so much, rather that he had never told her. While he had not exactly lied about it, he hadn't told the truth either. 's world was shattered into pieces. No matter how many times begged for her forgiveness and told her how much he loved her, she couldn't stand to be with him. Throughout their relationship, they had an understanding that they would never discuss past relationships. Both of them had had such awful pasts, that discussing it only brought up unnecessary feelings. While this had been the case, argued that being married was too important to have never been brought up. Either way, could no longer stand to be around . She quit her job and moved back to the United States.

              missed her best friend dearly, but her relationship with was too intense for her to leave him and return to the states with . The talked frequently and went to visit as often as she could. hadn't returned to Ireland since the breakup. also kept in touch with . The two had become very close during 's time in Ireland.

              Five minutes after proposed to , she called and asked to be her maid-of-honor. agreed before could get into details about how would be the best man and he and would have to dance together at the reception. The thought bothered , a lot, but she would never let that ruin her best friend's wedding. was more excited by the idea than was. He had never given up hope for the two of them. He sent her text messages everyday, cards for every holiday, flowers, and had even shown up on her doorstep several times, but she wouldn't even open the door. He planned on making the most of their time together. was due to land in Ireland the morning of the wedding. had flown to the States to go to a dress fitting with at a local boutique. She would be flying home the following morning. That gave twenty four hours to show exactly how much he missed her, how much he needed her, and how much he loved her.

              felt well rested and relaxed when she stepped off the airplane. She had slept the duration of the flight in her roomy, first class seat. She knew that was sending someone to pick her up and take her directly to 's house to get ready. Her dress had been shipped to the week before. She had only one bag that contained a change of clothes, toiletries, and make-up. When she exited the terminal, her heart melted.

            “ !” She ran towards the attractive man who stood with his hands in his pockets waiting for her. grinned, met her half way, and wrapped his arms around her. He hugged her for a few minutes before stepping back.

              “You look just as beautiful as I remember.” winked at her.

                        “You don't look too bad yourself, .” grinned. “I didn't know you were coming. I miss you so much. You should come see me in the States.” She insisted. took her hand and lead her through the airport.

              “And you should come visit me in Ireland.” He replied. It had been almost a year since he had seen . He took the trip with when she went for the fitting with . pouted. She knew was right, but she also knew that seeing on any regular basis would make her crazy. “We have a wedding to get to. I have to drop you off and get ready myself.” and caught up on everything that had been going on in their lives on their way to 's. He kissed on the cheek before she got out of the car and went inside. looked around and saw women rushing around everywhere, getting ready for the wedding. She knew that she had minimal time to get ready. She spotted in the corner, getting her hair done. smiled broadly at her.

              “ !” She called out. She couldn't get up, so went over to her. She leaned down and kissed on the cheek. “I'm so glad to see you. Gladys will help you get into your dress and then Diana will fix your hair.” smiled politely. looked very nervous. She knew she would have time to catch up with at the reception, so she put down her bag and headed over to the woman who stood next to a clothes rack that held the only remaining bridesmaid dress.

              After a few minutes, she was in her dress. She looked at herself in the full length mirror and nodded in approval. She was glad that she had gone tanning because the dress was strapless. It was emerald green. The top of the dress was fitted and it had a pick up skirt. After Gladys finished tucking and tying, headed over to get her hair done. She sat in the chair beside , who was getting the finishing touches done on her hair.

              “You look beautiful, .” She said to her best friend.

              “Thanks!” blushed. “So do you. 's going to be eating his heart out.” bit her lip and wished she hadn't said that, but it was too late. “Sorry, I didn't mean to bring him up.”

              “Don't worry about it.” assured her. “I have to spend the day with him, so I might as well get used to the idea, right?” shrugged. smiled at her friend. She and hoped that and might be able to rekindle what they had. When the two were a couple, all was right with the world. Now that they were separated, things seemed thrown off. It used to be the six of them doing everything together. Now, 's presence was nonexistent and was never quite himself.

He hadn't even made an attempt at dating since they split. had given it a try. She had gone on several dates over the years, but she found herself comparing every single man to and no one could hold a candle to him, not in any way. “Are you nervous?” asked, trying to shake the thoughts of from her head.

              “A little.” shrugged. “Not about getting married, but there are going to be a ton of people at this wedding. What if I trip?” couldn't help but laugh at her friend. was on the clumsy side. hoped that for 's sake, she didn't trip.

              “Don't worry.” placed a reassuring hand on 's shoulder. “Today is going to be the greatest day of your life.”

