Page 113 of Sins of Innocence

I turn my head and nod at her. "Yes."

"You'll have to wait to file the paperwork for the adoption until you get confirmation of your name changes," McLaren says.

Áine gasps, like the idea of me adopting the girls is a shock to her. What did she think was going to happen? I will offer them every protection I am able to, including my name.

"You may kiss your bride," Celeste says fast, before anyone can ask or say anything else.

I sweep Áine up into my arms, her full skirt and fluffy stuff under it ruffling in the slight breeze. "You're a beautiful bride," I tell her before pressing my lips against hers with a reverence I've never felt before.

She doesn't respond at first, but then her arms wrap around my neck and she kisses me back, a soft sound coming from her throat as her lips part just enough for me to taste the interior of her mouth. So sweet.

It takes all of my iron self-control to remind myself that we are in a public place and surrounded by our family. I force myself to break the kiss.

Her mouth follows mine and I press our foreheads together. "Tonight, baby girl."

"Tonight," she whispers back.

It takes me a few seconds to make myself lower her to her feet again. I could get used to carrying her around. She fits my arms perfectly.

"Right! Congratulations, you two lovebirds," McLaren singsongs. "Let's go on some rides to celebrate!"

Chapter twenty-three

Oh, What a Wedding Night

ÁINE

My hands tremble as I press the keycard to the lock on Kieran's suite.

This is it.

My wedding night.

I wasn't this nervous on my first wedding night, but then Troy and I had already had sex. I knew what to expect.

Tonight? Not so much.

After a long day at the park, everyone is fed and tucked into their room, if not their beds.

Except me.

Because I got married today and no way would my mom believe it was a real wedding if I suggested staying in the suite with Ellie, her and the girls.

Which is why I'm here, letting myself into Kieran's room.

Sure. That's why you're here. It has nothing do with wanting to climb Kieran like a tree and taking a ride on his big branch.

Stifling a groan at my inner snark queen's precociousness, I turn the handle and shove the door open. The sound of a shower running comes from the bedroom area and I drop the handle of my rolling case, leaving it right in the middle of the living room.

My feet are already moving in the direction of that sound without my brain saying, "Yeah, that's a good idea."

My inner hussy has it covered and she's salivating at the idea of seeing my new husband stepping out of the shower in all his muscle-bound, naked glory.

I stop on the threshold of the bedroom at another sight altogether.

A gift basket wrapped in cellophane covered in Disney characters sits in the center of the king-sized bed. And I just know Kieran didn't put it there.

I'm proved right when I pick up the card propped against it.