Bayside Mistletoe

by Stacy Claflin

  Gary pulled her closer and whispered, “I’m not going anywhere.”

  She stood taller. “The only reason I’m here is because Gary drove me here. He didn’t want me to miss the holiday with you. Otherwise, I’d still be at home.”

  Edgar’s expression softened. Barely. And he still kept his stare focused on Judy.

  Gary resisted the urge to step between them and point out that her father was about to make the same mistake he had—losing Judy.

  She took a deep breath. “The only reason I’ll stay is if you work out whatever you have against Gary.”

  Edgar crossed his arms. “You think you can tell me what to do now?”

  Judy shook her head. “I’m only telling you my condition for staying. If you want me here for Christmas morning, you need to grab hold of the holiday spirit and extend some grace to Gary. He’s going to be part of this family, whether you like it or not.”

  Gary tensed as his future father-in-law finally turned to him. “This isn’t how I wanted to spend my Christmas Eve.”

  “Believe me, sir, it isn’t what I envisioned, either. I was enjoying the evening with my own family when your other daughter called me. She wants your whole family together tonight. I want Judy to be with her family, so I left my family gathering to make this happen.”

  Edgar’s stance relaxed a little but his brows were still drawn together. “Why?”

  “Because Judy means that much to me. How could I enjoy my time with my family knowing she was sitting in her apartment alone?”

  The other man glanced between Judy and Gary. “You broke her heart.”

  “And what do you think you’re doing right now?”

  Edgar’s hands fell to his side and his eyebrows finally parted. “Excuse me?”

  Gary stepped closer to Judy. “I can see it in her eyes. You pushing her away is breaking her heart.”

  “I’m not pushing her away!”

  “Yes, you are.” Judy sniffled. “You really are.”

  Edgar’s mouth curved down. “But he—”

  “Daddy, you need to forgive him. It was a long time ago, and I love him. We’re getting married, and he’s going to be the father of your grandchildren. Do you think I’m going to want to bring them over here when you treat their dad the way you are?”

  Several expressions shadowed his face, but he said nothing.

  Gary took a deep breath and nearly choked on his pride. He stepped forward until he was facing the other man, leaving only a little space between them. “Let me do something I should’ve done before. Sir, I love your daughter and I want to marry her. I know I don’t deserve her, especially after stupidly breaking her heart. I was an idiot, but we all make mistakes. And all we can do is try to make them right. I want to spend the rest of my life treating Judy like the treasure she is. She’s forgiven me, and I hope you can, too. Can I have your blessing to marry her?”

  Edgar glanced behind Gary, then looked back at him. He took a deep breath. “If this is what Judy wants, then yes. But if you ever hurt her, I’ll hunt you down and kill you.”

  “Dad!” Judy appeared by Gary’s side. “I said I wanted to see you extend the Christmas spirit of forgiveness to him.”

  “Believe me, I am. But he needs to understand what will happen if he ever hurts you again.”

  Gary put his arm around her. “It’s okay. He’s just trying to protect you.”

  “I’m an adult, Dad. No more threats. I’m serious. Forgiveness and grace, or I go back home and stay there. Welcome him to the family and gain a son, or lose a daughter. Your choice.”

  Edgar’s mouth turned white as it formed a straight line. “Is that really how you feel?”

  “Yes. Fully and completely.”

  His expression stiffened. “Okay, then.”

  Gary held his breath, not sure what Edgar meant.

  “You’ll welcome him with open arms?” Judy asked.

  Edgar looked back and forth between the two of them.

  “Gain a son or lose a daughter. What’s it going to be?”

  Edgar’s face contorted as if tasting something bitter. “Welcome to the family, Gary.”

  Gary gave him a double-take. “Thank you.”

  “Now hug,” Judy urged.

  They both turned to her.

  She put her hands on her hips. “I’m serious.”

  Edgar muttered something under his breath.

  “What was that, Daddy?” Judy tilted her head. “You’d be glad to? Or should I go back home?”

