Samantha turned and nodded. “Yes, nothing sexier than a man in a kilt.”
Sheilagh gave him a cheeky smile. “See?”
* * * *
Since arriving at the B&B, Alec had calmed a great deal. Colin, although not Sheilagh’s parent, seemed okay with what they were doing. The evening had been cordial and nothing was as great as seeing Sheilagh so happy.
The girls returned upstairs for some wedding project they were working on and Colin settled back into the kitchen table and slid him a beer after returning from putting the kids to bed.
“I think we should talk about this,” Sheilagh’s brother said.
Alec liked Colin. He seemed a hell of a lot more levelheaded than the rest. Alec sipped his beer and nodded. “Probably not a bad idea.”
“I’m going to assume you love my sister and know what you’re doing.”
“I love Sheilagh very much. Nothing in my past can compare to the feelings I have for her.”
“Good. She’s a handful and I think you have to love her so you don’t wind up strangling her.”
“Sheilagh is…” He thought for a moment. Sheilagh was so many things. She was adventurous, yet hesitant. Brave, yet afraid. Wise, yet inexperienced in certain realms. “She’s a beautiful example of being human. I love everything about her, even her flaws.”
“She’s happy with you,” Colin said. “I see it, where most people choose not to. Not the happiness, but the absence of the sadness.”
Alec put down his bottle and eyed Colin. He wouldn’t betray Sheilagh. “She’s been facing a lot of her fears, coping with them, and hopefully, in time, they’ll fade away.”
“I think going away to school was something she needed.”
“Agreed, although it wasn’t always something she wanted. She’s stubborn and lets the untried parts of life intimidate her.”
Colin watched him for a minute, his eyes scrutinizing. “Why did your last marriage end?”
That was a bold question, but in light of their current circumstances and the fact Colin was there to support his little sister, Alec was persuaded to answer. “My ex-wife is gay.”
Colin stilled, lips parted, gaze pegged to Alec’s as though measuring the truth of his confession. Finally, he said, “I imagine you and Sheilagh have had some pretty interesting discussions on the subject.”
That wasn’t necessarily Colin acknowledging the fact his brother was gay and Alec wasn’t about to divulge information that wasn’t his to give. However, there was another man involved—not a McCullough—and Alec wasn’t so inclined to protect him. “Are you referring to Tristan?”
Colin made the slightest nod.
Alec sighed and scooped up his beer, taking a long sip. “I won’t pretend I care for the man, but I respect the fact he’s an important part of Sheilagh’s past. That being said, I don’t like their relationship and will continue to dislike it until Tristan learns how to be her friend without the head games.”
“Sometimes,” Colin stated, his voice full of retrospect, “we’re convinced we should be something, but at the end of the day we’re just us. It’s a difficult journey, life, and we often get lost along the way.
“I’ve watched my family over the years and we’ve all had our crosses to bear. The twins, although different, both feel a need to obtain some nonexistent definition of perfect. Kelly is perhaps the only one that rejected the desire to do what was expected, which was never really expected at all. Finn learned that perfect doesn’t fit into a nice neat box wrapped in undisturbed beauty. I learned that being human is sometimes better than being godly. Luke will someday learn the same, which is, no matter what tomorrow brings, happiness is the only thing we expect him to accomplish in this life. Braydon…one day Braydon will see that the imperfections are actually the best part.
“I think you’re showing Sheilagh this, showing her that all those expectations don’t really exist outside of her own scrutiny, and maybe once she realizes that, she can be content with who she really is.”
Colin was a smart man. “I hope.”
He took a sip of his beer and stood, placing the empty bottle by the sink. “You do realize my parents will be upset. They’ll forgive you eventually, but you may want to proceed with caution.”
“For the record, I gave her the option of a traditional wedding. Sheilagh wanted a small private ceremony.”
Colin nodded. “And so she would. She may play the life of the party, but anyone who really knows Sheilagh knows she values solitude. She’s a lot more introverted than people assume at first glance, always thinking. It may not seem the case, but she needs that time and quiet to embrace what’s actually taking place around her. She savors those still moments of reflection when they don’t frighten her. You make her brave, Alec. I admire that.”
“Thank you, Colin, for saying that and for doing this.”
He nodded and quietly left the kitchen.
The house was set in dim lights. Amber highlighted the countertops and the halls were dark. Alec took a few minutes to reflect and found himself smiling. He recalled the conversation he’d had with his son at the airport before sending him off.
“Do you love her, Dad?”
“With all of my heart, Wes. She reminds me I still have a long life ahead of me and makes me want to live it. She makes me feel alive again.”
“She’s not the most stable person,” Wes said.
Alec laughed. “Are any of us?”
“I want you to be happy, like Mom and Claire. You deserve that.”
“I promise nothing I do will affect your future at school, Wes. I’ll handle it. I promise.”
His son looked down at his shoes and shifted his carry-on. “At the end of the day it’s just an establishment. I love my friends, but I’d give it all up to love someone like that. It’s not the materials, but the souls that we travel with in this world that give our life value. Maybe you finally found the true counterpart to your soul.”
