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Her nostrils flare. “Nope.”

“You’re missing out.”

“That’s doubtful.” She smirks at me. “Mom’s ring is beautiful. Sure you don’t want to have a huge summer wedding on the bay?”

I shake my head, feigning horror. “That’s forever away. I can’t wait that long.”

“You guys are sickeningly cute,” she says with a groan. “Fine, but I’m throwing the next wedding reception. This time, we’re going to Baked & Brewed.”

“You sure you’re up for that?” I ask, eyes falling to her pregnant belly. “You should be resting.”

“Don’t worry,” she assures me. “I’ll set up court on the couch and order everyone around.”

Elias, overhearing, calls out, “Just like you do at home.”

She shrugs and winks at me. “He likes it. Don’t let his grumpiness fool you.”

I know she’s right because I feel the same. Sandy could hook a collar around my neck and lead me around by a leash. I’d do it just to be near her. Anything to make her happy or lighten her load.

We spend dinner laughing and teasing. It’s the best Christmas I’ve ever had, even better than the ones when Dad was still alive.

After the kids leave and Amos goes to bed, I curl up on the sofa with Sandy in my arms. We watch cute Christmas movies, but I’m not focused on the plot. I can’t help but inhale her sweet scent and kiss her every chance I get.

Soon, she’ll be my wife.

Merry Christmas to me.

A few days later…

“The bow room,” Sandy repeats, voice low and filled with horror. “And you said yes?”

“May said it was a fan favorite.”

Sandy snorts and then covers her mouth as we attempt to make our way quietly down the hallway of The Nest Box Inn toward our room. “She played you, Up. No one wants that room. It’s probably haunted by dead budgies. You did her a favor.”

I chuckle and pull her to me. “I’ll keep you safe from feathered spirits.”

“My hero. Will you also protect me from the eyesores the decor will create?”

We make it to the room number, and I use an old-fashioned key to unlock it. “It can’t possibly be that bad...”

As the door opens, my eyes flit all over. There’s so much to look at. Bows are indeed everywhere. Sewn into the duvet, hanging from the ceiling, threaded into a throw blanket sitting on the chair, painted on the doors and trim, and of course all over the walls. The wallpaper had to have come from the ugliest store’s bargain bin from the 80s.

“Wow,” I say, grimacing as I walk over a rug with more bows sewn in. “No wonder it was discounted.”

Sandy laughs and playfully smacks my butt. “You cheaped out on our honeymoon?”

“She told me it had the best view, though,” I toss back in defense.

The curtains are covered with a multitude of bows. When I drag them aside, we’re rewarded a stunning view of the icy-cold bay. The lighthouse is our centerpiece, and it truly does seem to be the best view.

“Maybe we should sleep on the balcony,” she teases. “You going to keep me warm, Mr. Asbury?”

I hook an arm around her waist and haul her to me. With my arms wrapped around her, keeping her back to my chest, we look out at the beautiful scene. “I’ll always keep you warm, Mrs. Asbury.”

She melts into my arms, and I get lost in her sweet scent. As much as my body aches to unzip her pretty dress and make our marriage official, I don’t move a muscle. I’ve waiting this long for Sandy to become my wife. I can wait a little longer for the perks of the job of being her husband.

“Come on,” I murmur against her hair. “I’ll get us a bath going. Mae promised to have some food waiting for us.”