A December to Remember: a Holiday Romance Anthology

by Howe, Olivia

  Marv took in his daughter’s face. She wore minimal makeup, but the glow that shined outward from her, enhanced her natural beauty. Her long blonde hair was pilled high atop her head in an intricate up-do. The top of her head was adorned with an understated yet impossibly beautiful Swarovski crystal tiara which had a simple veil flowing from the back. Sloane stood behind Holly carrying her cathedral length train, as Gloria helped Holly step off the landing.

  “Oh, Holly… I’ve never seen a prettier bride!” gushed Doris. Holly smiled warmly at Doris. There was not a stitch of nervousness on her face. She knew, from the core of her soul, that she was doing the right thing. She was meant to be Brant Edgemont’s wife.

  From outside the house, a strange clopping noise sounded.

  “What’s that?” asked Holly with a perplexed look on her face. Marv smiled broadly at his daughter.

  “That would be your wedding present from Brant.”

  Everyone followed behind Holly as she walked to the window. Standing outside in the still falling snow were two brown Clydesdale horses, and a covered carriage for Holly and Marv to ride in to the wedding.

  “Oh, my God!” Holly exclaimed. It was official. Holly felt like the luckiest girl on the face of the earth. As the girls all piled into the stretch limo that would take them to the Ballroom at the Bell, Marv assisted Holly into the carriage. It was a beautiful red carriage that stood out in radiant contrast with the white scenery of winter. It had ornate doors and a comfortable cushioned bench inside. She couldn’t feel the chill of the outside at all, thanks to the warm interior of the carriage and the radiance that was pouring out of her heart.

  “Let’s go get you married,” said Marv with a 100-watt smile on his face.

  *****

  There was an intense shock of electricity in the air as guests began filing into the lobby of the Ballroom at the Bell. There was something symbolic about a New Year’s Eve wedding for Holly and Brant. They were leaving the past behind as a divorced couple, and entering the new year married. Their future was a blank slate. Whatever came their way, they would conquer together.

  Guests climbed the broad winding stairs to the Ballroom at the Bell, and were stunned with what lay before them. At the top of the stairs, there was a long banquet hall that was lit by candlelight. The room contained over two hundred and fifty white chairs, and on the end of each pew hung a flowing bouquet of white Casablanca lilies and red winterberries with a burgundy ribbon attached and a pole that had a three-tiered candelabra attached. Down the center of the aisle a long white runner led gracefully to an arbor that was elaborately decorated with more lilies and berries. If Sloane was going for romance, she certainly hit the nail right on the head.

  *****

  The organ in the loft of the banquet hall came to life as Carol of the Bells began to play. Four men, who were sharply dressed in black suits and white gloves, appeared with long bronze poles. They walked up the aisle and lit the candles that were mounted on each pew. The romantic candlelight of the hall combined with the elegant tones of the organ set exactly the right mood.

  From a side door, Brant emerged with Luke, and they proudly walked up the center aisle. He couldn’t believe how packed the place was. There wasn’t an empty seat in the house, which was miraculous on such short notice. There were acquaintances from work, relatives, old colleagues from their college days, neighbors, even his old boss from the Pour House coffee shop was there. Brant stood nervously under the arbor at the top of the aisle as he waited for his bride to appear.

  *****

  The double doors of the banquet hall opened as “Ave Maria” sounded out joyously from the organ. The groomsmen joined Brant and Luke at the front of the hall. Walking ever so slowly, little Belle led the procession down the aisle. Brant smiled as he watched his little girl walk towards him as she carried the tiniest of bouquets. She was followed by Chloe, who smiled pleasantly at everyone as she walked down the aisle, and then winked at her father before taking her place next to Belle at the front of the hall. Everyone snapped their camera as Gloria walked down the aisle looking radiant and overjoyed. There was a pause in the procession. Sloane turned around to her oldest friend, kissed her on the cheek, told her she loved her, and began walking proudly up the aisle with true sense of accomplishment visible in her stride. Brant smiled broadly at Sloane.

  Where would we be without her?

  The thought alone brought tears to his eyes. Suddenly, the song changed again. This first notes of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” began to flow and Brant could hardly maintain his composure. He looked longingly down the aisle as he waited for Holly to appear. Every second felt like an eternity. Finally, the double doors opened again to reveal a shock of white.

  Holly was standing next to Marv smiling from ear to ear. Brant had never witnessed anything so beautiful in his entire life. His heart soared with yearning. As the song gracefully crooned from the organ, Holly and Marv took their first step up the aisle. Holly was blinded by the flashes going off. The guests stood up to get a better look at her. She couldn’t wipe the smile from her face.

  Brant watched as Holly approached, and he was rendered speechless. Against his greatest wishes, tears burned his eyes, and fell down his face. He had never seen Holly look so beautiful. Holly met Brant’s eyes, and it was as if there was no one else in the world. She couldn’t reach the alter fast enough.The very thing that Holly had put off for so long, was now the very thing she so desperately wanted. She longed for the moment that she was Brant’s wife again.

