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Darin: Of course. But I better be the best man in your wedding!
Me: As if I’d ask anyone else! You already know you are, asshole.
Darin: Good. Otherwise, I’m kicking your ass.
With a smile on my face, I start my Jeep, Irelynn tucked snuggly in the passenger seat. Her chocolate eyes sparkle as they meet my gaze.
“This will be our first Christmas together. It already feels magical.”
My grin widens. “It will definitely be one to remember.”
As I pull into the parking lot of the restaurant, my phone beeps with another text.
Will:Sound check done. Horse drawn carriage is here and ready.
Me:Thanks a million. I appreciate it. You’re coming over tonight, right?
Will:Of course.
Me:Irelynn already asked. And she wanted to know if Emma and Bryan are coming, too.
Will:LOL. Not surprising. And yes, they are.
As I slide my phone into my jacket pocket, I think about how strange life can be. Who would have thought we’d get to this place with William? Even Darin likes him.
William has been hanging out with the four of us quite a bit, including during football games and our regular movie and pizza nights.
Life has been so fucking good since the horrors of Halloween night.
As I park along the street of downtown Heritage Hills, Irelynn’s eyes are wide, sparkling with excitement. Her gloved fingers wrap around her knees as she leans forward, intently looking out the windshield.
“What are we doing here?” Her eyes sparkle with excitement.
“You’ll see.” Winking, I hop out and hurry around to her side, helping her out of the passenger seat. The horse’s hooves click on the road as the carriage pulls up, stopping beside us.
“Your chariot awaits, beautiful.”
“Oh my God.” Her gloved hands go over her mouth, as she stares at the carriage, wide-eyed.
Gently taking one hand from her mouth, I guide her to the carriage, helping her inside. I grab the two blankets I had put in the seat for the occasion and spread them over us as she looks over at me, tears shimmering in her beautiful, big eyes.
“Max,” my name comes out as a sigh. “This is perfect.”
“I’m glad you think so.” I pull the blankets to her shoulders, tucking them around her and I. As soon as my hand is beneath the blanket, her gloved fingers curl around mine. “I want this night to be perfect.”
As we set off, Irelynn’s wide eyes sparkle as she takes in the festively lit town, brilliant Christmas lights and garland transforming it into a scene worthy of a Hallmark movie. I’ve come to fall in love with her hometown and have thought about asking her if she’d like to buy a house here once we finish college.
But I haven’t, because I didn’t want her to guess I may be proposing to her soon.
As the horses lead us to the gazebo, her hand flies to her chest. Her stare is incredulous as she takes in the elaborate decorations.
As we pull to a stop, I climb out, extending my hand for her. She grips it, climbing out, the first few snowflakes falling from the sky. One lands on the tip of her nose and Irelynn laughs, turning her face up to the sky. Briefly letting go of my hand, she twirls in a slow circle, her upturned face catching more snowflakes.
It’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen in my life.
When she’s finished, I pull her into me, raining gentle kisses over her face, the snowflakes cold against my lips. She giggles happily, her face radiant, not a care in the world.
This. This is the way she should always look.
