"Sure.” Daniel got up and put out a hand to Heather, who joined him.
"So, tell me about this new job?” Her father said.
Daniel sat on one of the stools and smiled. “I'll be traveling to the different companies and doing an assessment of production. It's pretty cool and the pay is double what I was making."
"So, do you have to relocate?"
He glanced at Heather. “No, not yet. Though that is a possibility."
That possibility had been the topic of conversation on many nights. It was determined that if he moved, she would too. She loved him too much to allow him to move away. His traveling was going to be hard enough.
Her mom placed bowls of the steaming soup in front of each of them, then handed them a spoon. “And how is your job going, sweetheart?"
"Good, though I'm kind of worn out. I'm ready for a new adventure, I think."
"Ever finish that novel?"
Daniel perked up, his smile one of pride. “She got a bite from a publisher."
Her mother squealed. “You didn't tell me that."
Heather smiled. “It just happened, but it's just a bite. They want to see the full manuscript. Nothing concrete yet."
She hugged her daughter's neck. “Well, I'm proud of you no matter what."
"Thanks, Mom."
After they filled their stomachs, her parents excused themselves to head to bed. Heather and Daniel sat in front of the fireplace, the tree lit and glowing in the dark room.
He stroked her hand. “Do remember the last time we were in this very spot?"
Heather sighed. “Not one of my better days."
Daniel cupped his hand around her face and brought his lips to hers.
Even after dating him for a year, he still sent chills down her spine.
"I know you hate big crowds and would find it cheesy to ask you in front of your family or with cheesecake, so...” Daniel swung around to the floor on one knee and took her hand. “Heather, I love you so much. Without a doubt, you are not only my best friend, you are my soul mate. It would mean the world if you would marry me."
Her chest swelled, tears formed in her eyes. Her throat choked with emotion. She couldn't speak, so she nodded. She threw her arms around his neck and he squeezed her tight. Together they cried.
He pulled back and gazed into her eyes. So much love there. He kissed her lightly, then more passionately. Her head spun not only from the question and the love she had from him, but from the intense kiss.
She held her head.
"Are you okay?"
"Just lightheaded."
He watched her for a moment, then dug in his pocket and produced a small golden-wrapped box with a glittering bow. “Merry Christmas."
"It's early."
"I know, but under the circumstances, I thought it appropriate now."
She smiled, took the box and slowly unwrapped it. Inside was a black velvet box. She looked at him, and then opened it. A platinum ring with a heart-shaped diamond sat among white satin. “It's gorgeous."
"I saw you admire one like that once. It took me a while to find it, but I finally did."
He pulled it out and slid it on her left hand. It sparkled in the firelight. Emotion overtook her again and she grabbed him and smothered him with kisses.
She held out her hand, admiring her ring. She couldn't believe it lay on her finger. “When do you think I should tell my parents? When should we get married? Did you have a plan? What were you thinking?"
Daniel laughed and held up a hand. “We don't have to figure it all out tonight. It's just now that I have a new job and I knew I could support you, I knew it was time. We've been together in my mind for over twelve years. I'm ready whenever you are."
Heather beamed. She would marry him now if it were possible. Then an idea came to her. “How amazing would a honeymoon in Oaxaca be?"
He gave her a sideways look. “Amazing. Why? What are you thinking?"
"What if we got married this weekend and then honeymooned next week? We're already going and we may not have the time off or the funds to do this again for a while. Think about it. It's perfect."
He didn't look so sure.
She nuzzled up to him and whispered, “Plus, we could share a bed at the resort in Mexico."
A lazy smile crossed his lips.
"Yeah, you know what I'm saying."
"I'm coming around to your thinking,” he said, nodding.
"I thought you would."
"You're absolutely right. We could save money on the hotel."
Heather's mouth shot open. “Ha! Jerk.” She slapped him and he laughed, then his expression turned serious. “Are you sure you want to rush the wedding? Haven't you always wanted a big church wedding?"
She thought about that. All the years mulling over bride magazines and contemplating what it would be like floated away in this moment. “You know, not really. I always pictured having it here, in my parent's house. Of course, a spring backyard wedding was probably more in the vision I had, but I'm okay with a wedding in front of the Christmas tree."
He kissed her forehead, then her nose, ending at her mouth. “I'll marry you whenever and wherever you want. You just call it."