  He looked at Gary. “You’d drop her off at her apartment on Christmas Eve?”

  Gary swallowed. “No, I’d bring her to my family gathering. She isn’t spending the holiday alone if I have anything to say about it.”

  A look of defeat covered his face. He hesitated, then offered a hand to Gary.

  Gary took it and gave the firmest handshake of his life.

  “I said a hug.”

  Edgar turned to her. “You’re something else, you know that?”

  “I’m serious. Everything changes tonight if you want to keep me in your life.”

  “Okay.” Edgar took a step forward and gave Gary a weak hug.

  It was beyond awkward, but Gary put his arms around the man and patted his back.

  The smile on Judy’s face made it worthwhile. His heart warmed and he blew her a kiss.

  Chapter 26

  Judy sipped her black coffee and sighed as the waiters took down the Christmas decorations from the diner walls.

  Gary kissed her cheek. “Are you okay?”

  “Just sad to see Christmas being packed up and put away until next year.”

  Nichole’s eyes lit up as she sipped her shake. “But it’s almost the new year! New beginnings and kicking off Baby New Year with a kiss at midnight.”

  “Who said you have to wait until then?” Dave kissed her.

  Nichole giggled, then her eyes widened again. “Oh, that reminds me! I have the pictures from sledding and making gingerbread houses.” She dug into her purse.

  “And the Christmas s’mores?” Amy asked.

  “Of course.” Nichole laughed as she pulled out the fat white envelope.

  “You got triples?” Judy leaned forward, eager to see the photos.

  “What else?” Nichole separated the pictures into three piles, giving one to Amy and the other to Judy.

  Judy grabbed hers and flipped through them. The first ones were from sledding. Nichole had gotten one of Gary kissing Judy at the top of the snowy hill.

  She turned to Nichole. “When’d you get this one? I don’t remember you taking it.”

  Nichole laughed. “You were a little distracted, don’t you think?”

  Judy’s cheeks warmed.

  Gary wrapped his arm around her. “I love how easily embarrassed you are.”

  “Stop.”

  He laughed and kissed her cheek. They went through all the rest of the pictures, laughing and enjoying every one. Once they’d gone through all of them, Judy pulled out the one of Gary kissing her. She wanted to frame it and look at it every day.

  “What is everyone doing after this?” Nichole asked.

  Amy sighed, blowing her bangs away from her eyes. “I promised Mom I’d help her take down the decorations. She always goes overboard, then it takes like five hours to get everything put away—and that’s if we all help.”

  “What about you?” Nichole turned to Judy.

  She glanced at Gary. “We’re going to visit his family. They haven’t seen the ring yet.”

  “I think they’re more interested in seeing you.” Gary laughed. “The last time they saw you was years ago.”

  “Bummer.” Nichole pouted. “You’ll all be at the New Year’s dance tomorrow, right?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” Judy smiled.

  “Us, either,” Amy added. “Trust me, I’d rather hang out with you than spend hours putting away Christmas decorations.

  Everyone gathered their things then said goodbye in the park
ing lot before going their separate ways.

  Gary wrapped his arms around Judy, and she nestled close, taking in his rugged woodsy scent. He held her gaze before giving her a quick kiss. “Can you believe we’ll be married this time next year?”

  She tilted her head. “Does that mean we have a date set?”

  “No, but we need to set one soon. I don’t know what I’ll do if we aren’t married by next Christmas.”

  “That makes two of us.”

  He cupped her chin and gave her a kiss that melted her despite the chill in the air.

  Chapter 27

  One year later.

  Gary adjusted his tie and cleared his throat. The rented mansion was a Christmas wonderland, filled with elaborately-decorated trees, walls, and ceilings. It wasn’t overdone but was just right, making it feel like he’d stepped into another world.

  And he was about to actually step into another world—life as a married man. Life with Judy as his wife. His heart raced, just thinking about his bride. He leaned closer to his brother to try and see out into the hallway.

