She hugged her aunt. “I love you. Thank you for not giving up on me.”
“Never,” Auntie said fiercely. “Now.” She pulled back and checked over Valerie’s gown. “There is a young man out there who is probably getting the warning of his life from your uncle. We should save him from the dragon.”
They all laughed. Stella flung the door open. She didn’t seem the type to do anything halfway. Poking her head into the hallway, she called, “Hit it!”
A slow Vince Gill version ofHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmasbegan to play. His voice was familiar and soothing but also romantic. Stella stepped out into the hallway and motioned for someone to enter the room.
Uncle filled the doorway. He wore a dark green, country-cut tuxedo jacket with his dark wash blue jeans and a shiny silver belt buckle. The jacket had tweed patches on the elbows and a matching collar in the heather gray color. His boots had a brand-new shine to them and his eyes welled with tears as he looked her over. “Darlin’, I’d be honored to walk you down the hallway to your man.”
Valerie looked up and fanned her eyes, hoping to save her mascara.
“It’s waterproof,” Stella assured her.
She laughed and hugged her uncle for all she was worth.
“You’ll mess up your dress,” he protested weakly in his gravely voice, made all the rougher by the emotion clogging his throat.
“Don’t care.” She sniffed and laughed and sniffed again.
Auntie gave him a once over, nodding to pronounce him respectable. He winked at her, and the tips of her ears turned pink.
Auntie patted her arm. “I’ll see you in the Christmas Room. I’m going to call it that forever now, you know.” She pecked a kiss to Valerie’s cheek and then made her way out.
Stella motioned for Charlotte to start down the hall at a measured pace, then Lauren followed.
Valerie and Uncle stepped forward as one, and stood taller as he escorted her to a future full of Christmases with family, friends, and love.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
Ethan tugged at the white shirt under his heather gray tuxedo jacket and dark green vest. Somehow, Lux had produced a complete wardrobe for the male side of the wedding party out of her messenger bag.
He’d long since stopped wondering how the Kringles managed to pull things off.
Nick had added a few touches to the room while they waited–almost like he couldn’t help himself. Two rows of chairs lined up. Each had a green covering and a red bow. The tree had twice as many lights and new ornaments, including sleds–to honor his date with Valerie; doggie treats–to honor her new business venture; musical notes–to honor her past, present, and future; and a small picture frame currently empty.
Nick didn’t say it, but if this all worked out, Collin would be a part of their lives forever, and his face would fill that frame. Ethan couldn’t imagine a life without his son–so this had to work.
As the music changed to the traditional wedding march, he gazed toward the hallway. Valerie appeared wearing the most exquisite wedding dress he’d ever seen. The folds and tucks were made for her body. Her hair was loosely secured and cascading over one shoulder. Her eyes were bright, and her smile shy. He stepped back, blown over by her beauty.
Nick put a hand on his back to steady him. “Easy there, big guy. Breathe.”
Ethan forced his lungs to work. Time slowed as she crossed the room to stand in front of him. Her Uncle said something to the preacher and then sat next to his wife on one of the chairs that had magically appeared.
Ethan reached for Valerie, unable to hold himself back.
“We are gathered here today….” started Pastor Kris.
Ethan’s gaze captured Valerie’s, and he was lost to the world. She squeezed his hands, and he said, “I do.”
A moment later, she said the same words, and then he kissed her in a haze of warmth and ribbons of light. His eyes were closed, but it was as if the whole room lit on fire. People gasped, but that might have been because he pulled Valerie close and dipped her low. Her hair acted as a curtain as he pulled slightly away and whispered, “I love you.”
She smiled, touching his cheek. “I love you, too.”
“Dad!” Collin shouted as he tugged at Ethan’s coat.
In a blink, he had Valerie on her feet and his son in his arms. “You’re here!” He dropped a dozen kisses on Collin’s face.
Valerie laughed and stepped close, wrapping an arm around Collin’s back and completing the circle around his heart. Ethan adjusted so he was holding both of them close. “Collin!” Valerie exclaimed. She looked at Ethan, her eyes full of wonder. “It’s Collin. I remember.” She tipped her head back and laughed and then snuggled Collin close. “I love you, Collin!”
