by Dani Collins
“It is. I’m glad I don’t have to wait another day to find out what they’re planning. I’m dying of curiosity.”
Everyone was. The breakfast rush started early as family and guests arrived bright-eyed and wearing good clothes instead of sweats or ski gear. They all hovered with an air of expectation.
Sarah appeared wearing a cute green corduroy dress over a black turtleneck and tights. Her hair was loose and straightened. She wore lip gloss and looked poised and pretty. She began preparing a breakfast tray for her parents.
“You look like Santa’s top personal assistant,” Kristen said. She added a small pot of hot water and a handful of Wendy’s favorite herbal teas to the tray.
“I told Dad and Wendy I would bring them breakfast and they have to be ready by nine. Grandpa Gary knows he has to help you bring the you-know-what down.”
“What about your friend with the keyboard?”
“He’s not here?” Sarah glanced at the clock. “I said to be here at eight. I’ll take this up and call to make sure he’s on his way.”
Kristen shooed Sarah’s aunt upstairs to get ready while she cleaned up the last of the breakfast dishes. Sarah’s grandmother was keeping the youngest children entertained with a card game at the coffee table and Devon was setting out chairs and consulting a seating plan, placing last night’s name cards on all the chairs.
“I believe you and I have a task,” Gary said, following Kristen into the kitchen.
He wore a shirt and tie and looked at her over his glasses.
“We do. Give me one minute to change. The item we bring down will give the whole game away so it’s the last thing before Sarah brings Ted and Wendy down.”
As Kristen started up the back stairs, Sarah came down them. “My friend’s brother ran out of gas!”
“It’s okay,” Kristen hurried to reassure her. “I have music on my phone. What songs do they like?”
“Oh. I can set the music in the office. It’ll play in the dining room. I’ll tell Devon to start it when we get to the top of the stairs. You and Grandpa get the thing.” Sarah hurried past her.
Kristen changed her shirt and pulled the band from her hair, brushing it out with a couple of quick strokes. Then she called Gary to come up and they wrestled the arbor out of her closet.
“Well, isn’t that a picture,” Gary said, setting it down a moment to take it in. The aroma of cedar wafted around them. “I’m starting to think someone is getting married. It’s not Sarah, is it?”
“Devon,” Kristen joked.
“Not you?” Gary peered at her over his glasses. “I thought you and that young man, Finn, made a handsome couple.”
“Thank you, but, um…” She couldn’t bring herself to say they were ‘just’ friends, but she had left things in the air and felt positively awful about it. “We’re lifelong friends and still working out whether we want to be more than that,” she murmured.
“Take it from an old man, if you’re thinking about being more than friends, you already are.” He let that sink in a moment before he reached to pick up one side of the archway.
Maybe he was right because a fresh pang went through her as she picked up her side. She was suffering a pained sense of having missed an opportunity. She should have given Finn a real chance. Should have been more assertive about her desire to pursue their relationship.
She would call him later today. Once everyone had gone off skiing, she would steal into her room and make sure he knew she was willing to pursue whatever sort of relationship they could. If she didn’t, she would regret it the rest of her life.
Being careful not to scuff the walls, they sidestepped their way down through the kitchen and into the great room.
Kristen was walking backward so she didn’t see who was picking at the guitar until she heard it abruptly stop.
“Let me help with that.” Finn set the guitar down with a hollow thrum that rang against the strings.
Her heart soared so fast and high, she thought it would bust her collarbone. The expression ‘lit up like a Christmas tree’ became her reality as her whole being seemed to come alive in a blast of joy, leaving her arms and legs stinging.
“It’s not heavy,” Gary said. “Just awkward.”
Finn still took over and brought it to the spot before the fire while Kristen stared in astonishment at him. She was shaken. Relieved and grateful that he was still here. So full of emotion, she didn’t know how to deal with it.
Almost everyone was seated and they gasped and chattered as they realized they had been invited to something more than a Christmas recital or any of the things they’d imagined Sarah had planned. It was a wedding.
“Grandpa you stand here,” Sarah said, pushing her grandfather into the space under the arch. “Oh. Mistletoe.” She went up on her toes to kiss his cheek, making the assembly of family and guests chuckle.
“Finn, can you start when we get to the top of the stairs?” She ran up to the loft.
Kristen found her place card on a chair beside one of the guests and sank into it, but kept her gaze on Finn. He took his spot on the piano bench and gave the guitar a final strum to ensure it was in tune.
Then he met her gaze.
She lifted her hands in question, astounded. Where did you come from?
He opened his mouth, then shook his head and glanced upward to the loft.
Ted and Wendy appeared at the top of the stairs, Sarah between them.
Ted wore a navy-colored suit with a white shirt and a blue tie.
Wendy’s dress was long sleeved, demure and classy in ivory cashmere. The wide ribbing ended above her knees and a matching knitted belt was tied in a bow at her hip.
Sarah offered her the peach and yellow bouquet and Wendy said emotively, “Oh, Sarah.” She hugged her, then Ted did, saying, “I love you, kid.”
