by Robyn Neeley
She hadn’t talked to Drew since their blowup earlier in the week. She wanted to, but what was the point? They were no closer to their happily ever after than they’d been in Hawaii. He hadn’t tried to see her since she’d left the cabin—no phone calls or texts. Maybe he’d realized they weren’t meant to be together, too. The thought of that twisted her stomach.
Miles had arranged a spa day for Lauren, Vanessa, Kate, and him, which turned out to be a nice twenty-four-hour getaway to the cutest resort. Consumed by rich peppermint facials and hot stone massages, she didn’t mention Drew once and no one asked her, which kind of surprised her.
It also was odd that Luke and Kate had canceled the rehearsal dinner they’d planned. Miles had told Lauren to be at the church at four p.m., and here she was. A part of her was relieved she was no longer the co-planner of this wedding.
This morning she asked Miles if he wouldn’t mind driving her car back to Manhattan tomorrow. If Drew was going to ignore her, he could hop a seat back to New York on Santa’s sleigh for all she cared.
Miles jumped at the opportunity, which led her to believe he was probably going to ask James to ride shotgun. She smirked, thinking how cute they looked together.
“Wow.” Miles came in, letting out a slow whistle and handed her a glass of champagne.
She hesitated.
“Don’t worry. You’re not the only one drinking. I gave Kate and Vanessa a glass, too.”
“I thought saying I do, I do, I do calmed Kate’s nerves?” Lauren asked, referring to Kate’s silly quirk. For some reason, chanting it calmed the wedding planner down.
“Well, when that doesn’t work, I liked to get her tanked.” He laughed. “Although today she requested sparkling white grape juice.”
Lauren chuckled and took a sip. “Probably a wise choice. Don’t need her walking down the aisle tipsy.”
“So where were you just now?”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“You looked lost in thought.” He winked. “Thinking about how ridiculously good looking we are going to be in the wedding photos, perhaps?”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking,” she joked back.
He touched her dress, examining the fabric. “You look sensational. I thought maids of honor weren’t supposed to upstage the bride?”
“I highly doubt I will.” She glanced in the mirror, smoothing her red sash. “I really hope Kate doesn’t mind that I’m in white, too. I asked if they could give it a little color.”
“It’s gorgeous, almost like …” He paused and motioned for her to twirl around, which she was happy to do. “Wait a minute. Isn’t this your wedding dress?”
She grinned. “You remember.”
“Where on earth did it come from?”
“That’s the million-dollar question. It magically appeared when I was trying on dresses for Kate.” She spun around one last time in the mirror. “It fit perfectly. No alterations needed.”
“You were meant to wear it.”
“I guess so.” She slid her feet into high heels that matched her sash.
“I see you’re giving up your sparkly shoes, Miss Candy Cane.”
She nodded, trying her best not to tear up for the umpteenth time, but that nickname connecting her to her soul mate was all it took for a single tear to slide down her cheek.
“Lauren, what did I say?” Miles asked, taking her flute and then pulling a tissue out of his pocket. He’d probably stocked both pockets for Kate’s mother.
“It’s nothing.” She laughed, dabbing her eyes. “Some little kid told Drew his soul mate had the same name.”
“Lauren?”
“Candy Cane Sparkly Toes.”
“Really? The nickname that I gave you?”
“Weird coincidence, huh?” She sighed. “I really need to get my head on straight and stop all this soul mate, destiny, and fairy tale nonsense.”
“So, have you talked to Drew?”
“No. I don’t think he wants to.” She paused and turned back to the mirror, inspecting her pulled back updo. “There’s really nothing left to say. I just have to get through today.”
“I still don’t understand what the big blow out was about.”
“Drew is never going to be ready to settle down. I can’t wait for something that just isn’t going to happen. It’s time to move on …” She paused, trying her best to add with conviction, “For good this time.”
“But Olivia’s not pregnant.” He squeezed her shoulder. “As much as this pains me to say, you and Drew can be together now.”
Lauren shook her head, because she didn’t see that happening. “You didn’t see the look on his face when he at first thought the pregnancy test was mine. He totally freaked out. He’ll never be ready to settle down, and …”
She walked over to the window and stared out at the Wishing Tree. She’d slipped her silver snowflake on it before coming in. It had served its purpose, granting her wish. She’d always be grateful for the tremendous gift her wish had given Drew, but she didn’t want to take the memory with her.
“And?”
“I want that life, and I want all those things I told myself the whole time we were together that I didn’t. I want the wedding, and the big house, and you coming over and babysitting my four kids—”
“Whoa, hold up. Uncle Miles will only watch one at a time.”
She spun away from the window. “Doesn’t matter now.”
Just then, Kate entered the room, a perfect vision in white satin. Her elegant, flowing dress formed a soft train at the bottom. “Oh, my God. You look stunning.” Lauren walked over and hugged her friend.
“So do you.” She studied Lauren’s dress. “Isn’t that—?”
Lauren smiled. “Can you believe it? The dress you picked out for me in Hawaii.” She paused, adding. “Or a knock-off.”
Kate hugged her again. “Well, imitation or not, it’s beautiful. I’m glad you finally get to wear it.”
