If you’re reading this, your dad has given his blessing to you and me.
You’ve probably figured out by now that we’re inviting your whole family to the wedding celebration, and I look forward to sharing the happy occasion with everyone.No worries—it’s a designated fistfight-free zone and Special K has been put in charge of security.
I can’t wait to see you.I can’t wait to see you in that dress.
I love you.I love you always, my pretty Phoebe.
Evander
P.S.I really want to see that dress on you, and then at some point, I want to see that dress in a wrinkled heap on the floor.
I hear a pitiful squeak escape from my throat, and I do my best to cover it up with a cough, knowing I need to hide my reaction to the note.Unfortunately, my panties are about to catch fire.I slowly close the invitation and slip it back into the envelope, then take a sip of water.Only then do I glance up at my family.
Everyone’s staring at me.
“So this is really happening?”One of Jake’s eyelids twitches.
“Yes,” I say.
“Then let’s eat!”Kyle says.
So we do.And after dinner, we move into the sitting room to exchange presents, as is the Travassholes’ Christmas Eve tradition.
Having Dad with us is the most priceless gift of all, of course.This has indeed been the best Christmas any of us could have wished for.
And the MacLaines helped make it happen.Just as Evander promised.
I can see my dad is getting tired, so I walk over to where he’s sitting by the fire.I hug him gently and kiss his cheek.“Thank you,” I whisper to him.“I love you, Daddy.Merry Christmas.”
CHAPTER 61
Evander
Day 10
December 26
The ceremony itself was short and sweet, just family and ranch staff.And by sweet, I mean that there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.
Finn looked like a man who’d gone out back to dig a well and came home with the lost treasure of the Mayan Empire.
Emma was serene and lovely, and it dawned on me how much she’s changed in her time here at Yosemite Ranch.In the span of six months, she’s gone from skittish and shy to one of the most loving, easygoing people I’ve ever met.
And Jasmine…I think that’s why we nearly ran out of tissues at this shindig.She was the flower girl again, as she was with Victoria and Cal.But this time was different.Her face glowed with excitement and happiness as she watched the ceremony unfold because this was her new life taking shape.
After Finn and Emma exchanged their vows with one another, they reached out their hands for Jasmine to join them.She ran to the altar, curls flying.They all held hands in a circle and Finn and Emma both promised to protect, love, and have fun with Jasmine as her parents, forever.
Then the three of them walked down the aisle as a family.
Cue the sobbing.
Aunt Phyllis—who now prefers the title MeeMaw Phyllis—was so deliriously happy that I feared she’d need resuscitation.It’s good that her son from her first marriage, along with his wife and kids, are here to keep her together.
That is one delighted woman.
Now that the ceremony itself is over and we’re milling around the transformed indoor riding arena, the reception guests are expected to arrive.Finn and Emma have invited hundreds of people, including neighbors and friends far and wide, Finn’s Navy buddies, and lots of our San Diego StellaR Tech business team.
I’m waiting for my eight guests to arrive.
