Never Let Go.

‘Kieran’s POV’

Days turned into weeks and before I knew it I was back in Atlanta trying on my wedding dress for my final fitting at the boutique. The final alterations would be made by a seamstress in Dallas, much easier than flying over state lines. The all lace dress fit like a glove, hugging every curve of my body it was tight but still comfortable enough to move and sit down. I couldn’t wait to put it on for the big day, August 5th was steadily approaching.

As the end of March dawned upon us the added stress of playoffs came once again. Three years of this and I was still dreading the attitude change that came at the end of each season. The Stars were in a good place in the Western Conference and didn’t have much to worry about, it was evident they would be making a playoff run. But the Captain was always worried.
Between working at the Clinic, bi-weekly meetings with Sarah and the rest of the wedding planning crew, long nights at the AAC and constant practice and travel I felt like I was seeing less and less of Jamie Benn. Late night reunions and long phone calls were keeping us connected at this point and after piecing our relationship together just a month ago this wasn’t ideal. Our schedules are a hot mess but there was one thing we can’t avoid, our interview with D Magazine.

When the news broke that the Dallas Stars’ captain was settling down a dog fight began over who was covering the wedding. We left all of that up to Jamie’s publicist, I had a real job and better things to worry about than who would be talking about my floral arrangements and veil. Which I wasn’t planning on wearing anyway. D Magazine, or Dallas Magazine in its full right ended up winning settling on a pre-wedding interview with the two of us and the rights to use our wedding photos in their September issue. The day has finally come around as Jamie and I sulked our way to the magazine’s headquarters, Jamie’s tired from practice and I’m wishing I was at work. I’m sure we really looked enthused to be in the building.

The elevator ride up was long to the 23rd floor, Jamie’s back leaned against the stainless steel walls “This is stupid,” he complained as I typed out a message to my bridesmaids. I slid my iPhone into my purse before placing my hands on his shoulders, “Guess you shouldn’t be so popular captain,” His only response was sticking his tongue out like a child and kissing me before the door dinged open. We were greeted and immediately rushed into a room with a comfy looking couch fit for two and a small arm chair where we met with the interviewer. A middle-aged woman wearing too much makeup and an outfit that made me seem under dressed for the occasion. She set up a voice recorder while also taking hand written notes of our “body language” and “aura”. The interview had barely begun and I wanted out.

‘Jamie’s POV’

If I thought post-game interviews were bad this was a million times worse. This lady wanted to know every little detail of Kieran and I’s relationship down to the last time we fought and if we had ever broken up. We lied about our last fight, trying to keep the bar fight under wraps but Kieran did talk about the separation during our first year. That was the last time I was ever without Kieran and I wanted to keep it that way forever, hence the whole marriage thing. She asked about how we met which I thought everyone already knew but we told the “story” again, saying a small thank you to Tyler. Each question seemed to spark another and I was sure she was never going to stop.

We answered countless questions about the wedding itself. Where will it be, when is the date, who’s in the wedding party, why Texas and not Canada? If it could be asked she asked it, whether it was any of her business or not apparently it was a free for all. She wanted to talk about Kieran’s dress but Kieran pushed it off she refused to talk about it around me afraid she’d slip what it looks like. Kieran just smiled at the interviewer with her hand on my kneecap, “I’ll just say the dress is gorgeous and I am so glad I did Say Yes to the Dress, everyone will see the episode in November I think.” Kieran could walk down the aisle in a tablecloth and I would still want to marry her, no matter what she had on she was gorgeous. But I’m sure what she has picked out it is going to take my breath away.

Eventually the interviewer wrapped it all up wishing us well on our wedding day and for a strong marriage. After she left the room in came a photographer to snap a few pictures for the spread. Why they couldn’t just use more of our engagement pictures we’ll never know. But we smiled through the agony knowing freedom was moments away. In the elevator on the way down Kieran’s head found its way to my shoulder, “I need a drink,” she mumbled against the cloth of my shirt. I laughed but I felt her pain as I rubbed circles on her back, “You read my mind babe.”

20 minutes later in the comfort of our kitchen the tall red head poured two shots of Jack Daniels, she slid one to me as I stood across the island from her. Kieran picked up the glass, “To wedding planning, thank god we’re only doing it once,” she winked at me and clinked her glass with mine before throwing the dark liquid back like a champ. I sat my glass down as she reached for the bottle, “really?” I asked as she poured another shot. She just shrugged and threw it back, “I’m Irish, so 2 is really just one.”

Shaking my head I snaked my arms around her waist, “I love you my little leprechaun” she giggled as she kissed me her lips tasting like the whiskey she had just swallowed. “I love you too Jame. Only 3 more months, are you ready for me?” With her chin between my fingers I stared her into her bright blue eyes, “I’ve been ready since the day I met you. I was just waiting on you.”

Notes

the playoffs are coming, the playoffs are coming! both in this book and in real life! :D
Looks like the Godson will be named Finley Jamison O'Reilly, unless I get anymore votes by tomorrow! xoxo - Ally

Interview