“Okay, you two,” Miles interjected. “I just know one or both of you is going to start crying, and then we’ll have to retouch your makeup. We don’t have time for that.”
Kate grabbed his hand and Lauren’s. “Thank you both for creating this incredibly beautiful day. Everything is just perfect.”
Lauren waved her hand. “It was nothing.”
Heading over to the table across the room, Miles grabbed the two bouquets that had been delivered earlier.
Kate touched the delicate white and red flowers. “These are so exquisite.”
“Olivia actually picked them out,” Miles said.
That got an eyebrow of Kate’s to shoot straight up. “You’re kidding. Should I be worried about poison ivy?”
Lauren couldn’t help but giggle. “No, Olivia has lately turned over a new leaf.”
“She’s turning something over lately.” Miles lowered her voice. “And I think the inn bartender’s name is Colin.”
They all laughed, and Kate squared her shoulders. “Are you ready?” she asked Lauren.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that question?”
Lauren and Miles followed Kate out of the changing room, where the bride greeted a smiling Jack and Vanessa. Estranged from her father, it hadn’t been a surprise that she’d asked Jack to walk her down the aisle.
“I’ll see you in there.” Miles patted Lauren’s shoulder and linked arms with Vanessa to escort the mother of the bride down the aisle. Lauren peered into the crowded chapel. Her parents had arrived last night and were now sitting on an aisle close to the middle. Her family had always been close to Jack and his sons. They were delighted when Luke had invited them to the wedding.
Her gaze finally landed on the altar, resting on Drew and Luke, both standing in place. The identical brothers were smiling and looking as handsome as ever in their black tuxedos. Luke caught her eye, and she gave him a thumbs-up sign. She was genuinely happy that Kate and he were finally getting married. They both deserved this perfect day.
She turned to see Olivia standing behind her, dressed in a pretty pine green dress and matching scarf.
“Thank you. So do you.”
Olivia swung her scarf around her neck. “James and Miles took me shopping yesterday.”
Just then, James came around the corner, linking arms with Olivia. “What do you think of that guy standing over there?”
Olivia scrunched her nose. “He’s kind of …”
“Short.” Lauren finished her sentence, laughing. “All of the men here seem to be.”
James stood on his toes. “Better?”
“Much. Now go take your seats, you two.”
Olivia winked. “I promise I won’t say ‘I object.’”
“Good to know.” Lauren watched as Olivia and James headed down the aisle and took their seats next to Miles. Obviously stranger things had happened in the history of strange occurrences, but she and Olivia actually being civil—and even joking with each other? Lauren hadn’t seen that one coming. It was nice.
Kate tapped her on the shoulder. “It’s time.”
“Oh, yes.” Lauren centered her bouquet in front of her. Figured the wedding planner would be the one to signal it was time to get started. She winked at both Kate and Jack. “I’ll see you two up there.”
With that, Lauren began her walk down the aisle to the church music. She had told herself she wouldn’t look at Drew until he escorted her back up the aisle. She wasn’t going to lose it. Not today. She smiled in the direction of both brothers, avoiding eye contact.
As she took her place, the wedding march began and all eyes focused on the beaming bride. Lauren stole a glance over at Drew, who along with Luke, couldn’t take his eyes off of Kate.
Her chest tightened, and her eyes began to water. What was it going to be like to say goodbye to him tomorrow? Had he heard that she planned on taking some time off and was heading to Los Angeles? Lauren, keep it together. This was not the time or place to expose her broken heart.
Halfway to the altar, Kate paused and motioned for the music to stop.
“Is something wrong?” Lauren whispered to really no one, but looked right at Miles. He shrugged.
“I’m so sorry, everyone.” Kate let go of Jack’s arm and spun around. “As most of you know, I’m a wedding planner and have executed hundreds of these. I just need to make some slight adjustments before we continue. It will only take a second,” she apologized to the guests around her and walked up the aisle.
“Kate, what are you doing?” Lauren asked.
“There’s just something not quite right in this lineup.” She reached down and grabbed Lauren’s hand. “Can you stand here for a minute? I need to see something.” She pushed Lauren to the side next to Luke and then turned to Miles. “Much better, right?”
Miles gave her a nod. “That’s why you’re the boss.”
“What’s going on?” she asked through her forced smile. Had Kate lost her mind? Maybe she’d traded her white grape juice for champagne? Everyone knew champagne made her do crazy things—including make out with her soon-to-be husband the first time she saw him on the plane ride to Hawaii. Lauren looked over at Luke, who now had this hideous grin on his face, too. Really, Luke. Get with the program.
All of a sudden, Luke grabbed Lauren’s hand, and her mouth dropped, realizing immediately whose fingers were touching her. There was only one Cannon brother whose touch could send electricity straight through her, and that was exactly what was happening. “Drew?”
He threaded his fingers through hers, then turned her toward him with his free hand.
“Yep, this is much better.” Kate winked, and took her place where Lauren had stood. “Okay, we can continue.”
Drew took her hands in his. “You look beautiful.”
She gazed into his warm eyes. “It was my wedding dress.”
“I know.”
