“Those are definitely coming home with us.” Picking through them, she selected several and deposited them in Jem’s cart. She nodded when Mom held up another, and it joined the assortment. “Has anyone seen any pint-sized gift packages? Oh, and books. Or wizards? The kids think Clay is magical, so wizards would work. More Merlin than Gandalf though.”
“That man is complicated.” Mom discarded on ornament and picked up another to evaluate.
“Not really,” Pip disagreed. “Sure, he has more sides to him than a regular square, but at the center of everything is a soft, gooey heart that loves on a grand scale.”
Jem sighed. “That is a great description. So, it’s Harleys and wizards, books and gift boxes for Clay. Progress.”
“Hmm. Better add snowflakes for everyone.” Mom gestured out the window.
Fluffy clumps of white floated downward, swaying with the slight breeze. Pip hop-skipped to the window. She pressed her palm flat against the cold surface and eyed the sky. From where she stood, the sight was enchanting, bewitching. Disheartening. So far, it wasn’t sticking to the road or grass. If the temperature held steady and didn’t dip below forty, there was a fighting chance the white hell wouldn’t accumulate. Please let it stop. Please don’t let this be the one year in ten Mother Nature unleashes her fury on the area.
Her mother snaked an arm around her shoulder, and Jem took a stand on her other side, a united front of women who wouldn’t allow the weather to get the best of them. Mom said, “Pippa, don’t worry about this. I’m optimistic it will stop. We aren’t getting the big storm the weathercasters have predicted. It will not happen. I will not let it.”
Laughter zinged from Pip’s mouth, and she slid a glance at Jem, who bit her lip to control a smile. Pip reached up and grabbed her mom’s hand where it lay on her shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze. “If you say so, Mom.”
Mom peered critically at the sky. “But, as a precaution, let’s reserve some snowmobiles at the Sports Shack. It’s probably best to be prepared.” She turned to face her daughter and future daughter-in-law. “But, Jem? Please plan a summer wedding. I don’t want to deal with this ever again.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Jem saluted. “We’ve wasted enough time for today. Let’s finish up with the ornaments. We can stop for coffee on the way home.”
7
As Clay had promised, the floor of the barn was clean enough to eat off. The temporary floor and carpeting was in place. The rental company had delivered tables and chairs an hour ago. Malin had mustered the troops and transformed the entire place with greenery, yards and yards of tulle, and string after string of clear mini-bulbs. The wedding planner had unleashed her theatrical side and had created a dramatic backdrop behind the makeshift altar. She’d positioned a blanket of white fiberfill under the Christmas trees. Next, she’d laid lights, alternating shimmering and steady bulbs, then she added a layer of tulle over the fake snow. To finish the look, she’d scattered flecks of sparkling synthetic snow across the surface and on the evergreens. Pine boughs and trees with red poinsettia sprays, strategically placed throughout the barn and shop, perfumed the air. Red and silver ribbons adorned the chairs positioned on the aisle. The overall effect transformed the barn into a winter fairyland.
Dad and Mom brought the kids out while Pippa helped Malin add the final touches on the Mathers’ family trees. Her energetic children squealed delightedly, scampering around, flitting from one spot to the next like butterflies moving between flowers in high summer.
Pippa was the last to leave the barn. Clay had looked at her like she’d lost her mind, but agreed to leave her alone for a minute. Turning off the overhead lights, she basked in the twinkling lights and wonderland feel of the space. She hid her wedding gift to Clay deep in the branches of his tree, tucking it behind the small ornament depicting the kind of Harley he’d been riding the day they’d meet. A day etched in her memory for life.
Her gift to Clay was a faceted red heart buried in a snow globe. Attached to the wooden base was a brass plate, engraved with their names and wedding date. When Pip had asked about the collection of globes lining the shelf in the spare room at the farmhouse, Seeley had provided the contact information for the company where Pip could special order a personalized globe. Clay had bought a globe from every country he’d traveled to in the military, and several since he’d mustered out of the army. There was even a globe that featured the cover of his first published novel. Seeley had ordered that one for him. It had been made to her exact specifications. Pippa was excited to carry on the tradition.