  Robert gave him a playful glance. “She isn’t coming yet.”

  “What’s taking so long?”

  He chuckled. “Give it a couple of minutes.”

  Gary sighed. That may as well have been days. Years.

  “I thought grooms were supposed to be nervous and worried,” Robert teased.

  “You weren’t.” Gary threw him a sideways glance.

  Violins began playing. The harpists joined in, followed by the flutists.

  Gary’s throat closed up.

  She was coming. Judy, his bride. This was really happening.

  The two ushers pulled open the doors and the music grew even louder. Judy stepped through the doorway in the long white dress with her hair up. When she glanced at Gary, a wide smile crossed her face.

  The music changed tempo, and Edgar looped his arm through Judy’s. His expression was impossible to read. Not that it mattered. Judy was going to marry Gary no matter what he thought. It had been a year, and a lot had changed between the two men. They’d developed a mutual respect for one another, though it would be some time before a genuine liking happened.

  Everyone who was seated rose, and Judy walked down the aisle with her father. Gary’s pulse raced, and his breathing grew labored.

  It was really happening. By the time they left the hall, he and Judy would be married.

  She and her father stopped at the steps of the platform.

  The pastor stepped forward. “Who gives this woman in marriage?”

  Edgar looked up at Gary without a word.

  Gary’s stomach dropped. Was he going to make a scene? Express his concerns in front of all the guests?

  Edgar cleared his throat and looked back and forth between Judy and the pastor. “Her mother and I do.”

  Relief washed through Gary.

  Edgar kissed Judy on the cheek then sat with his wife.

  The pastor helped Judy up the stairs and took his place. Gary could hardly breathe. She was so much more beautiful up close. He took in every detail of her face and dress, never wanting to forget a single thing.

  Gary took her hands in his as the pastor spoke. He tried to focus but couldn’t pay attention to a word the man said. It was a good thing someone was tape recording the ceremony. He could listen to it later.

  Every time Judy smiled at him, it felt like his heart would explode. How was he supposed to focus on anything else when the kindest and most gorgeous woman alive was about to become his wife?

  Before he knew it, it was time for the vows to be exchanged. Thankfully, all he had to do was repeat what the pastor said. That was simple enough.

  Or so it would seem. He stumbled through it, trying to ignore the chuckles in the audience.

  Then they slid the rings on each other’s fingers just before the best part.

  “You may kiss the bride.”

  Gary’s pulse drummed in his ears. Judy’s eyes shone as she grinned at him.

  He cupped her chin and gave her a kiss that surely made the pastor and the small children in the audience blush, but he didn’t care. This was their wedding, and their first kiss as a married couple. He wanted to set the foundation right.

  Applause erupted and moments later, they seemed to float down to the aisle then toward the door, hand-in-hand and waving to the guests. Family and friends offered congratulations and advice as they made their way to another hall, this one set up for dining and dancing.

  Robert grabbed the newlyweds and dragged them over to the microphone. He tapped it and called for everyone’s attention. “Before we get this party started, I’d like to say a few words about my brother and my new sister-in-law.”

  Several people cheered and called out.

  Gary’s stomach flipped and flopped as he thought about what Robert might say.

  Robert continued. “I’ve known my brother his entire life, and I’ve always supported him, but the one time I didn’t was when he foolishly walked away from this beautiful woman. Anyone who laid eyes on them knew right away that what they have is true love. It’s bigger and more magical than anything on the big screen. Something rarely seen, and I’ve only ever seen it two other times in my life. First, from my own parents, then in the love I share with Dawn. We Hunters are lucky men—and my brother is luckiest since his true love took him back. Congratulations, Gary!”

  They embraced, and Gary whispered, “You had to talk about my stupidity at my wedding?”

  “It’s part of your story. A love that overcomes any obstacle.”

  “Thanks.” Gary turned to Judy and spun her around the dance floor. They danced the night away, stopping only to eat and thank the guests for being there. Judy shared a dance with her father at one point, then Gary danced with his mom.