  Finally, Holly and Marv had reached the alter. Holly gave Brant a sweet smile as she noticed his tear-stained face. Marv was barely holding it together, himself.

  The Justice of the Peace began, “Welcome family, friends, and loved ones to the marriage of Holly Marie McCresson-Edgemont and Brantley James Edgemont. Who gives this woman away to be married?”

  Marv perked up, “I do. Again.”

  This earned a chuckle from the crowd and a sideways glance from Brant, who simply shook his head. Marv took Brant’s hand and placed it gently in Holly’s hand, and stood behind Brant, since he was playing double duty of both best man and father of the bride.

  “I understand that you have prepared vows?” asked the Justice of the Peace. Both Holly and Brant nodded. The Justice of the Peace motioned for Holly to go first.

  She took a deep breath as Sloane handed her a neatly folded piece of stationary. In a soft voice, she read her letter to Brant outloud for all to hear:

  To Brant on Our Wedding Day (Part II),

  Who says that a home is a house with four walls and a roof? I’ve lived in the same house for twelve years now, and it is never so lonely as it is when you are gone. What is the purpose of a home? To provide shelter from the storm, to provide comfort from heartache, and to offer a place for love and friendship. I may live at 56 Wallace Road, but that is not my home. My home is your heart. It is there that I am sheltered and nurtured.

  On this day, I marry my best friend. My love. My great protector.We’ve withstood the weight of the world. There is nothing that could keep us apart now. I promise to stay by your side forever, and love you until I die. I promise to be your greatest friend and strongest ally.

  I love you,

  Holly Marie McCresson-Edgemont

  The tears had resumed in Brant’s eyes and he cleared his throat as he pulled a piece of simple lined paper out of his breast pocket.

  “Sweet mother of God. How do I follow that?” Brant said quietly to Holly through his tears. He cleared his throat again as he read off of his paper:

  Holly,

  I am not a perfect man. I have my faults. But I am a good man. A good man that loves you to the ends of the earth and back. Baby, it all comes down to you. If you will have me, I’ll never leave your side. I’ll fight alongside you through the storm. I’ll defend your honor, safety, name, and heart. I’ll be your friend, your guide, your love and your rock. All that I ask in return is to
let me, and hold my hand ‘til the end of our days.

  I love you more than you know,

  Brantley James Edgemont

  Holly wiped the tears from her eyes as the Justice as of the Peace continued the ceremony.

  “Do you, Holly Marie McCresson-Edgemont take Brantley James Edgemont to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

  Holly looked into Brant’s deep slate blue eyes with a serious look. She could see her future in his eyes. There was no hidden agenda. He loved her unconditionally and she knew it.

  As a bright smile emerged on her face, she replied, “I do.”

  Brant let out a deep sigh as he awaited his turn, he grasped Holly’s hands as he spoke his vow.

  “Brantley James Edgemont. Do you take Holly Marie McCresson-Edgemont to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

  “With all my heart. I do,” Brant said honestly and passionately.

  “As a Justice of the Peace in the State of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride!”

  Brant grabbed Holly’s cheeks as he kissed her with more passion and more vigor than he knew possible. The crowd applauded and let out cries of joy. From the organ, the “Prince of Denmark March” began to play as Holly and Brant triumphantly walked down the aisle as man and wife.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Ringing in the New Year…

  December 31, 2013

  The Ballroom at the Bell

  All eyes were on Holly and Brant as their song began to play. You’re the Inspiration by Chicago came over the loud speaker. They didn’t care who thought it was cheesy. It had always been their song and the words spoke volume to them. Holly and Brant laughed as they swayed around the dance floor, so relieved to finally be married again. There was nothing that anyone could say that would strip them of their bliss. The candlelit ambiance of the ballroom set a romantic mood for their reception. Round tables were neatly placed around the dance floor, where friends and family watched with excitement. Roman columns reached from floor to ceiling, but no part of the architecture was more impressive than the stain glass ceiling that stood above the dance floor. The moon’s beams shone through the red and blue glass casting Brant and Holly in an ethereal light.

  Brant could no longer help himself. He stopped dancing and lifted Holly up to his height, holding her tightly against him. He kissed her passionately as their fingers softly caressed each other’s skin. The crowd clinked their glasses, begging for more from the happy couple.

  *****

  The music was jumping from the speakers, and the dance floor was at maximum capacity. When Sloane said she knew how to throw a party, she wasn’t kidding. Brant was leaning casually against the bar with Luke and Marv as they watched Holly and Sloane dance.

  “Feeling better, now?” Luke asked.

  Brant couldn’t hide his smile. He held out his hand for Luke to shake, but Luke pulled him into a hug and patted him hard on the back.

  “I’m happy for you both. Keep her. She’s a good girl,” said Luke with a warm smile. Brant shook his head in agreement.

  “Oh, by the way…” Luke said to Brant as he pulled a set of keys and a piece of paper out of his pants pocket.

  “A gift.”

  Brant looked at the piece of paper with a puzzled look on his face. The note read:

  1680 Rt. 80,

  Wallford, PA

  “That’s your cabin up the mountains…”

  “Yeah, take it for a week. Sloane and I will take care of the kids.”

