by Kenya Wright
She giggled. “That’s what Nikolas said. But it’s the opposite of Christmas. The beach and crystal blue waters.”
“Girl, I would have made it work.”
She hugged me. “I love you, Ivy.”
I held her small frame to me. Usually, when she hugged me, I didn’t take it in too much. I didn’t fall into the emotion of what it did to me. This time, I let go. I sank into her hold. And I remained there in her embrace for several silent seconds, enjoying her love.
When she moved away, she studied me. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
She smirked. “Now, you’re crying.”
Stunned, I dabbed at my eyes. “It’s contagious. Let’s go, so we don’t arrive to a chapel of frozen people.”
“I wouldn’t mind Mrs. Ingram being frozen.”
“All right. That’s your mama now.”
“Oh god! Don’t remind me.”
I helped her drape a thick white shawl over her.
When we walked outside the villa, I spotted the sleigh and reindeers.
Alrighty.
The whole getup looked like Santa Clause had prepared it for his daughter to get married. White roses and lace covered the sleigh. Four reindeer were harnessed in front of it with white leather on their reins.
We climbed in. Instead of going straight to the SnowChapel, they took us through the snow-sprinkled woods. The ride was peaceful. I felt like I was inside a fairytale. The reindeer led us forward. On the right, a frozen lake sparkled.
I held her hand and squeezed. “It’s time to meet your prince.”
“It is.” She kept a serious expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“One day, we’ll be doing this for your wedding. . .I hope.”
“Why do you always think about me, Holly?”
She smiled. “Because I love you so much and want you to be just as happy as I am.”
I leaned back into the seat. “Well. . .I was going to wait to tell you this, but your brother has been demanding we do more than have holiday entanglements.”
She smirked. “And?”
“I said yes.”
“Oh my god!”
The rider glanced back.
I waved him away. “We’re fine. The bride is simply crazy.”
“Saint and you?”
“Yes.”
“In a relationship?”
“Yes.”
“This is going to be epic.”
“Or insane.”
“Amazing.”
I whispered, “I’m scared.”
She squeezed my hand. “You shouldn’t be. You two have been in love with each other since we were nine years old.”
“I wouldn’t say that. More like fourteen.”
“He had a crush on you from the first day your family and you moved next door.”
“Stop it.”
“Seriously.”
I shook my head. “Either way, back to your wedding.”
“Oh yes.” She smiled bigger now. “Everything worked out just how I prayed.”
“Oh, God.”
“Next year, we’ll be at your wedding.”
“Let’s just get one wedding done first before we plan mine.”
She pointed at me. “So, you’re saying that it is possible?”
I laughed and gestured to the front of us. “There’s the SnowChapel. It’s showtime.”
“Oh my God.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“I will?”
“Like I said, this will be the best decision of your life. And must I remind you again that you are already married?”
“But this will make us. . .married-married.”
“Indeed it will.”
The sleigh parked us right in front of the SnowChapel. I helped her out and we hurried forward.
The rest of the time was a magical affair. Due to the freezing temperature inside the chapel, the ceremony would only be thirty minutes. Therefore, the staff wasted no time. The flower girls and ring bearers trotted toward the altar. Everyone in the pews cheered for the cute little rascals. Next, the bridesmaids strolled down the aisle with their appointed usher. Then Saint and I headed down. I had my arm around his. And that moment felt different from rehearsal. He held me closer to him. My declaration of love rang in my head. And I knew that Holly had a point.
This could be us one day.
Horror seized my heart. I pushed the terror away, getting used to this new idea of a future that I’d never let myself consider before.
When we made it to the altar, Saint whispered, “I love you, and after this is done, I’m going to fuck you hard.”
Shocked, I remained where I was and watched him walk to his place.
“Ivory?” Emma gestured for me to come. “You’re over here. Remember.”
I cleared my throat and headed in that direction. His words triggered my pussy to moisten. With the chill in this chapel, I hoped my panties wouldn’t form into ice. When I got in place, I glanced his way.
A wicked expression covered his face.
I tried to reply to his comment with my eyes.
Fuck me hard? You better.
He winked at me as if hearing everything that I’d said.
Holly entered the chapel next. All of our attention went to her.
Her father guided her forward.
I checked Nikolas’s face. Tears left his eyes. That warmed my heart. All of the memories of spending time with them and watching their love blossom overtook me. And just like that, I was crying too.
I caught Saint watching me. I wiped them away and turned back to Holly.
She made it to the altar made of intricately carved ice. And the officiate went right into the ceremony. They exchanged short vows and sealed them with a long kiss.
All right. We’re done. Let’s get out of this cold-assed place.
The staff hurried the guests out of the chapel after that. Many wanted to congratulate the newlyweds, but they weren’t having it.
The wedding party remained for pictures. While the photographer positioned us, the planner handed us champagne in chilled glasses.
As soon as Holly attempted to sip hers, Nikolas grabbed it. “I’ll take that, Bruce Lee Holly.”