"Then I have an idea."
* * * *
Christmas Eve morning Heather and Daniel did some errands, much to her mother's chagrin. Around five, Heather changed into a nice white dress and Daniel into his new suit. The two of them agreed to wait until they heard the doorbell ring before entering the living room.
Heather smiled. It was time. Boy was her mother going to flip.
"Reverend Wilson, what are you doing here on a snowy Christmas Eve? Don't you have service tonight?” her mother asked.
"It's not for a few hours.” The African-American man looked past Dwaine, to the bridal couple standing behind them, and smiled. “And for why I'm here, I think you might want to ask your children."
Everyone's eyes fell on Heather and Daniel. A big smile crossed Jayne's face. Keith looked skeptical. Leesa was too busy tending to her baby to give a great response, but she was smiling. Her mother and dad stood mouth-open, speechless.
"Mom, Dad...” Heather reached for Daniel's hand and stepped forward. “Our Christmas present to you is a little different this year.” She took a deep breath. “We're getting married today.” She glanced at Daniel and then back to them. “Right now, actually."
Roberta yelped, startling the baby. Maybe even startling Daniel. She squeezed Daniel's neck, then Heather's. Tears streaming down her face.
Heather knew it was the perfect time. They were all dressed up for dinner and all her family was there. The house was decorated and everyone was in a festive mood. She couldn't have planned a better party.
"Shall we begin?” The reverend asked. “I don't want to rush you, but I have to get back to my family before dinner, or my mother-in-law will kill me."
"Of course.” Heather smiled and pointed to the fireplace. “How about we stand there?"
The family maneuvered around so that the minister could stand with his back to the hearth and Daniel and Heather stood in front.
"Dear family—"
"Wait!” her mother said. “I need to get my camera."
Everyone laughed, except her dad.
"Oh brother,” he said.
She ran from the room and returned a moment later with a digital camera in hand. “Okay, proceed."
The minister smiled and started again. “Dear family and friends ... well, I guess you're all family.” He smiled. “We're gathered here today in the presence of God to witness the marriage of Daniel Alvarez and Heather Waterston."
Her mother started bawling.
The pastor opened his Bible. “I'm going to read from Genesis, in the second chapter ‘Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’ Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. ‘This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! S
he will be called woman, because she was taken from man.’ This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’”
Heather smiled, her eyes filled with tears.
"I love you,” Daniel mouthed.
"I love you, too,” she whispered.
"Do you have the rings?"
Daniel held up a band.
"If you'll place it on her finger and repeat after me."
Daniel slid it on her finger.
Reverend Wilson spoke in a hushed tone, “Daniel, repeat after me, ‘I, Daniel, take Heather to be my wife, to love her, to cherish her, remaining faithful and true, until death do us part.’”
Daniel repeated the words.
The minister turned to Heather and repeated the directions. She slid the ring on Daniel's finger and repeated the vows.
Her heart soared beyond any feeling she'd ever experienced. She couldn't believe she was doing this. Marrying her best friend on a whim the day before Christmas. But it was the right thing to do. She'd never been more sure of anything in her life.
The pastor closed his Bible and smiled. “Then by the power invested in me, by the state of Colorado and as a minister ordained by Jesus Christ, I now pronounce you man and wife."
Everyone cheered. Her mother almost hysterically so.
"You may kiss your bride."
Daniel smiled, his eyes filled with love. His lips touched hers and her heart melted.
"I never thought I'd see this day!” Her mother was ecstatic.
"Merry Christmas, Mom."
Heather hugged her mom, and then her dad.
Daniel shook his father-in-law's hand.
The minister shook each of their hands. “Well, I'd better take off. Blessings and Merry Christmas."
They each said their good-byes and he left.
"Well, we have a lot to celebrate and the bird's getting cold,” her father said. “Come on everyone, let's eat."
Daniel took Heather's hand and leaned to her ear. “Thank you."
She wrinkled her brow. “For what?"
"For making me the happiest man alive."
"Now that's cheesy."
He smiled. “But true. I love you."
"I love you, too.” She kissed him again. “My wonderful husband."
He embraced her and kissed her passionately.
"You've got your whole lives to do that. Come on, we're starved,” Roberta called from the dining room.
Heather and Daniel laughed.
Her mom was right. They had the rest of their lives.
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Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas Page 11