Alec grinned. “Well, aren’t you turning into the next Socrates.”
Wes gave him a knowing smile. “Plato’s boring. I’d rather live and burn in Hades with the interesting people.”
It was something he’d been trying to teach his son for years, always lamenting that Wesley followed the rules that weren’t always justified in the end. He grinned. “Don’t go too crazy.”
“You know me. I won’t.”
Alec hugged him. “Just try not to be too perfect. There’s no such thing.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too. Send your mother my love when you see her and enjoy your summer.”
Alec stretched and carried his bottle to the sink. He walked through the empty bed and breakfast, the halls silent and dim. As he approached his door he paused and glanced back to the room Sheilagh was occupying for the night. Turning, he scratched on the wood of her door.
Muffled footsteps were followed by the turn of the nob. Her face peeked through the crack, small and beautiful. She would become his wife tomorrow. “Hi.”
“Hi,” she whispered, green eyes creased with pleasantness.
Soft light filtering behind her set her red hair in shades of gold. “I wanted to say goodnight.”
She smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
He looked at her and really tried to see her. This would be the face that greeted him every morning for the rest of his life. Warmth spread in his chest. Never had he expected his life to take such a turn.
Once he’d told his supervisor they’d be married by the end of the month all worries simply disappeared. Sheilagh would live with him in the house that had been his home for the past decade. She’d likely decorate it in books and dirty laundry, but that was okay. She’d never be able to legitimately take his courses, but she’d be his wife and they’d fill their days with intellectual discussions until they were old and senile. That was what he wanted.
Leaning in, he stole a kiss. “I’ll be the one in the skirt.”
She lau
ghed. “It’s a kilt.”
“I’m sure my British ancestors will enjoy the show.”
“Give them a good one. No knickers underneath.”
He smiled. “I love you, Sheilagh. Thank you for wanting to be my wife.”
“I love you too, Alec. Thank you for dragging me out of my cave.”
He stilled. Before he could say anything else, she whispered goodnight and shut the door.
As he lay in the unfamiliar bed of the B&B, he contemplated the days that would follow. He hadn’t been married in a long time and suspected this time around would be nothing like the first. There truly was no other person on this earth like his future wife and he was glad for it. She was his.
Chapter Fourteen
There seems a different sort of silence surrounding me tonight. My worries have taken shape in the form of contentment, seeming to surrender in and of themselves and the quiet isn’t so intimidating. I’m not sure if I believe in destiny, but I’m tired of waiting around for other people’s theories on the subject. I’m grabbing my destiny by the balls and finally doing something for myself. Something that makes me happy in ways I’ve never imagined. This sense of independence isn’t in a social form. It’s an emotional epiphany. I’ve decided facing my fears and admitting those frightening truths is not as scary as the anticipation of letting others down. But the truth is, this is me. He’s helped me discover who I am and every day he helps me find her a little more. He likes me, but more importantly, I like me. It’s been a long time since I’ve thought that. I think I’ll keep me exactly as I am. No more faking it to please others. If I can face change, so can they. This year has made me different in ways I never expected, but I’m so grateful I’m finally here, grateful I finally understand what happiness feels like.
The ceremony was perfect. Colin was the impeccable officiant and the Dougherty’s the perfect witnesses. After a quiet brunch, Mrs. Dougherty gathered up the children and Sammy and Colin said their goodbyes.
“Will you be coming home soon?” her brother asked.
Sheilagh hugged him. “My classes start back up in nine days. I think I’ll enjoy my honeymoon.”
“When will you tell Mum and Dad?”
“When I see them and after I hide Dad’s guns.”
“Good call. I love you, Sheilagh.”
“I love you too, Colin. You’ll never know how much this meant to me. Thank you for everything.”
He nodded and shook Alec’s hand. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you.”
As they watched them pull away, Alec stood behind her hugging her tight. “You all right?”
“Mm-hmm. I’m happy.”
“It’s a beautiful thing.”
A throat cleared behind them. They turned and found Mrs. Dougherty. “The guest house is ready.”
Sheilagh grinned and slipped her hand into Alec’s. They followed their hostess through the yard to the little enchanted cottage in the back. She giggled when Alec scooped her up and carried her over the threshold.
Mrs. Dougherty showed them where snacks were hidden and pointed out several bottles of champagne chilling in the discreet refrigerator tucked inside the closet.
Once they were alone, Alec turned on Sheilagh and gave her a full grin. “You’re a Devereux now.”
She smiled. “True.”
He stepped close and brushed his palms down the sleeves of her gown. “My Devereux.”
His mouth lowered and her body sung as he kissed her softly, passionately. Nothing else mattered and never before had she felt so right with herself, so accepted and loved.
When their mouths parted, she whispered, “I have a wedding present for you.”
His brow lifted. “You do?”
“Yes.” She turned and found her bag sitting on the rack at the end of the bed. Sifting through it, she found the carefully wrapped gift. Turning, she held it out to him. “Help me with my dress. I’m going to take a bath while you open your gift.”
