You & I (Sequel to What A Feeling)

“Sit down, Becca.” Kara says.
“Kara, what is it?”
“Niall’s here, but he hurt his knee.”
“Jesus Christ, Kara!”
Kara’s confused. “What?”
“What you said at the door. Geez, you made me think he was dead.” Becca says through labored breaths.
Kara looks back at the door, replaying the moment in her head. Recognition dawning on her face. Kneeling in front of Becca, “Oh, Sweetie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize how it sounded. Are you okay?”
Becca takes a deep breath in through her nose, blowing it out slowly from her mouth. “I think so.”
“That was Willie at the door. He said that Niall was running towards the church and fell in the mud. I guess his knee took the brunt of that fall. All I could think was, how long will it take him to get cleaned up and will he even be able to stand at the altar?” She lays her hand on top of Becca’s. “I’m so sorry. I’m such an idiot.”
Becca looks up, trying to hold back tears. “It just sounded so bad.”
“I’ll go find out what’s going on, okay?”
Becca nods.
Shortly after Kara leaves, there’s a knock at the door.
“B? It’s me.”
She moves to stand behind the door, opening it only an inch. “You can’t see me, Niall.”
“I know, Darling, I’ll stay on this side of the door. I’m sorry I was late.”
“I’m just glad you’re okay. Wait, are you okay?”
“Well, I’m a muddy mess but they won’t let me take a shower until the Doc gets here.” Niall sighs.
“Your knee?”
“It’s not too bad, but everyone insisted I get it checked. I’m sorry, B.”
“Irish, I don’t care how late the wedding starts as long as you’re here and you’re safe. I love you.”
A hand appears through the door. “I love you too, B.”
Becca puts her hand in his. Niall brings it to his lips. Her long sleeve the only visible part of her dress. “I’ve missed you so much, Darling.”
“I missed you too. Let’s not be separated ever again.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Niall, you’re supposed to be sitting down. Come on, the Doc’s here. “ Willie insists.
“One sec.” Niall says, waiting until he has left. “B?”
“Yes, Niall.”
“I can’t wait to give you my name.”
Becca’s heart flutters at his sweet words. “Rebecca Lynn Horan, I love the sound of that.”
“Do you have any idea how much I love you, Rebecca?”
She grins, “Well, I know things are serious when you call me Rebecca.”
“I’ll be waiting for you at the altar, my love.”“I’ll meet you there. Niall, thank you for keeping your promise.”
“Always, Darling.” He squeezes her hand before letting go.
She can hear him yelling in the hallway. “Come on, Doc. You gotta get me fixed up, I’m marrying the most beautiful girl in the world today.”

Kara enters the bride’s room just as the makeup artist is finishing up on Becca.
“Just got an update, Niall is ready.”
Becca looks concerned. “His knee is alright?”
“Yes, apparently everyone overreacted. You ready, Sweetie?” Kara grins.
Becca stands, taking her bouquet from Kara. “I am absolutely ready to marry my soulmate.”
“Aww, Becca.” Kara sniffs.
“Please tell me you were waterproof mascara today.” Becca teases.
“Duh. Let’s go get you hitched to your sexy leprechaun.”

Becca is nervous as she watches her bridesmaids take off down the aisle one by one. She grins as she watches Theo and Lux head down the aisle together. As the music changes, the wedding planner smiles and nods, Becca begins the long walk to the altar. Not a fan of all eyes being on her, she chooses to focus on Niall. He looks more handsome than she’s ever seen him. His black and white tuxedo fits him perfectly. Every brunette hair in place. She diverts her eyes to her bridal party, all of her dear friends clearly happy for her. Niall has his cousins beside him. Liam, Harry, and Louis are there as well. Louis is holding sweet Freddie, who’s looking quite handsome in his little tux on his birthday. Her gaze returns to Niall. He has the sweetest, most genuine look of love on his face. As she reaches the steps, she can see the tears welled up in his eyes. She does a quick spin so that he can see the red sash laced down her back.
He gives her a wink as he takes her hand, helping her up the stairs, whispering, “You've taken my breath away, B. I love you more than I can ever begin to tell you.”
Her tears threaten to spill over as Kara adjusts her dress and takes her bouquet from her.
The priest begins to welcome everyone, but Niall interrupts him. “Sorry, Father, I’m gonna need a minute. She’s just so darn beautiful.”
Everyone laughs as the priest nods. Niall holds Becca’s hand, standing back to look her up and down. “I love the red sash. I knew you’d find an amazing way to make a dress uniquely yours.”
Becca blushes.
Niall moves in close. “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful in all my life, and I know I never will. When I’ve imagined this day, I knew you’d be stunning...but, Darling, your beauty has brought me to tears.”
Becca swallows hard as Niall leans his forehead against hers, whispering, “Ahh, B, I’m so glad ya chose me.”
She whispers back, “I’d choose you everytime.”
The priest clears his throat. Niall and Becca both smile.
“Alright, Father, let’s make this beautiful lady my wife before she changes her mind.” Niall winks at Becca while the priest says a few words. When he pauses, Harry hands Niall an acoustic guitar.
Becca’s immediate thought is, Oh shit. He’s going to sing to me and I’m literally going to melt.
Niall never looks away from her eyes as he sings a song he’s written just for her. The lyrics telling the story of their incredible romance.
As tears roll down her cheeks, Becca isn’t sure which is affecting her more, the beautiful lyrics or the incredible way Niall looks at her as he sings it.
When he’s finished, she reaches her hand up, cupping the side of his face. “Thank you, Irish. That was incredible.”
He grins. “You liked it?”
“I loved it.”
The priest continues, “Niall and Rebecca would like to share some words with each other now.”
Niall wipes away her tears while she begins. “One day I was minding my own business, covering a Derby game, thinking all I wanted in my life was sports. Then a handsome Irishman came along and changed all that.”
Niall offers a cheesy grin.
“Thank you, Irish, for being patient with me and for not giving up on me. I feel honored to have an amazing man like you love me. You are my best friend, my sports buddy, my soulmate, my everything. I love you, Niall James Horan, now and forever.”
Niall squeezes her hands. “I remember the first moment I saw you, B. Not only did I think you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, there was also a familiar look in your eyes as you watched the game. I knew at that moment that you must love sports as much as I do and something clicked in my heart. I had to make you mine. It may have taken a bit of work on my part to convince you we belonged together, but you know what? I’d do it a million more times if I had to. B, the passion that you have for everything you do inspires me. You make me a better man and I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. I promise to always take you to Cooperstown and Spring Training.” He winks as Becca grins. “I can think of no better way to wrap this up than with a famous baseball quote. ‘Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.’”
“Perfect, absolutely perfect.” She whispers to him as tears slip from her eyes.
Willie and Kara hand them the rings. The priest begins the traditional vows, each of them promising to love, support and cherish each other forever. With the rings on their fingers and the I do’s said, the priest announces, “You may now kiss your bride, Niall.”
Niall leans in slowly, feeling almost as many butterflies as he did the first time. Their lips meet softly, sweetly, and Niall wishes they could stay like that always.
“Ladies and gentleman, it’s my great honor to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Niall Horan.”
Niall holds Becca’s hand, kissing her on the cheek. Cheers abound throughout the church as they make their way down the aisle, as husband and wife.

Notes