              The time leading up to the wedding seemed to fly by. Each of the girls had finished dressing and having their hair and makeup done. They piled into the limousine and headed towards the church. Each of the girls had a glass of wine to loosen up. wished there had been something stronger in tow. She was incredibly anxious about the moment her eyes found him in the church. It was likely that everything she ever felt for him would come rushing back to her, the good and the bad. She just wanted to make it through the day without crying, unless of course they were tears of joy for the happy couple, and without an argument. felt butterflies in her stomach when the limo pulled up outside of the church. felt them as well. They both took a few deep breaths. The other girls climbed out of the car. The wedding would be starting in moments. They would be going straight inside from the limo.

              “You look beautiful, it's going to be perfect.” assured , giving her hand a squeeze. smiled sweetly at her.

              “Thank you. You look beautiful, too. I know you're nervous, but maybe it'll be nice for you to see him. Thank you so much for doing this.” stated sincerely. “I know it's hard for you, but I wouldn't want any other woman standing there beside me.” Both girls fought back tears. The last thing either of them wanted to do was to walk into the church with mascara running down their faces. stood just in front of where stood, waiting to make her way into the church. The wedding march could be heard being played on the organ outside in the street. felt like there was a knot the size of a softball in her stomach. The bridesmaid who stood directly in front of was making her way down the aisle. held onto the bouquet in her hands like her life depended on it. Her knuckles were white. She held her eyes on the floor as she began the walk. She turned to the side and smiled at the camera and some familiar faces in the crowd. She spotted 's mother and father, who both grinned at her. His mother blew a kiss at her. smiled back and fought the urge to call out to them. She continued until she saw 's parents sitting on one side and 's mother on the other. She had to look up to keep herself from tripping up the stair to her spot. Her eyes wandered to the right and caught a glimpse of the last man on Earth who she wanted to see. He was even more gorgeous than she remembered. He wore a black tuxedo, a white dress shirt, and an emerald green tie. His eyes sparkled under the bright church lights. He was looking directly at her. He smiled broadly, his dimples lighting up the whole room. turned away quickly. She had had the exact same reaction to seeing him as she expected. Despite everything that had happened between them, she was totally and utterly in love with him. Just seeing him made her feel at home. Great. She thought to herself. She had to make it through the night in one piece. She'd be on the flight home in less than twenty four hours and she could go back to her quiet, normal, boring, lonely life.

                        She had looked far more beautiful than had imagined she would. She looked great in emerald, or any other color she wore. Her hair was down in loose curls that fell on her shoulders. Her hazel eyes averted his stare, but he could tell she noticed him. He wanted to rush from his spot, scoop her up in his arms, and kiss her, but that would be inappropriate. He would just enjoy the view for the rest of the ceremony.

              's attempt to not cry during the ceremony was unsuccessful. She couldn't have been happier for her best friend. had met and fallen in love with the perfect man for her and nothing had come between them. They would probably have kids soon and would become a Godmother. She had just a few more hours to get through.

              As the guests took their seats, the wedding party waited in a small room for their introductions. stood in a corner, talking to . She had been avoiding , which he could tell, and backed off – temporarily. The DJ began by introducing the parents of the groom and then the bride. He introduced the flower girl and the ring barer. Then, he began introducing the bridal party. took her spot in line and could feel 's presence beside her. She didn't look. She stood still and listened. The two standing in front of them had just made their way into the hall.

              “Ladies and gentleman,” The DJ said over the microphone, “formerly one of the hottest couples in Ireland and now one of the saddest love stories of all time, Rebecca Carlisle and . huffed and rolled her eyes. She made a mental note to kill whoever was responsible for that introduction. Before she had a chance to protest, grabbed by the hand and pulled her through the entrance and into the hall. There was applause from every corner of the room. grinned when she spotted 's parents clapping. They were so cute. After and had made their entrance, everyone took their seats and ate. sat to the right of and to the left of . kept stealing glances at . Every move she made delighted him. After the cake had been cut, and shared their first dance together as a married couple. They danced to Unbreakable. Several of the guests shed tears, including and 's band mates. danced with her father and with his mother. “Now,” the DJ began when 's mother had taken her seat, “normally this would be the time when the bridal party would have their dance, but we're going to have a special dance right now.” The first few chords to Where We Are played. hadn't realized had left the table, but he stood now in the center of the dance floor, alone. didn't say anything. He looked straight at as if he was waiting for something. leaned close to and whispered into her ear.

              “Go dance with him.” looked over at . 's eyes were filled with hope. knew that this was going to be hard for her, but she also knew it would make happy. She stood up and lifted her dress slightly as she walked in 's direction. The lyrics had begun as she made her way onto the dance floor.

                        Stay. Stay where you are
            Don't let me go, don't let me go
            We made it this far

              stood face to face with . His eyes held her gaze. He extended his hand to her. She accepted and he pulled her close. Her movements were guarded at first. She was uncomfortable and confused.