“It’s just champagne.” She turned to me. “Ivy, tell him.”
I shrugged. “We were almost arrested a few days ago. I get it.”
“I’m just saying.” Nikolas gave his and Holly’s glasses to Saint and me. “We’re going to pace ourselves. That’s all.”
“Fine.” Holly grinned. “It’s cold anyway.”
Holding two glasses between us, Saint and I cheered and sipped.
I giggled. “Unfortunately, now I’m going to be pretty messed up tonight.”
“Hmmm.” Saint took in my gown as if seeing me for the first time. “Do you like that dress?”
“I love it.”
“Too bad.”
“Why?”
“I won’t do my best to keep it intact.”
“Oh really?” I smirked. “It’s going to be that type of night?”
He leaned my way and whispered in my ear. “I’m so sexually frustrated with you. We could have been fucking this entire trip. In fact, this entire year.”
“Then, we have to make up for lost time.”
“Lots of it.”
“And you’ll need a new stylist too.”
He frowned. “Really, Ivy?”
“I’m just saying. You know I’m crazy.” I sipped the champagne.
“Well, at least you’re making plans for our future.”
“I’m. . .” I sighed. “I’m doing my best.”
“Let this come natural to you.”
I kept my voice low. “I’m nervous, though.”
“That’s fine.”
“What will we do?”
“The Santa Clause Village.”
I groaned. “I mean. What will we do after this trip?”
“I’ll head back to New York wit
h you.”
I widened my eyes. “You will?”
He nodded. “As I said, we have to make up for lost time. Plus, I would love to bring in the new year with you.”
“Okay.” I let out a long breath. “And then after that?”
“We fuck some more.”
I chuckled. “Saint.”
“Then we figure out my move to your city. I told you that I’ve been thinking about this for years. The Network would support it.”
Pressure built in my chest. Terror seized me.
“Breathe, Ivy.”
I followed his instructions.
“We’ll take this day by day.”
I nodded. “Then, why does it seem so. . .fast?”
“Fast for you, but not for me.”
“True.”
“We’ll be in the same city. Wrap your head around that, and be okay with it.”
I finished one glass of champagne.
His voice held a seductive edge. “I’m not changing the plan now that I have you.”
My body warred with itself. Nervousness entwined with arousal. Dread sprinkled into lust. I yearned for him and in the same moment wanted to run and hide.
But I remained there, remembering the spirits that visited me and all the things that they showed.
Chapter 17
Oh Holy Night
For the reception, Holly rented a nearby banquet hall.
Due to not eating breakfast that morning, I was super tipsy off the two glasses of champagne. I left the SnowChapel with Saint. He drove us over. Instead of going straight to the reception, we made out in the car like teenagers. With each slip of the tongue, my fear and regret began to slip away.
Several hot minutes later, we headed inside. I stopped in the doorway and drank in the setting. “Wow.”
Smiling, Saint remained at my side and held my hand. “This is nice.”
Warm air spread around me. The huge banquet hall had a domed top. High, white arches loomed over and held up a glass ceiling. The fragrant perfume of roses and gardenias filled the air. Sunlight reflected against the thousands of white flowers that hung from the ceiling. They glowed. Excited chatter buzzed throughout the space. A few children giggled and ran between the tables.
In the SnowChapel, we stood within sculptured crystal ice. At this reception, we would dance and party within a breathtaking white garden.
Shocked, I noticed that Holly and Nikolas had beat us to the place.
Whoa. How long were we making out?
The newlyweds sat at a small table at the head of the room. Tons of bouquets of white roses surrounded them. The wedding party was at a table near them.
“Let’s go.” Saint gently pulled me forward.
Holly spotted me and wagged her finger, knowing exactly why we were late.
I winked at her and she giggled. Then Nikolas grabbed her attention by leaning over and kissing her.
Those two will have a baby before their first anniversary.
We arrived at the wedding party table. Saint pulled out a chair for me. I lowered into it. Next, he sat down on my right.
“Hey, Ivory.” Emma leaned in on my left. “Are you ready for your speech? It’s coming up.”
“Fuck,” I muttered.
She shook her head. “You forgot?”
“I. . .yeah. . .I forgot.”
Emma raised her eyebrows. “Do you want me to do it in your place?”
No way. Holly would never forgive me.
Emma would be guaranteed to do a long speech of negative thoughts and statements that centered around her.
I gave Emma a weak smile. “Thanks so much, but I’ve got it.”
“Okay, but this is important. If you fail, you could ruin the entire night for all of us.”
“Thanks, Emma. You’re always positive and helpful.”
“I try.” She snapped her attention to her little daughter twerking on the dance floor. “What the hell is Katie doing?”
I laughed. “Looks like she’s shaking what her mother gave her.”
“Well, I most certainly didn’t give her that.” Emma rose and headed over to the dance floor.
I shook my head and turned to Saint. “Did you remember your speech?”
“Of course. I wrote it last month and then spent this month memorizing it.”
“Wow. Just wow.”
“What?”