Taking a last glance around the magical space where she and Clay would begin their life together, anticipation built in her chest, a sizzly, satisfying tingle. The days leading up to now had passed at the speed of light. She remembered the feeling from past holidays, where time flew but crept at a snail’s pace at the same time. She loved Clay and was eager to be his wife. Time couldn’t pass swiftly enough.
She stooped next to the master control for the lights and flipped the switch. The space plunged into darkness as she straightened. She’d have loved to leave the lights glowing, but one fire this week had been more than enough.
The day before the wedding dawned gray and cold. Snow flurries had floated in the air for the last day, but when she lifted the curtain on the bedroom window this morning, a thin mantle of white coated the grass. Thankfully, the pavement, although wet, wasn’t covered. Pip was certain the selective sticking wouldn’t last long. The temperature had dropped overnight and unrelenting gray clouds were a dreaded portent of a coming storm. The television set in the family room had been on The Weather Channel since she and Clay had come downstairs for breakfast. She arranged coffee cups and the carafe on a tray and limped it over to where Clay relaxed on the sofa.
A furrow appeared between his brows as he concentrated on the banter between the anchor and an on-the-street reporter. She knew the scowl on her forehead mimicked Clay’s. It had started to feel like a permanent addition to her face. That wasn’t going to look great in the wedding pictures. If the photographer made it to the ceremony… He was from a town twenty miles away. She had no idea what the roads would be like tomorrow. Pippa handed Clay a steaming cup and plopped down next to him, snuggling in.
“I could have gotten my own coffee. And yours, too.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulled her close, and pressed a kiss against her hair. She sniffed quietly, inhaling the sage scent that was strictly his.
Clay set his cup on the table next to him and lifted her foot into his lap. His strong fingers remained gentle as he rubbed the taped area of her ankle in soothing circles. He grunted, never taking his eyes from the unfolding weather story. “You’re supposed to be using your crutches.”
“I’m fine. I’m going to the doctor this afternoon and he’s agreed to fit me with an air cast.”
“It would be better to stay off it entirely.”
She rolled her eyes. “Clay, that’s not an option. I’m not walking down the aisle on crutches. Mason and Mia will help me. Besides, the doctor said it would be fine. It hardly even hurts anymore.” She decided a change of subject was in order. “Noah and Colby got in last night. Thank God, they beat the snow. He texted me that they brought shovels with them, just in case.”
Clay had met Pippa’s oldest brother, Noah, at Thanksgiving. “He called while you were in the shower. Did you know he’s staying a couple of extra days? He’s got a job interview.”
“What? He didn’t tell me that.”
“Just came up. With Laurel Glen. I guess the manager turned in his notice after the fire, and the owner called Noah to see if he’d like to leave his current employer and move back to Granite Pointe.”
“Wow! That’s perfect. He’ll have his work cut out for him with that property and the remodel.”
“He said your parents, especially your mom, are eager to have him back in town. They’ve missed so much of Colby’s childhood.”
“They do love their grandchildren. Mom
will be so happy. She’d never say anything, but I know she’s hoping Jack and Jem get married and pop out a couple of kids PDQ.” Pippa wouldn’t admit it to Clay, but she was pretty sure her mother hoped she and Clay would have a few more babies in short order, too.
He grinned, but didn’t take his eyes from the weather report. “I think it’s important to have family near. As much as I loved the energy and politics of living in DC, I’m much happier here.”
Clay finally turned, his eyes roaming her face. A smile teased at the corner of his mouth. She reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, then let her fingers trail over the day old stubble on his chin. The raspy slide against her palm when he moved to press a kiss on the pad of her thumb conjured memories from last night. He lifted his hand to hers, laced their fingers together, and pulled them to his heart.
“Are you nervous? About tomorrow? No second thoughts, right?” she questioned.
He met her gaze. “At the risk of shocking you, I’ll say, oh, hell no!”
