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It’s been a whirlwind around here. The emus are adjusting really well, I’m filling orders nonstop from my online sales, and every day I wake up in Callum’s arms and pinch myself that this is my life.
Junior’s real estate license has been revoked and Kess says he’s left Utah. She heard he went to Montana and I hopehe stays there.
Christmas was a dream. I’ve never had a more perfect day. Callum got up earlier than usual, and when I came downstairs, he’d already fed the emus at the other barns and the ones we have too, the cows were milked, the morning free to open presents. There was a fire in the fireplace, and we slowly worked our way through the presents.
I gave him a few new flannels and a sweater, and he loved the emu T-shirt that says,me and emu for lifeinside a heart on an emu’s chest that looks just like Dolly. And he loves the illustration of him with Delphine, Irene, and Dolly for his branding.
“Someone important is missing here though,” he said, tapping my nose before kissing me.
He gave me a new blanket that is the softest thing I’ve ever felt, and new slippers, and a bracelet that I haven’t taken off. My favorite gift is an oval flat-top silver ring engraved withC & R.I haven’t taken it off either.
And I think his favorite gift from me is the small wedding album I made him from the pictures I ordered online from our little wedding chapel. We didn’t have many taken, but the ones captured were beautiful, and I filled in the rest with snapshots of our trip.
We made love in front of the fire and after a nap, we went to Grinny’s to celebrate with the family.
I even reached my parents finally, on Christmas day, and while it was a fine conversation, the hitch came when I asked them to please come tonight. They hemmed and hawed, saying they were exhausted and not sure if they could make it, and I tried to be understanding, but they’re within four hours. I didn’t tell them why until the very end of the conversation.
“I married Callum Landmark, and I’d like you to be here to celebrate our wedding. I’ve been trying to call you forweeks. Don’t even get me started on the fact that Junior doesnotown the house. I don’t know if the two of you were in on it with him or if you were oblivious, but either way, I’m asking you to be here. I’m tired of feeling like the parent and I need you guys to step up for this. I love Callum and I want you to be part of my life.”
When I finished, there was a long pause before the barrage of questions.
They insisted they had no idea what was in the contracts…it wasn’t in the paperwork Junior showed them, and I believe them. We’ll figure out the rest with time.
I’m just glad they’ll be here tonight.
I’ve tried to keep a few surprises for our “wedding” party. Scarlett arranged the catering, and I ordered flower arrangements from Feather Whims, an exquisite floral shop in town. And I can’t wait for Callum to see the dress I’m wearing. He’s expecting me to wear the sweater dress I wore for our wedding, but I got a new dress, and it’s even more beautiful than the one he first saw me in. It has a lower neckline and the lace is soft and delicate. It’s form-fitted except for the sleeves and the bottom of the dress, which flare out. It doesn’t show my bare back, which I know he appreciated about the other dress, but I don’t think he’ll miss that touch. And if he does, he’ll get over it when he sees what I have on underneath.
I left a gift for him to open at Sutton’s, where he’s getting ready, and he calls when he opens them.
“I love the cuff links,” he says. “Didn’t think I’d be a cuff link kind of guy, but these are perfect.” He laughs. “Delphine will be pleased.”
His cuff links are silver goat faces, and when I found them I knew he had to have them.
“Are you sure I have to wait to see you?” he asks. “I’m missing you.”
“I miss you too, but yes. This is our pretend time apart before the wedding.”
“Feels real to me,” he grumbles.
“Yeah,” I sigh. “I don’t love this part, but I didn’t know another way to have some surprises up my sleeve.”
“Wait a minute. You never said anything about—”
“It’s nothing big.”
“What if I want to be the one surprising you?”
“You surprise me with how awesome you are every day.”
He growls.
“Shush.” I laugh. “It’s just an hour now. I’ll see you soon.”
“Not soon enough.”
I hang up smiling and finish getting ready.
When I walk downstairs, just a few minutes before everyone is due to arrive, there’s a knock on the door. I look around the room, happy with how everything looks. Before I open the door, I peek out and it’s the girls. There’s a long pause when I open the door, as they stare at me in surprise.
