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Everyone turned to look at Emmie. “That’s true. Harper is going to be the best princess ever with her brother.”

Ted grinned and winked at her, while the others tried not to laugh as Harper danced around with a wand in her hand. Ted checked his watch. “Chase and Ryan should be here soon. I’ll wait to start the drinks. I want to propose a special toast.”

Cinda turned to Emmie. “It isn’t unusual for the men to be a little late because they wait for the showrooms to close before coming home.”

Soon after, Chase and Ryan appeared together. Introductions were made, and like the women, the men seemed to greet one another with real enthusiasm.

“While we’re all gathered in the living room, I have a special announcement,” said Ted.

He knelt in front of Emmie, who was sitting at one end of the couch. Then he removed a small, black velvet box from his pants pocket and opened it, showing a large sparkling diamond in a simple gold band. His eyes gazed at her with adoration.

“Emily Withers, I love you, and I want you for my wife. Will you marry me?”

Stunned, Emmie clapped a hand to her mouth.

Ted continued to give her a steady look. “I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you in your Mrs. Claus costume. I knew then I wanted you for my wife. But we had a lot to learn from one another before I could ask you. You’re perfect for me. So, will you, Emmie? Will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes! Of course, I will. I love you!” Her voice quivered. “And I love your family. And my family loves you.”

Flushed with emotion, Ted slid the ring on her finger.

She stared at the beautiful, sparkling diamond and gazed up at him. “You really are Santa Claus.”

He laughed. “Nothing is too good for you.”

“I want to see it,” said Harper, reaching for Emmie’s hand. She stared at the ring and then said, “I want one, too.”

“In time, sweet girl,” said Ted, patting her back as everyone chuckled.

Still dazed, Emmie glanced at Kate, who blew her a kiss.

As everyone clapped with enthusiasm, Ted pulled Emmie up into his arms and whispered, “I love you. Now and always. I can’t wait to show you just how much.”

Emmie’s cheeks turned bright red. She knew exactly what he meant, and she couldn’t wait.

CHAPTER THIRTY- TWO

Six Months Later

Sitting in the back seat of a limousine with Ted, Emmie squeezed his hand as the car drove between the gates of The Beach House Hotel. This is where her entire life changed.

Ted turned to her, understanding her excitement.

Emmie studied the two-story pink building stretched out across the green grass next to a sandy beach, looking like one of Harper's fairy castles. The groomed landscape softened the building’s structure with colorful flowering bushes and palm fronds swaying in the breeze from strategically placed palm trees.

Her smile widened when she saw Ann Sanders and Rhonda Grayson, the owners of the hotel, at the top of the front stairs, waiting to greet them.

“I can’t believe we’re here,” Emmie said, turning to Ted. “It’s where Christmas dreams come true.”

He gave her a quick kiss and prepared to leave the car as it rolled up to the front of the hotel.

Emmie emerged from the car and beamed at Ann and Rhonda.

“Welcome, Emmie and Ted,” said Ann. “We’re delighted to have you join us for another Christmas holiday.”

“You are the prime example of people finding love at the hotel,” gushed Rhonda. “We’re excited you’re getting married here. Your story is very special.”

“We’re pleased we could accommodate all of your plans,” said Ann.