by Ali Parker
“Are you ready to go?” he asked. “It’s time.”
I nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Katie handed me my bouquet. “Knock ‘em dead, girl.”
She left the dressing room and went to line up at the entrance to the church. My mother gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
“Good luck, sweetie,” she said. “I’m so happy for you.”
Then, she left, too, presumably to take her place in her seat at the front of the church. My father extended his arm to me.
“Shall we?” he asked.
I nodded and slipped my arm through his. He led me out into the hallway. The wedding party was lined up just outside. We had a few groomsmen and bridesmaids, followed by Katie, my maid of honor, and Mike, Talon’s best man. After them was the flower girl, who looked adorable in her dark velvet dress.
My father turned to me. “Are you ready for this?”
I nodded. “I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a very long time.”
“Good,” he said. “I want you to know I’m proud of you. I mean, I’ve always been proud of you, but I’m also happy that this moment is finally here.”
“Really?” I asked. “Have you been looking forward to getting rid of me that long?”
He didn’t laugh. “I know you’re joking, but I will always be there for you, no matter what.”
“I know, Daddy.”
“I’m just saying that I always knew you and Talon would end up together,” he said. “He’s a good man. Strong and honest. He treats you right, and he’s always made you happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen you. Ever since I first saw the two of you together, I just knew he was the right man for you.”
“Really?” I asked. “Then, why didn’t you say anything?”
“It wasn’t my place,” he said. “You had to come to that decision on your own, without any interference from a meddling old man.”
“I’m so happy that you approve of him,” I said.
My father nodded. “I like him. Plus, it’ll be nice to have another guy around so I’m not always outnumbered.” He smiled. “Anyway, I just need you to know that I love you, sweetheart, and I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter.”
My chest swelled with emotion, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes. “I love you, too, Daddy. Darn it. You’re going to make me cry.”
My father fished a handkerchief out of his back pocket and handed it to me. I dabbed at my eyes, hoping that I wouldn’t smear my makeup. I took a deep breath to calm my feelings, and the tears receded.
The wedding song started to play, and the first couple started walking down the aisle. I grabbed my father’s arm and held it tightly. Suddenly, my knees felt wobbly, like they could give out at any minute. I wasn’t having second thoughts or doubts, but this was a big moment, and my body thrummed with anxiety.
When it was my turn to walk out, my father held me steadily, as unflappable as a mountain. He led me down the aisle without incident until my eyes landed on Talon, standing by the altar, looking devastatingly handsome in his black tuxedo.
He stood ramrod straight, and his broad shoulders filled out his jacket nicely. He had his hands clasped tightly in front of him, and I wonder if he was as anxious as I was. His face wore a neutral expression, but his sapphire blue eyes told me everything I needed to know.
Their depths were filled with love and affection. He looked at me like I was the most beautiful woman in the world, or like an angel fallen from heaven. His eyes shimmered as he stared at me, as if he was getting choked up. I knew I was.
All the attempts to dab away my tears without smearing my makeup were in vain, because tears spilled down my cheeks uncontrollably. I swiped them away with the back of my hand, hoping I didn’t look like a complete mess. If I did, Talon didn’t seem to care. The closer I got, the wider his smile got, and it filled me with a fluttering warmth.
My father got me to the altar, and then went to sit down. I stood next to Talon, knowing I would be by his side for the rest of my life.
The ceremony was quick and simple. I didn’t need a long, drawn-out ritual. I’d spent my entire life not married to Talon, and I didn’t want to wait any longer than absolutely necessary.
The priest asked Talon if he would take me as his bride.
“I do,” Talon said, tears brimming his eyes.
Then he asked me if I would take Talon as my husband.
“I do,” I said.
“Then by the powers vested in me,” the priest said, but Talon didn’t let him finish.
My husband swept me up into his arms and kissed me, long and deep. That kiss promised me forever, and Talon kept his promise. Forever.
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About the Author
Ali Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. Hanging out is for those little creepy elves at Christmas. No tight green stockings for her.
She’s an entrepreneur at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Texas with her hubs and three kiddos and looks forward to traveling the world in a few years. Writing under eleven pen names keeps her busy and allows her to explore all genres and types of writing.
If you enjoyed her writing style, please check out her other pen names at the pen names link below!
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My Christmas Wish
Copyright © 2017 by Ali Parker
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
The novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and plot are all either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons – living or dead – is purely coincidental.
First Edition.
Editor: Mary Wolney
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