She rarely used coarse language, but he did. And it made her crazy that he thought it was funny she wouldn’t swear. The few times she’d let loose with a cuss word in his presence, he’d laughed and teased her. He seemed to think dirty words coming out of her mouth was hot.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you, Pippa Sanders. The prospect of waking next to you every morning, helping you tuck the kids in bed every evening, your smile being the last thing I see before going to sleep for the rest of my life, fills me with joy and wonderment.”
“I don’t have any worries about us either, for all the same reasons.” Craning her neck to peer into the back yard, she grimaced. The snow was falling harder. “But this weather has me worried.”
“We’re prepared. I’ve rounded up all the four-wheel drive vehicles I can find and talked to the manager at the Sports Shack about reserving snowmobiles. We have four on hold, and he will provide drivers between town and the farm if we need. Regardless of what happens, we’ll be fine.”
She laughed, the sound harsh over the quiet drone of the television. “Your lips to God’s ears.”
“Don’t go doubting me now, spitfire.”
“Yes, Captain!” She saluted him to which he responded with a raised eyebrow. “I mean, no sir, I won’t doubt you. Ever.”
“What’s on your agenda for the day?” he asked.
“I’m supposed to meet Jem, Sarah, Lucy, and Malin for a pedicure, then we’re going to pick up our dresses and grab a late lunch. Back here by three for a sleepover. They’re all spending the night so they can get ready here in the morning.”
“Hey, Mommy!” Unmistakable excitement colored Mason’s voice as he skidded into the room, followed closely by Mia. It seemed her children were the only ones who didn’t mind the impending snowstorm. “Can we go out to play in the snow?”
Pippa swung her foot out of Clay’s lap. “Chores first, then we’ll discuss it.” Their groans almost made her reconsider her decree they had work to do before playing.
Clay leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. He shot a sideways glance at her before talking to the kids. “Get your jobs done fast, and we’ll go to the farm to play. How’s that sound?”
“Yay!” Mia grabbed Mason’s hand and both kids hopped excitedly in place.
“Your mom has a girls’ night planned, so what do you say—you kids want to stay out at the farm tonight? That way, you won’t have to worry about trying to get through a mountain of snow tomorrow in time for the wedding.” He lowered his voice and winked at Mia. “It will be one less thing your mom has to worry about tomorrow, you see. Plus, Nana Seeley wanted your help with her last dance lesson.”
Pippa’s heart melted, a soft, warm trickle of love flowing through her. How had she gotten so lucky? She knew Clay had issued the invitation as a way to ease the craziness they might face tomorrow with the snow. It also served as another chance for him to bond with Mason and Mia.
They’d decided weeks ago to spend their final night as an unmarried couple apart. Surprisingly, Clay had been the one to insist on spending the night apart. It was the one traditional act in the entire unconventional whirlwind of their romance. They were getting married in a barn, for heaven’s sake, their most unconventional move of all. Now, he demonstrated just how quickly his mind developed solutions. At the speed of sound, it seemed. No wonder the government agencies he consulted for valued his input.
“Mommy, is it okay if I go?” Mia asked, sidling up between her and Clay. She put one small hand on Pippa’s thigh, the other on Clay’s.
Mason fidgeted in place, surveying the whole interaction. His grinning face made his choice clear. He was all for playing at the farm in the snow. There was one tree-free hill that would be perfect for sledding.
Mia continued, “You told me my job as your maid of honor is important and I know you need me, but I’d like to play in the snow with Mason and Daddy.”
Seeing her daughter’s tiny hand laid in trust on Clay’s thigh, and hearing Mia refer to Clay as Daddy cemented her certainty in the prospects of their future as a family. Pippa opened her mouth to speak, but had to stop and clear her throat of the massive lump that had formed. “Mia my love, you go and have fun with Mason and…and Daddy. It will be tough, but I think the ladies and I will be able to manage without you.”
8
“Earth to Pippa.” Jem nudged her, drawing her attention from the snow swirling in the patio lights. “Are you okay? You’re kind of quiet.”