They all linked arms and started down the stairs.
Finn began to pluck out the unhurried notes of a romantic ballad. Kristen recognized it within a few notes, able to hear Elvis in her head as he crooned, Wise men say…
Kristen blinked, heart swelling bigger with every step and every note.
She looked over at Finn and he was looking right at her as he picked out the delicate verse, But I…can’t…help…
She was falling. Just as far, just as fast. Her eyes blurred with thick tears.
Everyone rose in a muted rustle as the bride and groom arrived at the bottom of the stairs. Kristen’s throat closed.
Sarah moved ahead to lead them down the narrow aisle and took the position to the side of her grandfather while Ted and Wendy took their spots in front of him, both gazing with damp eyes at the gathering of smiling faces.
Finn finished the song with a final chord that faded as everyone sat.
“Well,” Gary said with a husk in his voice. “It looks like we’re gathered here to celebrate a wedding, one we all thought we had missed. Welcome. And thank you, Sarah, for giving us this chance to show Ted and Wendy how much we love them by blessing their union.”
Sarah had her linked hands beneath her chin and a huge smile on her face, one Kristen couldn’t help mirroring, she was so proud of the girl for pulling this off.
Gary drew the card from his pocket and began to read.
“Sarah asked me to prepare a few words about when I knew you two belonged together. Dare I say it was the first week that Wendy arrived here?” He spoke to Ted. “Your mother and I were packing for our trip south, having second thoughts about it. You were in a foul mood because the mechanic had messed up and the cat needed a new engine. The only person who had coaxed a laugh out of you in years was your daughter. Then Wendy said something. I wish I could recall what it was, but I honestly don’t think it matters why you laughed, only that you did. It was the return to life I’d been waiting to see in you, Son.”
Wendy had her chin tucked shyly. Ted had hold of her free hand. He brought it to his lips.
“Every day since, too,” he said with quiet gratitude, makin
g her smile and blink wet eyes. “You make me laugh and live and love.”
“Your mother and I were so reassured that day,” Gary continued after a moment. “We realized the best thing we could do was get out of your way. We headed for warmer climes and stayed there. And even though we missed your first wedding, we’ve always been over the moon that it happened. You’ve been a gift to our whole family, Wendy. You gave us the son we missed and I’m convinced that Sarah’s mother would be grateful for how earnestly you work at fulfilling her role. It is my honor and privilege to bless your marriage today. We all wish you a long life together.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Ted said in a strained voice, leaning in to give his father a one-armed hug.
Gary scooped Wendy in with his other arm. When he released them, Sarah took Wendy’s bouquet and gave Wendy a pink card. Ted was given a blue one.
“Oh, boy,” Wendy said, swiping at her damp cheek. She twisted to look at Sarah. “I honestly didn’t think I missed having a wedding. I’m so nervous right now, but I’m so happy, knowing how happy you are that we’re married. Thank you.”
Wendy took a bracing breath. Her card shook as she began to read.
“From the moment we met, I’ve felt a connection to you, Ted. I wouldn’t have called it soul mates then. I didn’t really believe in something like that because I’d never felt it. You already know that close connections and family are things I’ve missed all my life. You know everything about me and you’ve always loved every dent and flaw in my personality as much as the parts I’m proud of. You make me feel beautiful and funny and smart. You make me feel like I matter.” She lowered the card and spoke from her heart, voice breaking. “You’ve given me more than a home and a daughter. You’ve given me a place in this world where I belong.”
Ted hugged her and Kristen covered her heart, overcome by the sincerity of Wendy’s words. Everyone was wiping their cheeks and sniffing.
Ted drew back and looked at his card.
“I didn’t understand the nature of the exercise.” He folded his card and handed it to his father. “I thought I was supposed to tell you I love you for your pot roast.”
Everyone chuckled.
“But it’s so much more, Wendy. My wife.” He took her hands, held her gaze. “When a heart has been broken, it’s hard to risk it again. But, one by one, you stole each of those broken pieces and put them back together again. Looking back, I wish I’d been less cautious and guarded, that we had started our life together sooner. At least we’re here now and not wasting any more time.”
Kristen couldn’t help glancing at Finn.
He was looking at her. She saw his Adam’s apple bob. Her own heart was doing somersaults. Was it time for them to stop letting time go by?
“I would marry you every day, if that’s what it took to convince you how much you mean to me,” Ted continued, drawing Kristen’s gaze back to the couple. Ted was looking past Wendy to Sarah. “Sugar Bear, it means everything to me that you would go to all this trouble to tell Wendy you love her as much as I do.”
“Aw, Dad.” Sarah shared a quick hug with them, then she urged Devon’s little brother to come up.
He shot off his chair and brought up the scarves Sarah had made, folded and stacked one on the other.
“With these rings,” Sarah said, opening the first one, “I pronounce you double-married.” She looped the blue scarf so it entrapped Ted and Wendy together, then set the red one over it. “You may kiss your wife.”
