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“Oh, this keeps getting better!” She clapped her hands. “What are we doing now?”
Jackson bowed and swept an arm toward the door. “Your sled awaits.”
“My sled? Are there dogs?”
“Ruff,” Jackson deadpanned.
“Aha. Now I know why God gave me sons!” Helen patted Jackson’s face as she moved toward the door.
Kate stopped her from exiting, with one hand on her exposed upper arm. “One more surprise. This one is from the boys.”
“Yikes. I don’t know about that . . .”
“I’ll take it if you don’t want it,” Jackson said.
Kenzie snorted. “I’d like to see you in it. Along with that hat. We’ll take pictures and post them.”
“You’re on.” Jackson crossed his arms.
“Oh stop.” Kate waved Jackson toward the door. “Everyone is waiting.” Then she retrieved a long garment bag from behind the second bedroom door. From that she pulled a wrap trimmed in faux sable fur.
“Ohhh . . .” Helen breathed as Kate draped the thick, soft garment around her shoulders. She looked at the men still lingering at the door. “It’s lovely.”
Jacob glanced at his wife, and his expression was all soft appreciation. Kate must have picked this out as well. Then he bent to kiss Helen’s cheek. “Merry Christmas, Mom.”
Helen stepped into his embrace, chilly though it was, and then moved to hug the other two sons in the room.
Matt hooked an arm around her and guided her to the door. “No mushy stuff, now. We have things to do.”
The group filed out the door, and Helen laughed at the sled for one waiting outside. “Who did this?”
“Ty, mostly,” Matt said.
“Such a big deal you all are making.”
“Dad’s orders.” Jackson swept his arm toward the single seat and bowed. “And now, my lady, if you’ll make yourself comfortable . . .”
Helen did as she was told, and the boys took their places—two at the thick ropes at the front, and one at the back.
“Mush!” Helen called, and off they went.
Helen laughed the whole way there.
“Do you approve?” Kenzie looked at Kevin with hopeful eyes.
They’d cleared away the large worktable Helen used in the sunroom, giving open access to the stone fireplace on the far side of the room. Twinkle lights draped from the ceiling, creating a cozy tent ambiance, and a warm fire danced in the belly of the stone. The thick, roughhewn mantel was covered in greenery and lit LED candles.
It was exactly as Helen would want it, Kevin was certain. And if she were to plan her wedding now, he felt sure that this would be her dream. He couldn’t wait for her to have it.
Emotion stirring in his chest, Kevin nodded and hugged her. “It’s perfect. She’ll love it.”
“They’re here.” Brandon straightened his dark suit coat and squeezed Kevin’s shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“Absolutely.” Kevin beamed and then lifted his brows at his son. “The real question is, are you?”
Brandon cleared his throat and answered with a half a grin. He was nervous—this would be his first.
A finger of quivering anticipation drew through Kevin’s middle. Whether it was to see his bride’s reaction to this surprise or on behalf of Brandon’s nerves, Kevin wasn’t sure, but either way it sent a chain of shivers as the clamoring of feet pounded up the front steps and then through the front door.
