A Holiday Proposal
Page 17
“Yes. A thousand times yes.”
Epilogue
Christmas Eve, One Year Later
Holly stared at her reflection in the mirror, loving the look of her hair in a French twist topped with a veil that draped softly to the middle of her back. Her white satin dress hugged her in all the right places and cascaded to the floor.
Jessica came up behind her and rested her hands on her shoulders. “You look positively exquisite.”
Holly grinned at her sister in the mirror. “Thanks, and you look radiant. Pregnancy suits you.”
Jessica held a finger to her lips. “Shh, we aren’t telling anyone yet.”
Holly giggled. “Sweetie, you’d better say something soon, or everyone will think you’ve indulged in too many holiday sweets, and Mom will have a fit if she’s the last to know.”
“Last to know what?” Their mom stood in the dressing room doorway.
Holly pressed her lips together and nodded. She didn’t mind sharing the spotlight, even if it was her wedding day.
Jessica shook her head and whispered, “This is your day.” Then she turned and strode to their mother. “We didn’t want you to be the last to know that Holly is wearing your diamond earrings.”
Mom waved a hand. “I gave them to her. Honestly, I don’t know what’s come over you girls.” She dabbed at the corners of her eyes. “My baby is getting married. I never thought I’d see the day, and on Christmas Eve, too! You couldn’t have chosen a better time of year. I just hope the snow doesn’t prevent anyone from coming.”
Holly grinned and rolled her eyes, catching her sister doing the same. “Everyone that matters is already here. Besides, the roads aren’t bad.” She looked toward the window, where soft snowflakes gently fell from the sky.
“I know, dear. And now I have an extraspecial memory to replace the old ones that always pulled me down during the holidays.”
Holly blinked back tears as her heart bubbled over with love for her mother. She knew her wedding would make her mom happy, but didn’t think about the timing being a healing balm.
Jessica cleared her throat. “Enough of this mushy stuff.” She patted a tissue on her face. “Come on, Mom. Let’s let Holly have a few minutes to herself.”
“Okay. I’m so proud of you both. See you in the sanctuary.”
Holly watched her mom and sister leave and breathed deeply of the evergreen-scented air, courtesy of the Christmas tree sitting in the corner of the room.
A soft knock at the door drew her attention. “Come in.”
Matthew poked his head inside. “May I come in?”
“Absolutely not!” She ducked behind a dressing screen. “You can’t see me before the ceremony.” She heard the door click shut then the floor creak. What was the man thinking coming in here an hour before they were to be married?
“Ahem.”
“Matthew?”
“Yeah, it’s me. I want to pray with you before the day gets away from us.”
Her heart melted, and she stepped out from behind the screen. Would he ever stop surprising her with his sweetness and Godly ways? “I would love that.”
His jaw dropped, and he took her hands in his. “You look gorgeous!”
“So do you.” His black tux fitted perfectly and enhanced his manly physique.
He bowed his head. “Lord, I thank You for this woman whom I’m about to marry. I thank You that she is as beautiful on the inside as the outside and that she loves me as much as I love her. Please bless our marriage and help us to keep You number one in our relationship.”
Holly took a calming breath, willing herself not to cry. “Lord—” Her voice caught. “What he said. Amen.” She opened her eyes and saw the mischievous look on his face. “What?”
“You. You’re sentimental and stingy with words.” His grin lightened the mood. “I’ll see you soon.” He stooped and thoroughly kissed her.
“What are you doing in here?” Jessica rushed across the room and playfully swatted at Matthew. “You have to leave now.”
He chuckled. “I’m going.” He sent Holly a look of longing that held a promise and slipped from the room.
* * *
After the ceremony the dull roar of voices and laughter drew the new couple toward the fellowship hall, which was decked out in greenery with red berries and sprigs of holly intermingled. Red and white roses sat atop their three-tiered cake and gentle Christmas music filtered through the speakers.
Holly stopped before entering and looked up at her husband with a soft smile. “You ready for this?”
“With you by my side, I’m ready for anything, Mrs. Cook.”
Holly slipped her arm through his. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
“For loving me and for helping to make this day so special. I love you with all my heart. And for planning our wedding night. I’m looking forward to snowmobiling up to the cabin later and waking up on Christmas morning with you by my side.”
He waggled his eyebrows and sent her a leer worthy of a pirate before pulling her to him and planting a kiss on her lips.
Holly melted in his gentle arms, returning his kiss.
“There you are.”
Holly groaned and pulled back from her husband. “Mom.”
“Your guests are anxious to see you. Come on.” She dragged the couple into the room as friends and family erupted in applause at their entrance.
“So, this is what it feels like to be the star.” Holly spoke under her breath. She flashed a smile at her friends.
Matthew planted a soft kiss on her cheek. “Honey, you’ll always be my star.”
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460341322
A Holiday Proposal
Copyright © 2014 by Kimberly R. Johnson
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