He took the package and smiled. “I feel like a heel. I didn’t get you a gift.”
She held up her wedding ring. “I’m pretty sure this doorknob on my finger excuses your oversight.” It was a stunning emerald ring that he said reminded him of her eyes. She couldn’t have picked better herself.
Presenting him her back, he carefully unlaced her gown. His lips pressed into her shoulders and she sighed. She was married, married to her professor. It was perhaps the boldest thing she’d done yet, but she didn’t do it in the face of critics or in hopes of a reaction. She did it for her, because she loved him and he made her happy.
For now, she liked that their marriage was secret. It wouldn’t be for long. Eventually they’d tell the rest of the McCulloughs, but for now…she liked that it was only about them.
Stepping out of her grandmother’s gown, she carefully draped it over the settee in the corner. She went to the brass tub and turned on the water. As she turned, she caught Alec watching her. “What?”
“You’re absolutely stunning. You take my breath away.”
Her face heated. “Ditto. Open your gift.”
She lowered herself into the tub and watched as Alec took up the empty chair beside the fireplace. His fingers peeled back the ribbon and slowly unwrapped the paper.
* * * *
It was rather distracting, his bride lowering her lush body into that tub only a few feet away. He was touched she’d given him a gift, but his body wanted to join her under all those bubbles.
Peeling back the paper, he pulled his eyes from her lovely face and the creamy slope of her shoulders and glanced at what he was actually opening. His smile froze as his breath caught in his lungs.
My Interpretation of Plato’s Republic
By
Sheilagh McCullough-Devereux
He opened the cover and grinned. She’d done it. She’d written the paper. There was nothing trite or elusive about it. Her words decorated the pages and took shape in thoughts, provoking ideas, reflecting her personal ideals in this world. It was a true depiction of The Republic the way Plato had intended the reader apply it to his or her own life. It was beautiful, eloquent, honest, and brilliant. It was an A.
As he turned the last page he was sad to see it end. In all of his career, never had a fellow philosopher captured his intentions so well.
I’ve come to realize that philosophy is in fact the preparation for death. Our time on this earth is fleeting and precious. While Plato would have us strip away all the material elements that bind the soul to the body for the Form of the Good so that we may all someday be disembodied beings floating about in an afterlife of the purest form of beauty, there is no true evidence of such celestial guarantees. There is no god evident enough to disprove yours or mine and so there is only the here and the now.
Plato believed the true nature of good rested not in events, but in generalizations based on laws, laws dependent on customs, ever changing rules that define what is just, but it is one’s knowledge that will decipher such guidelines, and so we must continue to learn and grow and question what we are told. We must venture past the masses and into the light and never lose the courage to live.
He closed the essay and looked at her. Her hand dragged a sponge over her leg, extended above the frothy surface of the water. The simple motion was so innocent, so unsuspecting and absolutely, fucking erotic. Her toes were painted a rainbow of colors and chipped at the corners, yet she was magnificent.
This was Sheilagh with her guard down, the Sheilagh so many overlooked and the Sheilagh she had been so afraid to show. She was brave and true and finally ready to face the unpredictable tomorrows that would come. She’d face them with him, her partner.
Alec stood and went to her. Holding out his hand, he said, “Let me make love to you.”
She glanced at him, her hair forming tiny ringlets under the heat of the steam. Her hand fit into his palm and she stood, water sluicing down her curves. He picked her up, careless of the dampness seeping through hi
s clothes and carried her to the bed. His mouth found hers and she kissed him back with unbanked affection.
“Did you like your gift?” she whispered, her lips tickling the tender flesh beneath his jaw.
“I loved it. I think your mind is perhaps the sexiest asset you have and I’m so grateful you shared it with me. I don’t want you to ever stop.”
She ran her fingers under his shirt and pressed her lips to his chest. “Never.”
His mouth found her nipple and he drew upon her tender flesh as she arched beneath him. His eyes closed as she placed kisses over his arms, his shoulders, his heart.
Committing this moment to memory, he recognized that the happiness he’d known before her was merely an illusion of what he was feeling now. She was the light he’d been missing, the truth he was afraid to ask for, and so long as she stayed by his side, never faking, they’d overcome any darkness that came their way.
Epilogue
“How much longer are we supposed to wait here in the dark?” Wes asked.
“Until she comes back. Stop your whining.”
“I don’t understand this. When you invited me here, I thought we’d be having a nice visit with your in laws. I should have known better. There’s no normal when it comes to your wife.”
Alec chuckled and took another bite of chips. That was the truth. Sheilagh was a lot of things, but normal didn’t really apply to her. Not that he was complaining. He wouldn’t have her any other way. “Relax. We’re on a stakeout. Drink your coffee. It’s going to be a long night.”
Wes mumbled something and hunkered down in the seat.
Alec sat up and shoved the snack bag on his son’s lap. “Is that her?”
“Where?”
He pointed to her black form running from the woods. What the hell was she holding? She could barley carry whatever those long things were in her arms. It looked like a collection of brooms. He rolled down his window and caught the sound of her snickering as she jogged closer.