"You're leaving," Candy says when I get to her table.
"I was thinking about heading out."
"That's okay; it's Christmas Eve. Everyone should go when they are ready."
"I'll let Tinsley know." She'll spread the word, but most already know that's the case. "I didn't know if there were any other things you wanted to do before I go."
"No."
"All right." I squeeze Cash's hand so he'll release his hold so that I can give Candy a goodbye hug. Both she and Hollis stand, and I hug them both.
"Still can't believe how this all turned out," Hollis says.
"And to think, I was engaged to you not long ago," I tease.
"Not funny," Cash growls from behind me.
"It was fake." I elbow him. I might have said it to get him worked up. Candy laughs.
"Ope, this." Candy grabs her bouquet from off the table to hand to me.
"What?"
"I'm not throwing it because I know who is next."
"There is no ring on this finger." I hold up my hand and wiggle my fingers.
"Take it, Cupcake," Cash says next to my ear.
"If you insist."
"We all do."
"Yes."
"About time."
A series of comments flood out from everyone who is in earshot.
"Thank you," I tell Candy, taking it from her and holding it up in the air. "I love you guys," I shout as loudly as I can to everyone, and the town cheers and shouts they love me back.
Happy tears sting at my eyes.
"Let's get out of here." Cash lifts me into his arms, making them all cheer again as he carries me out. Candy was the loudest of them all.
As we make our drive home, it dawns on me that this will be our life. Cash and I are coming and going home together. For so long, I didn’t think we would ever get to this point. Now it’s my new normal.
When we get home, Cash opens the door for me and leads me toward the house. I haven't been here since early this morning. There had been Christmas decorations, but more have definitely been added.
"How did you do this?" I ask, loving it all. The house could be in a Hallmark Christmas movie. There are lights wrapped around the porch railing, wreaths hanging on the doors and windows, and the soft glow of window candles.
The curtains have been pulled back, and you can see into the living room, where a giant tree is lit up. It had been bare when I'd seen it last, and now it’s picture-perfect.
"This town, and pure determination." He scoops me into his arms again, carrying me into the house.
“That’s for after we’re married.”
“I can do it then too. I enjoy carrying you.” He takes me right over to the Christmas tree for me to see. There is a giant pile of presents that hadn’t been there this morning, but I could have missed it.
