“We’re a bit behind schedule,” Layla spoke over her shoulder than she expertly maneuvered the reindeer around cars parked in the middle of the street. At one point, she called, “On Cocoa!” and they lifted over the top of a parking lot to land gently on the other side.
Cocoa was a delicious medium brown pelted reindeer with three-point antlers and a button black nose.
Lauren hooted as they touched down. Jacob would love this. Her heart yearned for him. Yes, they’d had a fight, but they’d fought before. She could count on her right hand the number of times she’d sworn never to talk to him again–and that was just in elementary school.
For them, the fighting didn’t mean the end. At least, she hoped it didn’t. The closer they got to the church on Main, the more butterflies stirred in her stomach. She pressed a hand against her middle in an effort to calm them down. If only the snow would let up, she’d be able to see if he was waiting for her. As it was, she couldn’t see ten feet in front of Cocoa’s nose.
Frost patted her knee. “It’s normal to feel nervous on your wedding day.”
Lauren bit her lower lip. “It’s not marrying him that makes me nervous,” she felt the need to clarify. “It’s getting married in general. It changes so much.”
“It changes everything,” Frost confirmed.
“That’s not exactly helpful.” Lauren gasped as they hopped a fence.
“Sorry!” Layla called–though she didn’t sound sorry at all. She sounded like she was having the time of her life.
Frost chuckled. “You’ll have to forgive her. She doesn’t get out of the castle much.”
Laula cocked her head. She was about to ask for clarification on that statement–because castle?!--when the sleigh slowed down so quickly that she almost tumbled into the back of Layla’s legs.
Once they slowed, she recognized the absence of the wind–or the sound of it, at least. She hadn’t felt so much as a breeze through her hair. In the quiet, the church bells rang loud and clear.
Layla steered them onto Main Street, and a cheer went up. Craning her neck, Lauren looked around their driver to see the whole town gathered at the church. Squinting, she made out her parents standing on the church steps. Several stairs above them was a man who looked like a preacher, though she didn’t recognize him. The entire Morris clan was there. How in the world? She broke into a grin and waved at Charlotte. Christmas Magic was incredible.
She locked eyes with Jacob and her breath caught in her throat. The man was to-die-for handsome in a black tuxedo with a Christmas green and silver striped tie. She swooned in her seat.
Frost grabbed her arm, a soft smile on her face. “Hang in there. Wait until he says his vows before you let him sweep you off your feet.”
Lauren giggled. Knowing that the only way to get to Jacob was to walk down the red carpet that had been laid over the snow. Strength filled her limbs. The sleigh slowed to a stop, and she stood up. Layla pressed a bouquet made from white roses with sparkles on the ends of their petals, pine cones, pine sprigs, and sage-colored leaves. It was stunning and light and added the final touch that Lauren needed to feel like a bride.
Jacob hadn’t taken his eyes off her. Instead of waiting for her to come to him, he dashed down the steps like Prince Charming and stopped in front of her, dropping to one knee on the red carpet. Lauren pressed her free hand over her mouth to hold back her gasp.
The whole town held its breath. Mom sniffed and Dad put his arm around her. Lauren only saw it happen out of the corner of her eye, but the move was so natural, such a part of their relationship, that it was as if she had a front-row seat.
Jacob reached for her, and she grasped his hand. “Lauren Hall,” he began. “I will say the wrong thing–probably every day.”
The town chuckled, and Lauren nodded in agreement. At least they were on the same page there. At the moment, while everyone else was distracted and sharing knowing looks and reaching for their lover’s hands, Jacob mouthed: I’m sorry.
Lauren softened and gave his hand a squeeze, saying: Me too.
“Let me just add that you look incredible in that dress.” He looked her over, getting another round of chuckles.
Lauren blushed. “You’re a knock-out yourself.” She winked, and Jacob’s eyes lit with passion.
“My knee is getting cold, so…”
Amidst the guffaws, he tugged her down to sit on his knee and wrapped both arms around her. Somehow, this was more perfect than him kneeling before her. They were always meant to be together, never one above the other or one behind.
“Lauren Hall, I have loved you since I’ve known you. I’ve seen you with chicken pox all over your face and moss in your hair after a dip in Miller’s Pond.” He kissed her temple. “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring or how we’ll work all the details out. But what I do know is that my life is better for having you in it. You fill my days with laughter and my heart with a joy otherwise unknown. If I can’t be with you, I don’t want birthday cakes, fireworks, or even Christmas.”
“Well, that’s taking it a bit far,” mumbled the woman in the Santa suit, her hand on her hip.
Lauren ignored her and touched Jacob’s cheek.
“Marry me? Love me for always?” he nudged her nose with his.
“Yes,” she breathed the answer and then kissed him.
