All the way to the reception, neither Shane or Karen said a word. They just sat in the back of the car and looked at each other. They couldn’t quite believe that after they’d been through that they were actually married.
Most of the reception was spent talking to friends they hadn’t seen for years, in some cases. Mark’s best man speech was hilarious. He had dug up all sorts of stories about Shane. But Shane's speech, was the best of all in Karen’s eyes.
‘This beautiful woman sitting next to me, my wife, has made me happier than I ever knew was possible. She is my rock, my guide, my soul-mate. She smiles and I smile, she cries and I cry, she laughs and I laugh. Everything she does I do with her, in body or in spirit. Thank you to Nicky and Georgie for introducing us, thanks to Ronan for sticking by me, and letting me back in the band! Thank you to all of you for coming today, but most importantly, thank you to Karen, not just for being you, but for being part of us.’ He raised his glass. ‘For being part of us.’
Tears came to Karen’s eyes. ‘I love you,’ Shane mouthed down at her. ‘I love you too,’ she mouthed back. Then it was their dance. The band they had hired started playing their song again, and Shane took Karen’s hand and led her to the dance floor. She buried her head into his shoulder, so that no-one could see the tears of joy rolling down her cheeks.
‘Hey you,’ Shane said gently, lifting Karen’s chin up to look at him. 'What’s wrong?’
‘I’m happy, I think. Yes, I am. I just wish my dad could be here.’
‘He is here. He wouldn’t miss this for the world.’
‘Shane, I’ve got something to tell you. But I’m scared to tell you now.’
‘Wait a few minutes. After the song’s over, we can go outside and talk.’ She nodded and bit her lip to stop her from crying again.
Sure enough, when the song was over, everyone clapped, and Shane took Karen outside. As soon as they were outside Karen started crying again.
‘Honey, what’s wrong? Tell me.’ She shook her head. ‘Baby, tell me. You’re scaring me. What’s the matter?’
‘We....we....we.....we were going to wait.’ Karen sobbed.
‘Wait for what? Kar, what are you talking about? Are you all right? Are you sick?’
‘No.’
‘Then what?’ Shane strong hands wiped the tears away from her eyes and looked at her, so scared that something was wrong.
‘I...I...I’m.........Shae, I’m pregnant.’ Shane grinned from ear to ear.
‘Really? When? Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I only found out about a week ago. I didn’t want to tell you until later, but I’m already 3 ½ months pregnant!’
‘Karen, this is amazing!! I know we were going to wait, but I don’t care. Is everything okay? The baby’s all right?'
‘The doctor said that as much as she could tell without a scan that we have a very healthy baby. I’ve arranged a scan for when we get back from our honeymoon.’
‘I’m so happy Karen. This is the best news you could have given me!’ Shane pulled Karen back inside before she could protest. Shane tapped his spoon against his glass.
‘Shhhh, shhhh. Everyone, we have something to tell you.’
‘Shane no.’ Karen hissed into his ear.
‘I want you all to forget what I said earlier. I’m happier now than I was then. I’m happier because......because, we’re having a baby! Karen’s 3 ½ months pregnant!’
As soon as she saw the looks on people’s faces, Karen knew Shane was right to tell them then. She kissed him, and when she pulled away, they both had smiles on them that were so wide it should have been impossible, and all the hardships of their life together were forgotten in that moment of bliss.
‘I love you Mrs Filan.’
‘I love you too.’