Page 109 of Elf-ish

“Don’t worry, honey. Your miracle is coming.”

Was Beau getting married a miracle?

I wasn’t so sure about a magical moment for me and offer her the same response Beau gave in an equally uncertain tone.

“Yeah.”

chapter 35

[Angelica]

I didn’t want to doubt Jude, but when I am lined up to follow Christmas down the make-shift aisle, and I can’t see him among the guests gathered in the larger room, my anxiety soars.

He wouldn’t have forgotten. Like Dane, he’d set a reminder. I was certain of it.

Still, a cold sweat dampens my pits as I hold a simple bouquet of white roses.

The first refrain of “A Thousand Years” began to play, and Christmas and I are on standby before we walk to our designated positions. Belle’s two best friends are in line behind us, gushing over the bride dressed in a strapless white mini dress with an elaborate, poofy veil.

Gertie wondered if Belle had gotten the message that today was her wedding day.

I wasn’t here to judge.

I just wanted my date to show up as promised, even though it shouldn’t have mattered. I’d told Jude weeks ago I didn’t need him to attend. I could face my family on my own, as I’d done for nearly a decade. The questions. The stares. The sympathy in some aunt twice removed or cousin I didn’t care about witnessing yet another sibling of mine get married before me, the one who had a long-term relationship that never ended after a broken engagement.

And yet, still, I wanted to show them all that I wasn’t broken. I could get a date. I had a date.

Only, he wasn’t here.

Christmas steps forward on the lyric we’d agreed would lead the bridal party procession.

As I go to take my first step, my elbow is clutched, and I turn my head.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

Tears instantly well in my eyes as I stare at Jude, who looks impeccable in a black suit. Of course, he does.

“All that matters is you are here now,” I say, uncertain where the words come from as I struggle with a rush of emotions within me.

This hasn’t been real, right? A seasonal fling, perhaps. But the relief I feel at Jude’s sudden presence is instant forgiveness.

“See you inside,” he says, tipping his head in the direction of the dining room.

“I’ll be the one in green.” I shrug. “Well, one of many,” I note.

“My favorite color,” he admits, letting his gaze roam down my body. “On my favorite person.”

While I want to throw myself at him, making out with him when I should be walking down the aisle isn’t the time, and a throat clearing behind me reminds me what I need to be doing.

With one foot in front of the other, I proceed to the corner of the room set up with the pine-scented garland and take my spot. I should be watching for Belle to make her grand entrance, but I can’t take my eyes off Jude as he stands toward the back of the room.

Beau opted for guests to be seated at the tables instead of chairs in rows on the dance floor for the ceremony. The garland arch will be moved back against a black-painted brick wall and used as a photo prop once the ceremony is over.

Suddenly, “Drunk on a Plane” begins, and the guests shift as Belle makes her entrance.

I glance at Christmas beside me, who only shrugs. “It’s how they met, remember?”

Shaking my head, Jude and I gaze at one another across the room. His crooked smile suggests he’s enjoying this spectacle, and I decide to soak in the moment.