“Nothing. I wished I thought of that.”
“No speech?”
“I’m working on it.” My stomach twisted. “Do you have a pen?”
“I’ll get one.” He left.
Damn it. How could I have forgotten the speech?
Veronica waved at me from the other side of the table. “They did it, girl.”
I forced a smile and nodded. “Yes.”
She clapped. “Now we can drink and relax.”
I wish.
For the rest of the reception, I worked on my speech, scribbling thoughts down on a napkin. Every now and then, I would chat with guests that came by to say hello. I did my best to look engaged just in case Holly glanced my way. But I definitely focused more on what I would say. After everything that occurred, this would be my last duty for her.
I can’t fuck this up.
After thirty minutes, the wedding planner came over to me right as the entrees were on the table. “Ivy, it’s time for you to do your speech.”
I displayed an awkward smile. “Okay.”
She gave me the microphone.
I guess it is good that I didn’t eat. This way I won’t vomit all over everybody since I have an empty stomach.
The mic weighed heavy in my hand. I stood, picked up my spoon, and tapped it against my champagne glass. Everyone turned my way. Emma’s children continued to talk. Her husband silenced them.
I cleared my throat. My heart pounded in my ears.
I raised the microphone to my mouth. “Hello, everyone.”
Mrs. Madison waved, signaling to me that she was drunk. For some reason, she loved to wave when she had too many.
I waved back.
Holly smiled with excitement.
Oh, God. She thinks this is going to be awesome.
“Thank you everyone for giving me your attention.” I picked up the napkin, read the first few lines, and then looked back at the audience. “Today, you are lucky to be here. Not only have you experienced a breathtaking wedding in a chapel made of snow, but right now you will witness a unique event in history.”
I swallowed. “This is the first and presumably last time anyone will ever trust me to give a speech at their wedding.”
Tons of people laughed, including Saint. Holly began to cry.
Oh, God. Stop it, Holly. I don’t want to cry too.
Still, my eyes watered. “I met Nikolas the first time Holly did, and it was a rough moment in my life. And on Christmas too. But those two, as well as her brother Saint, helped me make it through. And here we are many years later with them providing more amazing moments on Christmas. Because what could be more memorable than the beauty of their love.”
Nikolas put his arm around Holly’s shoulder and kissed her cheek.
“But enough about me. That day they met, I knew deep within my heart that something would blossom between them. And I’m not just saying it.” I touched my chest. “I felt it here. And every moment after that, they became my real example of the power of love. So beautiful. So pure. That. . .”
A tear left my eye.
“That I thought it would be impossible for me to find the same thing. And whether I’m right or wrong, I’m blessed to know them, be around them, and feel the warmth of their love surrounding me.”
Saint handed me a napkin. I hadn’t realized more tears fell from my eyes. I dabbed at them.
“So,” I cleared my throat. “Nikolas, I’ve talked to you all year about what I expect from you.”
Nikolas yelled out. “Is that what we’re calling bodily threats these days?”
I laughed with the audie
nce. “Sorry. I’m protective of my best friend—my sister.”
Holly mouthed I love you.
“Either way, Nikolas, I know you will be an amazing husband because you were an amazing boyfriend. And you’ve been an awesome friend to me. And Holly, thank you so much for bringing me to your magical wedding and letting me be a part of it. I will never forget this. But most of all, may you be as happy as you can be. Celebrate your long life together. I look forward to celebrating more of your new adventures.”
I raised my glass in the air. “To the Madisons. Cheers.”
Everyone clapped.
Holy shit.
I sat down and handed the microphone to Saint.
He kissed my cheek and whispered, “You did an amazing job.”
“Thank you.”
He rose and looked out at the audience. “What is the true definition of love?”
A few people murmured things here and there. Some giggled.
“I tried to look it up in the dictionary and couldn’t find the exact words to define Holly and Nikolas.” He gestured to them. “The dictionary said that true love is a strong and lasting affection between two people who are in a happy, passionate, and fulfilling relationship. But is that reality? I’ve watched these two deal with tough times. Hard moments. Serious issues. And I also watched them survive each time. Get stronger. Unite even more until. . .”
We all sat on the edge of our seats, listening.
“Until they were almost a single body, moving as one with no beginning or end to them.” He stared at Holly. “I watched my sister start as an annoying sticky kid who always came into my bedroom without knocking and borrowing my things. And now I look at an elegant woman who has dedicated her life to helping the world and completely loving everyone around her.”
Holly covered her mouth with both hands.
“And Nikolas, you’ve been my best friend for so long that I can’t even remember a time when you weren’t by my side. They say men don’t talk, but you and I have sat on the phone, yapping about our problems with the women that have our hearts.”
Nikolas yelled out. “And sports!”
“Yes. And sports too. Which you’re bad at guessing who will be the winner.”
The crowd laughed again.
Saint let out a long breath. “Following you two on this journey has been a thrilling experience. Through the fun times and the ups and downs. So strong, you both faced all things together, never giving up on each other.”