“What’s happening?” she whispered.
He smiled down at her. “Lauren, I love you with all my heart, and I want to marry you in front of our family, friends, and Anna, and Tyler.” He motioned to the side of the room, where Sara sat. Lauren hadn’t even realized the little girl was in the front row, but there she sat next to Natasha and—her eyes widened, not believing it—Santa. On Sara’s lap were the two Happily Ever After dolls. “Our love inspired me to create the concept behind these dolls.”
“Really?” She had more to say, but that question was the only thing her quivering voice could manage.
“Really, and I want everything you do.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out the glittery snowflake. “I noticed this was back on the tree. I thought maybe we could both make a wish.” He teared up, which caused her to do the same. “I wish for our life together,” he said, handing her the snowflake.
Lauren glanced at her beaming parents and then back at him. “Are you sure this time?”
“I’ve never wanted anything more. I want it all … you, a house full of kids—”
“Don’t forget me,” Miles called out and Olivia backhanded him. “What? She needs her best friend.”
Drew laughed. “And Miles, too.” He turned to Miles. “But if we move back to California, you stay in New York, got it?”
“I can live with that.” Miles grinned.
Lauren smiled at their banter, and then looked over at Sara, cradling Anna and Tyler in her lap. The fact that Drew had created the dolls and fought so passionately for them was now making sense. He’d been fighting for their happy ending all along.
Her fingers glided over the sparkly snowflake. It would be so easy to make the same wish, but over the last couple of days she realized she was done wishing, and Drew needed to know it. It was time he saw her for the woman she’d become: one who was ready to take charge of her destiny. Handing him back the snowflake, she took a step forward, and then another, heading up the aisle.
“Lauren.” Miles grabbed her hand. “He’s your soul mate. Don’t walk away.”
She removed her hand and took a few more steps to her parents. “Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad.”
“Hello, dear.” Her dad stood up while her mom smiled up at her.
“Dad.” She put her finger to her lip. “Would you mind walking me down the aisle?”
He gave her a huge hug. “I’d love to, honey.”
She turned and winked at Drew. “Let’s do this!”
“Yes!” He fist pumped the air while all of their guests clapped.
Lauren took her dad’s extended arm. Pulling off her red sash with her free hand, she tossed it to Miles, and took quick determined steps to her happily ever after.
• • •
Drew twirled his wife on the dance floor. DJ Dancer had lived up to his name and had been spinning tunes for the last three hours.
“I love you, Mr. Cannon,” Lauren murmured as they danced to the country hit they’d picked out. They finally had a song, and it was perfect.
“I love you more, Candy Cannon,” he teased. Cupping her face, he kissed her tenderly.
“You know, I think this is the perfect reception space for Candy Cane Sparkly Toes.”
He laughed, glancing around Santa’s Workshop and its transformation into a beautiful reception space complete with green garland, red bows, and a gorgeous Christmas tree covered from top to bottom with sparkly snowflakes and red and white pinwheels. He finally realized why his father and Vanessa had been so interested in the space. They both were planning the reception with Natasha behind his back.
He’d wanted to thank Natasha and the mysterious Santa man for their roles in giving them the perfect wedding reception, but they’d both disappeared shortly after all the guests had arrived, saying that it was an exceptionally busy night for them.
“So, how long did you know?” she asked while tightening her arms around his neck.
“Know?”
“That this holiday wedding was ours?”
He nodded to Luke and Kate, seated at the bridal party table. “L
uke spilled the beans. Since you wouldn’t let me propose to you, I figured this was my best shot at getting you to marry me.”
“It was very romantic.” She giggled. “And I can’t believe you worked Miles into your wedding vows.”
“Yeah, can I take that part back?”
She rested her head back on his chest as they swayed to the music. “How crazy was it that we were planning our wedding all along?”
“I should have realized it. There were so many clues—a playlist that included that wonderful song that summed us up, letting us pick our cake, getting that incredibly sexy wedding dress back.” He leaned down. “That I can’t wait to get you out of later tonight. Still have the lingerie we picked out for the wedding night?”
She gave him a playful swat as they danced over to the table to confront the two partners in crime who’d given up their own wedding. “You two are in big trouble,” Lauren teased.
“What did we do?” Luke asked, wrapping an arm around Kate.
“Did Miles know?”
Luke smiled like the cat that swallowed the canary. “From day one.”
Just then Miles joined them along with Jack and Vanessa.
“I can’t believe you all purposefully kept us in the dark.” Lauren paused, her eyes filling up. “Thank you.”
Miles hugged her before issuing Drew a warning that he’d better not do anything to blow it this time.
“Noted,” Drew said before wrapping his arms around his wife. His wife. God, that sounded amazing.
Lauren looked over at Kate. “But what about your wedding? Are you two ever going to get married?”
Kate grinned at Luke, rubbing her stomach. “We’re kind of doing things out of order.”
“Oh, my God!” Miles blurted out and Lauren’s eyes widened.
“You’re having a baby?” she asked.
“Yes,” Luke answered and rested his hand on Kate’s belly. “We’re thinking of doing what you did, Dad, and heading to Vegas after the holidays.”