He hugged them both, one skinny arm around each of their necks.
Auntie wiped a tear from her eye. “That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Uncle’s eyebrows were low. “Where’d the kid come from?” he asked Benjamin and Rose.
“He was here the whole time.” Benjamin stared at him like he’d lost a screw. Tanya and Tucker barked in agreement, and Uncle shrugged like he must have missed something important.
“The Christmas wedding dinner is served in the dining room,” Stella announced.
“I didn’t make dinner,” Valerie whispered to Ethan.
“I’m so happy; I’d eat garbage and not complain,” he whispered.
“I don’t think the Kringles would make us garbage… coal on the other hand…” she joked.
Collin peaked up at Valerie, from where he held Ethan’s hand. “Are you my mom now?”
“I am if you want me to be,” Valerie answered.
“Will you come to my read-a-thon and bring treats?”
Valerie smiled eagerly. “I will.”
“Yay!” he threw his arms up and ran to his Grandma and Grandma. “She’s going to come to my read-a-thon!”
As they exclaimed over his good fortune, Rose looked at Valerie and mouthed: thank you.
It was a thank you for loving Collin, thank you for making Ethan so happy, and a welcome to the family all rolled up in one. Ethan’s heart expanded in his chest, and he felt warm all over. This moment was perfect.
CHAPTERNINETEEN
The wedding party entered the dining room, where a beautiful meal was laid before them. Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more than Valerie had thought to order from the grocer. The food was displayed–not simply served–on the most beautiful formal china. Each white plate had a gold holly leaf border with delicate holly berries sprinkled about. There was a gravy boat, serving platters, bowls, gold flatware to match, and cups with gold rims. The room sparkled with the magic of it all.
Besides the table service, there were holly wreaths as decorations. In all four corners were tall Christmas trees decorated with lights and matching baubles. Swags of fir hung over the table, gathering in the middle where a chandelier of crystal and rubies took center stage and cast light across the room.
“The service is yours,” Stella told her. “A wedding gift from the Kringle family.”
Valerie hugged her.
Stella squeezed her back. “May your family gather together for generations of Christmas dinners.” For a woman who looked like an 80s punk rocker–Stella had a beautiful heart.
Valerie nodded. “You know this will look amazing in the dining room at the ranch–don’t you.” Even as she said the words, she realized the enormity of taking all her new family to the ranch. The house was large enough to accommodate Jacob and Lauren, Ethan’s parents, and more. However, she was willing to spend a few years here too. She and Ethan would have to talk things over, but Moose Hollow felt like home and she could be happy here.
Stella flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I may know a thing or two….” She laughed and then grabbed her husband by the arm. “Come on, handsome; we have to finish wrapping gifts.”
He looked to the heavens as if searching for strength.
“Don’t give me that.” Stella playfully slapped his chest. “We get it done every year. Besides, the girls promised to keep working on it while we came down here.”
“That’s what I was praying over,” he insisted.
She skipped a step on her way out as if her world was so light it didn’t weigh her down at all.
Valerie knew precisely how she felt.
Lux and Quik were the next in line to say goodbye. Lux had her laptop laid over her forearm. She turned so they could see the screen. Three lines of ribbon stretched in straight lines from here to forever. “It’s all straightened out.” She beamed. “I can’t thank you enough for allowing us the opportunity to study your wishes. It’s been illuminating,” she gushed.
“I agree. The papers I will write on this will be revolutionary,” added Quik. He snapped his fingers. “Which reminds me.” he pointed to Nick. “We need to talk about your future. Lux and I think we have you figured out.”