              Oh baby, stop, stop right there
            Don't walk away, don't walk away
            Into thin air
            We survived the crash, made it through the wreckage
            Standing here at last, so perfectly written

              avoided his eyes. She closed hers and rested her head on his shoulder. held her closer. felt at home. She had spent so many of her days in his arms. This felt like the right place for her to be. She allowed herself to forget about all of the negative things that had happened between her and just for this moment.

              Now where we are is where we're supposed to be
            Where we are keeps the breath in me
            Where we've been, we've risen from the deep
            Where we're now, no one can tear us apart
            That's where we are

              opened her eyes when the music stopped, but still held her close and continued dancing. Now, without the music, sang. He sang quiet enough for her to feel like he was singing just to her, but loud enough for the rest of the room to her. “Don't, don't turn around. We gotta let, we got to let go of the past now. Feel me by your side. We're out of danger, no reason to hide. We survived the storm, made it through the hurricane. Standing here at last, dry despite the rain. Now where we are is where we're supposed to be. Where we are keeps the breath in me. Where we've been, we've risen from the deep.        Where we're now, no one can tear us apart. That's where we are. That's where we are. Stay, stay where you are. Now where we are is where we're supposed to be. Where we are keeps the breath in me. Where we've been, we've risen from the deep. Where we're now, no one can tear us apart. That's where we are. That's where we are.” The entire room erupted into applause. could hear loud whistles coming from the bridal party. blushed and finally looked up at . His eyes were glassy like he was ready to cry. He had a tear lingering by his tear duct that had yet to fall. reached up and wiped it away with her thumb.

              “Don't cry.” She said and slapped him on the arm. She could feel tears of her own welling up. She had to struggle to keep from crying. “Don't you think you jumped the gun just a little with that song?” asked him.

              “I think it was worth the risk.” He shrugged. “It could be our song.”

              “It could be.” nodded and walked back towards . hugged her. She could see the tears in 's eyes.


              “Happy or sad tears?” asked. She had hoped for 's sake that she and could at least attempt to work things out. She pictured it differently, with confessing to the entire room that she was madly in love with and kissing him passionately on the dance floor.

              “A mixture.” said, wiping a stray tear from her cheek.

              “Well time for the bouquet!” grinned. She grabbed by the arm and pulled her towards the dance floor. agreed, for 's entertainment, to join in the scrimmage for the bouquet. She didn't plan on making too much of an attempt at actually catching it. All of the single women in the room crowded around. stood with her back to the crowd. She counted backwards from five and let the small bouquet of flowers fly through the air. Just as the bouquet was about to land, all of the women took a huge step back, leaving standing by herself. The bouquet landed on the floor right in front of her. ground her teeth. “Pick it up!” called to her. shrugged and picked up the bouquet while adding every single woman in the room to her list of people to kill. When went to throw the garter, a similar phenomenon happened, leaving to catch the garter. hurried into the center of the dance floor with an empty chair and put it down in front of .

              “Have a seat!” He grinned and winked at her.

                        “If you had anything to do with this, I'll kill you.” She said to him as she sat down on the chair. simply smiled and walked away. took a knee in front of and the DJ played Imaginary Diva. thought it was awfully funny that almost every song that had played so far had been a Westlife song. took his time slipping the garter over 's show. As he inched it upward, he look up into her eyes.

              “Rebecca Carlisle,” he spoke loud enough to be heard over the music, “I know I hurt you and you don't want to forgive me for it, but I just have to tell you that over these past three years, being without you has reinforced what I already knew all along. I love you. I have never loved anyone but you and I never will. If you don't want me, I understand, but at least you know how I feel. I'm sorry.” He said one last time before he had the garter in its place on 's thigh. She wasn't sure how to feel. Her eyes were filled with tears again at 's confession and her body ached for him because of where his hands now rested. His face was brutally close to hers. He was waiting for her to respond to him.

              “ ,” she blushed, nodding her head towards the bulge in her dress where his hands still rested on her thighs. blushed, too and moved his hands. He took her hand in his and kept waiting. 's heart raced. She could feel every eye in the room on the two of them. “No more lies, .” She said simply. He grinned sheepishly.

              “Technically, I never...” narrowed her eyes at him. “Okay, okay. I won't push it. No more lies.” He promised. Another tear formed in the corner of his eye. wiped it away. stood and pulled to her feet.

              “Happy St. Patrick's Day, .” She said and kissed him softly on the lips. “Don't screw this up.”

              “I guess I've been blessed with the luck of the Irish after all.” winked and kissed her deeply. “Do you have green underwear on, too?” asked hopefully and winked at her.

              “You're not that lucky.”


THE END



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