  “Wow! Wait til I tell her! Thank you so much!”

  “Not a problem. I’m happy that you guys are happy,” said Luke honestly.

  Marv looked at Luke with a mischevious look to his face. “What if I’m not happy? Will you send me to the woods for a week?”

  Luke replied with a smirk, “If I send you and Gloria up the mountains for a week, there might not be a cabin left!”

  Suddenly the DJ came over the loud speaker and announced, “Okay folks, the beckoning hour is upon us! Only three minutes til midnight! Everybody find a partner to ring in the new year!”

  Brant and Luke made their way over to Holly and Sloane. Holly hugged Brant tight as the countdown began.

  “Alright, here we go! The ball is on the move! 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2- Happy New Year!”

  As Auld Lang Syne played out over the crowd, and the party guests celebrated with glee, a feeling of complete calm washed over Holly and Brant. Their new life had begun and they had left the past behind them. Holly rested her head against Brant’s chest as she closed her eyes. She was home at last.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The Ever After…

  Melrose Diner

  South Philly

  January 13, 2014

  After two weeks of wedded bliss, Brant and Holly were still on cloud nine. Immediately after the wedding they packed for the mountains and left on New Year’s Day. It was a much needed retreat from the craziness of the week leading up the wedding. Everyone had such a wonderful time at the wedding, and they couldn’t thank Sloane enough for her extreme generosity. Gloria had decided that she had enough of the single life in Boston, and is now shacking up with Marv, who is on cloud 9. Chloe, Jake and Belle couldn’t be happier that their parents had reunited. The only downside in their eyes were the tightened rules that were enforced by Brant. The kids were finding it tougher to bend the rules.

  Brant had returned to work, but fortunately it was a much more family-friendly gig than he had in the past. He now wrote white page reports for an engineering periodical, which happened to pay remarkably well. Holly decided to take a leave of absence while everyone got settled again. Brant begged her to quit her job, but she didn’t know if she wanted to have that much free time on her hands.

  *****

  Holly didn’t feel like cooking dinner, and Brant was a disaster in the kitchen unless he was making poached eggs, so they decided to eat out at the Melrose diner. The Melrose is a tiny little greasy spoon diner, which is located right around the corner from Marv’s house and is locally famous for their awesome grub. Holly, Brant and the kids piled into a booth by the window as they looked over the menu and decided what they wanted to eat for dinner. Chloe asked for a quarter to put in the juke box that sat on the end of their table. Brant reached into his jean pocket and gave her one.

  “Mom, what should I play?”

  Holly looked at the catalog of songs on the jukebox as a sneaky smile formed on her face. She found one that she thought was appropriate.

  “G14.”

  “Okay! I never heard of that one,” said Chloe.

  “You’ll have to ask Grampa Marv about it.”

  A waitress came along with five glasses of water. “What can I get y’all to drink?”

  Brant told the waitress what they wanted, as she scribbled it down onto her notepad.

  “Okay, your waiter will be right up.”

  Less than a minute later, their waiter arrived, and Holly’s eyes looked as if they were about to bulge out of her head. It was none other than Chris Beckman. Suddenly, Holly’s song choice blared from the juke box. My Boyfriend’s Back by the Angels. Brant could hardly contain his laughter. Chris took one look at Brant and it looked like he wanted to die on the spot.

  “Uhh… What can I get you all?” he asked, sounding sheepish and embarassed.

  “Another waiter please,” said Holly sternly giving Chris a firm look. Chris skulked off to the kitchen and was quickly replaced with their original waitress who had took their drink order.

  Oh, how the mighty have fallen, thought Brant as he laughed to himself. Chris used to work with him at Senticore, but after his arrest back on December 30th, he was canned. Now he worked as a waiter in a greasy spoon. Brant shook his head. Maybe there was such a thing as karma.

  Suddenly, the front door of the Melrose diner swung open and Sloane walked in looking very excited. Following behind her was a much calmer but still happy lookin
g Luke, who was holding her hand.

  “Woman!” said Sloane happily as she kissed Holly on the cheek. She continued, “Have I got news for you!”

  Holly looked surprised to see her friend, but more so, she wanted to hear Sloane’s news.

  “We’re engaged!” Sloane and Luke happily announced.

  “What?! That’s amazing!” yelled Holly. Brant simply gave Luke a high five. He knew he was going to ask her.

  “Looks like we have another wedding to plan!”

  Epilogue

  December and January provided some important lessons for the Edgemont family, but none more so than this:

  Romance is not a constant byproduct of love. Real love is standing by one another and supporting each other through the good times and the bad. We all make mistakes, but the important thing is that we learn from them and move onto a more positive path.

  Brant and Holly had done just that. Their family was complete, and they were stronger than ever. They were more at home together than they were apart.

  In the following months, as they grew accustomed to living together again and being married again, there were bumps, but it was nothing that they couldn’t overcome together. Holly and Brant fought through the storm, and waited through the rain for the sun to shine again.

  -The End-

  Dedication:

  To my husband and children for their love and support

  Chapter One

  GAVIN