Pippa dropped the last piece of sushi onto her plate and tossed her chopsticks on top before pushing the dish away. “Mia and Mason are calling Clay Daddy now.”
“Oh, my God!” Lucy gasped. “Are you okay with that?”
“It’s taken some getting used to, but yeah, I think it’s great. It will be less confusing when Clay and I decide we’re ready for other children. Plus, it makes the twins happy.”
Malin tipped her head to the side. “You and Clay would make beautiful babies. You’re already an excellent mom, and Clay has all the makings of a great dad. You should do it.” She plucked a bite of her roll off the plate and dipped it in the soy sauce tray before popping it into her mouth.
“Clay would like a baby. So would Seeley. And Mom. I’m not sure I’d bounce back from pregnancy as easily as I did before. I’m six years older.”
But in her head, she held an irresistible image of Clay cuddling a newborn, the look of adoration on his face. Her heart squeezed in her chest, then squeezed again at the somber look on Sarah’s face. She had wanted a baby more than anything, but her hopes had been cut short when her husband, Roberto, died overseas while fighting for his country. She reached for her friend’s hand and laced their fingers together.
Sarah’s chest rose as she blinked hard. “You’d be fine. You’re in great shape, and you’re a very young thirty-something.”
“I never wanted to have children after the age of thirty, but I also thought I’d have three or four kids by now. Things don’t always work out the way you plan.” Mark had wanted a huge family, but never got the chance. She lifted her wine in a silent tribute. Sarah forced a smile and clinked her glass to Pip’s.
Jem saluted Sarah with her crystal flute. “To Mark and Roberto. And to Clay.” Moisture welled in Jem’s eyes as she made the toast. She blinked hard and ducked her head.
Silence reigned in the room for a moment—each woman lost in thought of how differently things could have turned out.
Malin guzzled the last of her iced tea and tossed her napkin on her plate. She chuckled. “Well, this party has taken a somber turn. Come on. It’s a hen party. Someone pour more wine and let’s break out the gifts.” She pointed her finger at Pippa. “I can’t wait to see the expression on your face when you open mine.”
Lucy laughed. “If it’s anything like what you gave me, I’m pretty sure Clay will appreciate it more than Pippa will. Although…”
“I’m pretty sure Pip could wear
a brown paper sack and Clay would appreciate it. I know it would work for Jack. Oops, I mean if I wore the sack for him, not Pippa.” Jem jumped up from the table and began gathering the remnants of their meal, a wide grin on her lush lips. Pip was grateful her brother’s fiancée had become a friend and sister to her. Jack was crazy in love with Jem. It surprised Pip they hadn’t set a wedding date yet. Whatever they were doing worked for them, though. They were inseparable.
“Who are you guys kidding?” Sarah demanded. “You know their favorite article of clothing is the one they’re currently trying to talk you out of.”
Sarah’s comment started a barrage of laughter and squawking, swinging the mood of the party back to the happy energy they’d enjoyed all afternoon.
Malin took the plates from Jem’s hands and loaded them into the dishwasher. She worked the lever on the blinds over the sink, opening them wide. “Wow, it’s really coming down now. I’m glad we’re spending the night here, instead of trying to get home. How many snowmobiles did Clay reserve?”
Pippa scowled, then shrugged. She was done obsessing about the weather. Things would happen the way they happened. Clay had gone all boy scout on her and made sure they were as prepared as possible for everything the weather threw at them. His calm handling of every obstacle in the past week only made her love him more. “Someone fill my wine glass. I’m ready to get this party started.”
“The bride gets a pass on dishes tonight. You go sit down and let us wait on you.” Lucy topped off Pip’s glass with the last of the first bottle of pinot grigio, then reached to open another.
“No argument here.” Pippa stood and tested her weight on her leg. Thank heavens, the doctor had agreed to the boot. It wasn’t very attractive, and would show underneath her dress tomorrow. But it didn’t matter. One of the activities planned for tonight was to decorate the hideous black shoe. She’d already put Mia’s Christmas arts and crafts supplies on the coffee table.
A Winter Wedding: A Five Senses Short (Five Senses series) Page 5