  Finally, the limo arrived to take them to their honeymoon.

  Gary stole one more kiss before they climbed inside, poked their heads through the open sunroof, then waved goodbye as they drove away toward their new life.

  Chapter 28

  Epilogue

  Judy grabbed Gary’s hand. “Look! A mistletoe!”

  He pressed his lips on hers, resting his hand on her rounded belly. “I don’t need a mistletoe to give my beautiful wife a kiss.”

  She dragged him over to the small plant and stood underneath it. “But it’s the perfect excuse.”

  He laughed, his eyes twinkling, and he gave her another kiss. Then he pulled her close and held her tightly. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

  Her heart raced despite having been married for three years. He still had that effect on her. Probably always would.

  His eyes widened. “Did you feel that? I think the baby just kicked.”

  She grinned. “He did.”

  “You really believe that sonogram result? You think it’s really a boy? The picture just looked like a grainy potato.”

  Judy shoved him. “That’s our baby you’re talking about.”

  “It’s not an insult, just a fact. I’m sure he’ll look just fine when he comes out.”

  “He sure will be fine if he looks anything like his daddy.”

  Gary laughed again, then gave her another kiss. “Whether our baby is a girl or boy, I’ll be thrilled. We’ll be more than a couple, we’ll be a family.”

  “Do you still like the name Logan?”

  “Still like it?” Gary teased. “Last I said, it was growing on me.”

  “Oh, come on! It’s so cute.”

  “He’s not going to want a cute name when he’s thirty.”

  She gave him an exasperated sigh. “It’s also a strong name. I think it’s perfect.”

  “Like I said before, it’s growing on me.”

  “Good.” She kissed his nose. “We’d better get going. Dad said he’d leave without us if we’re late again.”

  “They won’t leave without us. He’s just trying to make sure you’re ready on time.”

  She lifted a brow. “
What makes you think he isn’t talking to you?”

  Gary tousled her hair. “Because I’m not the one who spends an hour in the bathroom getting ready.”

  Judy tried to glare at him. “You spend plenty of time getting ready, I’ll have you know.”

  He laughed. “You’re adorable when you’re feisty. Come on.”

  They walked hand-in-hand to the car and sang along with Christmas songs until they reached her parents’ house. Lynda and Clyde were already there with their little bundle of joy. Lynda waved, holding little Layne.

  Judy waved back and patted her belly. “Layne and Logan will be best friends, don’t you think?”

  “Of course.” Gary kissed her. “Although she’s going to have to fight with Robert and Dawn’s boys for that role.”

  “We’ll see.”

  They climbed out of the car and greeted everyone. Clyde gave Gary a handshake, but Judy’s dad gave him a hug. Though they’d once been at odds, it was hard to believe now. The two men now often got together on their own and enjoyed the time spent together. And Judy was always glad her two favorite men were friends.

  Her dad spun around and looked at everyone. “Who’s ready to cut trees?”

  Clyde patted the back of his enormous truck. “This should be able to carry all three trees.”

  “If not,” Dad said, “we can always put one on my car.”

  Clyde and Lynda climbed into the truck with Layne. Gary helped Judy into her dad’s car. He kissed her cheek. “I couldn’t be any happier.”

  “Neither could I.” She threaded her fingers through his and he gave her a kiss that would have knocked her down if she hadn’t already been sitting.

  All her dreams had come true.

  —

  Finally, the book everyone has been begging for — Shale’s story! Both Shale and Cassidy have deep wounds, but if they open themselves up to love, they may just find what they need…

  https://stacyclaflin.com/books/bayside-dreams/

  Sneak Peek of Bayside Dreams

  Cassidy Jones rolled over and pulled the blankets over her head, willing the phone to stop playing the cheerful song. Whatever it was could wait until morning. It had been a long, trying week, and her body ached. The few hours’ sleep she’d already gotten only made her more exhausted.