“Ginger Kringle at your service.” She kicked one leg behind the other and bobbed a curtsey. “This is my husband, Joseph.” Joseph looked more like a lumberjack than a Christmas icon–yet he wore a matching red suit lined with white fur.
Ginger thrust a garment bag at him and pointed to the study off to their left. “The whole town has gathered outside.”
Ginger lifted a hand and then flicked her wrist as if she were directing the music. The yard and then the house filled withJingle Bells.
Charlotte’s brother rushed in, wearing a tuxedo with a burgundy jacket. “You son-of-a-gun.” He pumped Micah’s hand. “Welcome to the family.” His eyes drifted to the stairs. “I’m going to run on up there and get my sister. I’m walking her down the aisle. Get out there! She’ll have a fit if you see her in her dress.” He shoved Micah like they were best friends and took off at a sprint up the stairs.
Micah slid the door shut and changed into his burgundy tux. When he came out, Charlotte’s sisters and several other ladies stood in the entryway wearing sage green dresses and carrying bouquets of red and white flowers. Baby’s breath wreathed their heads.
They grinned at him. Aubrey motioned toward the open door. “Go on. Someone will show you where to stand.”
He ducked out and pulled up short. All of Moose Hollow had come out to see him get married. He waved nervously, and they cheered. Lizzie’s teacher waved from a few rows back. The baker who made the most amazing doughnut holes grinned.
But the biggest surprise was standing beside him on the porch: Valerie Remmington. None other than the biggest country music Christmas superstar! She held a microphone.
“Are you going to sing?” he asked in disbelief. “This is not my life. Country music stars don’t sing on my porch.”
“Charlotte’s my best friend. Get used to it.” She rubbed her perfectly red lips together. “I can’t start singing if you don’t get down there.” She pointed down the stairs that led to the aisle that led to the preacher.
He shook himself out of the daze and dashed down the aisle to stand under an arch of pine boughs and flowers. Somehow, the yard wasn’t too warm and wasn’t too cold. He only had on the tux but was comfortable enough not to freeze, even though he stood outside in the middle of the mountains on Christmas.
The music changed, and Valerie began to singHallelujah. Though the song was a duet, she hit every note just right, all on her own, as the matron and maids of honor walked down the aisle. Micah didn’t have anyone to stand with him, but it didn’t matter. He was joining this family, this town, these people, and he would never be alone again.
“...Let the world stand still; the church bells ring…”
A gasp when through the crowd as Lizzie appeared in the doorway. She wore a burgundy dress, white tights, and black Mary Janes; her hair hung in beautiful curls. Her natural lashes were big and full, and she glowed. This was as much a creation of a family for her as it was for Micah.
“...Let there be peace on earth; let the lonely join together….”
Lizzie walked with such calm and grace it amazed him. She dropped flower petals on the walkway; her eyes up and her smile true, like she couldn’t hold back the joy in her heart.
His heart swelled. This little girl he thought he’d saved had rescued him. She’d shown him what child-like love was all about. She saw the world through love-filled eyes and she’d taught him to open his heart to allow others inside.
When she was two steps away, he couldn’t stand it anymore, and he surged forward, sweeping her into his arms. “I love you so much.” His vision blurred, and he sniffed.
She hugged his neck. “I love you, too.” She wiggled to get down and stood on his side of the pastor–acting as his best man–er daughter.
He chuckled at the sight. She was so mature for her age; heartbreak would do that to a child. But she was also innocent, and he vowed to protect that for her.
Valerie stopped singing, and the traditional wedding march began.
“Would everyone please rise?” asked the pastor.
Most people were standing anyway, but they all turned to look at the door.
Charlotte stepped from the shadow to the light, and Micah’s whole body hummed, and his breath caught at the sight of her in a wedding dress.
It was white, with a fur-lined cape draped over her shoulders. She lowered the hood, revealing a pearl and diamond headband. Her hair had been braided, twisted, and curled in a way he’d never be able to explain, but that left her looking delicate and feminine and like a siren all at once.
She removed the cape, revealing a pearled bodice and a full skirt overlaid with lace and pearls.
“Breathe,” commanded the pastor–speaking under his breath.
Micah drew in air, and it felt like he’d been born anew–the man he became in that moment was a husband, a provider, a spider killer, and a trash-taker-outer. He would hang Christmas lights and hunt for Christmas trees and chop them down with his own two hands. He would carry this new family on his shoulders and snuggle them into his arms at night. He would fight monsters in the closet, fly sleighs, and chase dreams.
This man would be everything Charlotte needed because. when he looked into her eyes, he believed.
ChapterTwenty-Three
