“Are you ready, young man?” Nigel called from the hallway. “I’m sure you have no wish for the bride-to-be to arrive before you do. I promise you this—watching the woman you love walk down the aisle to you will be a sublime moment. Now make haste.”
“Yes, sir!”
Eb looked down at his daughter, his chest aching from all the joy pushing to get out. It’d come as a relief when his attorney had called two days ago to inform him Paige had dropped her lawsuit. Gretchen said someone had contacted her office inquiring about the woman who’d recorded the scene at the Santa Run. Eb’s boss had already instructed her staff not to give out the information. His attorney had a copy of the video on file, but he and Sandra had saved one of their own.
“Can you walk, or should I carry you?” Eb asked.
Rue looked insulted. “You’ll mess up my dress.”
“I would never want to do that. Shall we?”
Rue swept ahead of him into the hallway like the little princess she was. Grace waited near her great-grandfather, the earl. It still surprised Eb at the friendship offered him by these dear people, who had become like a second family to him.
The two girls clasped hands and ran to stand beside his mother. She looked as happy as she had the first time she’d held Rue. His daughter loved having her owngrammiesandgrampies. As the only grandchild on both sides of the family, she was going to be so spoiled.
When Eb’s mother saw him watching her, she stood a little straighter. She’d gone all out with the Christmas ball theme, wearing a red velvet dress lined with white, which reminded him of the ones the sisters had worn in the finale of the movieWhite Christmas.The look in his mother’s eyes dared him to challenge her on the choice. Which he would never do.
He had, however, asked his father why she had invested in a dress she’d never be comfortable wearing in Florida. Dad had just said it made her happy and to let it be. As for him, he’d gone with a black and white tux, probably because he’d heard it was what Walt would be wearing.
Eb mouthedbeautiful, and his mother’s eyes glistened, her hand touching Rue’s head. Mom had never said a word to him about her disappointment at not having been invited to his wedding with Paige, though Dad had said plenty. Their disapproval had kept Eb from telling them about her pregnancy. Looking back on it now, he accepted he’d never believed she would stay with him.
Nigel cleared his throat, pulling Eb from his reflections. This wasnotthe time to get lost in the past. That was over.
“I don’t believe you have met Derrick’s grandmother.” Nigel smiled at the silver-haired woman holding his arm. “Trish, my dear, this is Ebeneezer Grinchly. He’s the groom.”
A mischievous twinkle sparkled in her eyes, making him wonder if she was going to make a comment about his name. Then she smiled. “Derrick has told me so much about you and your sweet daughter. I’m happy for you both to have Sandra coming into your lives. She’s a delightful girl and deserves every happiness.”
“We are assigned to lead you to the minister,” Nigel said. “I must say, I’m finding the Christmas balls here quite entertaining. Last year, there was a proposal, and this year a wedding.”
“Wouldn’t it be lovely for it to become a tradition?” Trish’s expression had taken on a faraway look, like she was thinking of something else.
“Please follow us.” Nigel led the way with Trish on his arm.
Eb followed. He’d known there would be a crowd at the ball; there always was. But seeing all the people watching him with such happiness set his stomach swirling. Tonight, Sandra would be his wife.
* * *
Sandra stared at her reflection,still unable to believe it was her. The gown Linda had created was perfect in its simplicity and elegance. The rich dark green was her favorite color and fit the season. This was one wedding dress the bride could wear again. The filigree piping ran along the neckline and transitioned into the short sleeves.
“And now for the finishing touch.” Linda lifted the simple, short veil, its edge carrying the same gold filigree design as the bodice.
“Merry, this is a beautiful design.” Sandra glanced at her. “It’s perfect.”
“Now if I could get her to quit doing hair and work for me full-time,” Linda said, fluffing out the veil around Sandra’s shoulders.
From the corner of her eye, Linda noticed Merry’s hand go to her stomach and seemed to force it away. She looked up and met Sandra’s gaze through the mirror, her expression apologetic.
But Sandra already knew Merry was pregnant. Was she apologizing for it?
“I’m so happy for you.” Sandra gave her friend a quick hug. “And don’t you feel bad about such a wonderful thing. I want to be invited to everything.”
Which set the three of them crying, followed by everyone having to straighten their makeup.
“We should hurry,” Sandra said, giving her eyes one more wipe, “or my mother will come looking for me to see what’s taking us so long.”
Her mother’s arthritis had been giving her fits, probably aggravated by the extra cold weather. When they left the dressing room, she sat in a motorized chair, holding Sandra’s bouquet. She’d considered the typical Christmas flowers like red roses or poinsettias, but when Eb had pointed out one with burgundy and ivory calla lilies, she’d known they were just right.
“Oh, sweetheart, you look beautiful. Give me a kiss.” When Sandra bent to kiss her mother’s cheek, she added, “You deserve to be happy.”
