AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I rested my hand on his cheek. “I love you, Patrick Abbott.”
“Marry me on Christmas Eve.”
I thought about the scene inThe Holidaywhere logical Amanda goes to leave and makes it to the airport before she realizes what a stupid mistake she’s making. Why would she leave a man who loves her and is willing to do anything for her? It didn’t all have to make sense. For once, she could follow her heart. I listened to what mine was saying. I think it was saying something like,Don’t overthink it this time.What do you want to choose?That was easy. My choice was Patrick. My soul chooses his soul. I was pretty sure that made us soul mates. What a lovely thought. It wasn’t some destiny I almost missed out on. I got to choose the destination and who was by my side. “Okay. Let’s get married.”
Patrick wasn’t lying when he said he would make all my wishes come true for our wedding day. Both he and Drake were miracle workers. I suppose when you had the kind of funds they had, and the connections, it made it easier. That and my mom, who was baking her little heart away, making two cakes instead of one. We’d all told her one cake was plenty, but she wouldn’t hear of it. Everyone was pitching in finishing the ballroom, and in between, I was picking out flowers with Hattie via Zoom. Sticking with the winter wonderland enchanted forest theme, I chose a winter white bouquet made with white O’Hara roses, Mona Lisa anemones, ranunculus, spray roses, Queen Anne’s lace, and trailing jasmine. It was going to be stunning. For bridesmaid dresses, I went with a deep Christmas red. My sister and Bridgette were going to look gorgeous. Who knew you could get dresses from movie sets and a seamstress to fly in specially for the occasion?
Charlotte was over the moon happy we were getting married on the same day. She only wished it could be a double ceremony, like at the end of the Colin Firth version ofPride and Prejudice. That wasn’t possible if she wanted to keep the press out. Which we all did. We were all on pins and needles wondering if we could pull it off. Wondering if Dave truly just wanted the money. And I really hoped Paul was not our spy, as he was the only remaining employee left while the inn was closed. We were all watching him like a hawk. But we needed him and his genius. The man was doing a gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup bar. Which probably didn’t sound like something you would have at a celebrity wedding, but grilled cheese and tomato soup were a special thing around here. It was the first meal Daisy ever made George, and Charlotte and Drake had it the night they first kissed, and probablytalked, but I didn’t need to know that.
What I did know was that I was completely exhausted and sublimely happy. I didn’t know I could be both at the same time.
I stood in the middle of the ballroom after just putting the final touches on the enchanted forest, well after everyone had gone to bed on the eve of Christmas Eve, in the glow of the twinkling lights, pleased with how it had all turned out.
“Hey there,” Charlotte said, startling me.
“Hi. I thought I was the only one awake.”
“I couldn’t sleep.” She padded over in her furry boots, wearing pink fuzzy pajamas.
“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” I asked.
“No.” She looked around in awe. “Just excited.”
“Me too.”
She took my hand, tears in her eyes. “Thank you for this, Izzy. I can’t imagine a more special place to get married.”
“You know I would do anything for you. Even move to the Tundra.” I laughed.
“It seems to be working out for you,” she teased.
“I suppose it is.” I smiled.
“Let’s slide one more time, just you and me.”
“All right, but no cheating, and don’t knock over any of the chairs.” I had meticulously lined them up, creating an aisle. An aisle Charlotte and I would each walk down tomorrow as Valentines but exit with different last names. It was a sad but beautiful thought.
“How about we just do it together. No competition. Just you and me together on our last night as single girls.”
“I like that.” I removed my slippers, revealing my wool socks.
We went to the head of the aisle, and with deep breaths and girlish giggles, we took off holding hands, sliding until we almost made it to the carved altar we would stand before and marry the men we loved. When we came to a halt, we embraced, both boo-hooing a little.
“I love you, Char. You make sure Drake Foster treats you well.”
“He will. He’s a good guy, you know.”
“I do know that.”
“I knew you liked him.”
“Fine, I like him,” I admitted out loud.
Charlotte laughed into my shoulder. “Izzy, thank you so much for coming to Fair Hollow with me and making me face Drake. None of this would have been possible without you. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. I love you forever.”
She had me all choked up. I hugged her tight. “You deserve all the happiness in the world. I love you, kiddo.” I went all big sister on her. “Now get to bed; you have a big day tomorrow.”
She leaned away with a twinkle in her blue eyes. “So do you. I’m so happy for you.”