They did, keeping it PG, then laughed as they disentangled themselves enough to wear one scarf each.
“Oh, Sarah. I can’t believe you did all this,” Wendy said, hugging the girl again. “I really hope it means—”
Wendy glanced at Ted. The couple’s soul mate connection was in full force because he nodded and started to smile with anticipation, as though he already knew what Wendy was going to say.
Kristen had an idea she did, too. She held her breath, eyes glued to Sarah for her reaction.
“I really hope it means you’ll be excited when your little brother or sister comes along,” Wendy said.
“Of course, I will! I don’t think that’s up to me, though,” Sarah joked.
Ted and Wendy’s expressions reflected that this wasn’t an abstract promise.
“Wait.” Sarah’s face fell with shock. The way her eyes nearly bugged out of her head was priceless. “Are you—Oh my gosh!” The news seemed to physically jolt her, leaving her shaking. She went bright red and teared up.
Everyone gasped and laughed and clapped. Sarah went into Ted’s arms while Gary hugged Wendy with clear delight. His wife rose to get in on the act and Sarah’s young cousins nearly came out of their seats.
“Are you okay? We were hoping you’d be happy,” Ted was saying as he rubbed Sarah’s back.
“I am,” she insisted in a muffled sob.
“Then why are you crying?” he teased.
“Because I’m happy!” She gave him a little bat, then hugged him again before she went into Wendy’s arms, rocking and burying her face in her stepmom’s neck. Finally she pulled away to ask, “Is this why you’ve been so tired? Are you morning sick?”
“It’s just a little baby flu. You can stop worrying,” Wendy reassured her.
Everyone was on their feet now, moving to congratulate the happy, expectant couple.
Kristen stole the chance to cross to Finn. All her defenses were peeled back, her heart completely exposed.
He set aside the guitar and rose as she approached. “Did you know? You didn’t look as surprised as everyone else,” he said.
She wasn’t surprised that he had been watching her, but it still made her flush with pleasure that he had.
“I thought you probably knew, since you talked to Wendy about how she’s been feeling. This was really nice, wasn’t it? I’m glad you stayed for it, but… What happened? Is everything okay? Oh!” She realized what he was wearing and she was ridiculously touched. “It fits.”
“It does.” He smoothed his hand down the front of the jersey. “Thank you. Everything is fine. I slept in,” he admitted sheepishly. “I stayed up half the night looking online for towns that had B and B’s for sale and also need a doctor. I came in to say one last goodbye to you and Sarah roped me into playing the wedding song.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah, it was the only one I could think of that would work for a wedding. Was it okay?”
“Not the song, silly. That was perfect. I’m talking about you staying up last night. You really did that?”
“Kristen. Yes. I want this. Us.” He took her hand. “I’ve always loved you. As a friend, as an infatuated young man. What I feel today… It’s all of that and more. My feelings for you have lasted this long. I know I’m going to love you the rest of my life.”
She bit her lips to stop their trembling, but then she couldn’t talk. “Me, too,” she said unsteadily. “I love you, Finn.”
He drew her into his arms, both of them growing choked up. Her heart began to pump so hard with excitement, she was alarmed by it. She felt as though she was jumping off a cliff, but this time they had hold of each other and were doing it together.
Sarah appeared beside them, breaking them apart as she said, “I’d like to point out that we have this beautiful wedding venue, if you’d like to use it?”
She swept an arm to indicate the arch and aisle behind her.
They laughed and stood side-by-side, holding hands. The feel of Finn’s palm pressed tightly to her own sent warmth straight up her arm and into her heart.
“We thought we’d try dating first,” Kristen told Sarah, trying to contain her giddiness.
“Close enough. Wendy!” Sarah called, then gave her stepmother a wink as she pointed at Kristen and Finn.
Wendy beamed as she came over and offered her bouquet to Kristen. “I’ll give this straight to you, then.”
Kristen blushed and sent a flummoxed look to Finn, but he didn’t seem fazed by Wen
dy’s assumption they would marry. He only reached for his phone.
“I need to call Mom and let her know I won’t be c—”
“Don’t you dare! I’d feel terrible,” Kristen argued. “She would never forgive me! No. This is what life with a doctor is like. Sometimes we won’t be together on Christmas. You go and we’ll figure things out over the next few days.”
“No one has appendicitis,” he argued. “Mom adores you. She’ll be thrilled that you’re the reason I’m not coming home.”
“You guys,” Wendy said sternly. “Go spend Christmas together.” She turned a beseeching look on Kristen, adding in a rush, “And please come back as soon as you can. Preferably by the twenty-seventh when we do our open house to thank everyone in town for supporting us all year. I don’t know what I was thinking when I planned that. I wasn’t pregnant, for one thing,” she said with an exasperated roll of her eyes at herself.
“Wendy,” Kristen began.
“No, look. I’ve got the day off.” She waved at the milling family. “I can manage without you for a couple of days. Go make your family as happy as mine is. It would be a lovely present to me. And it’s our thank you to both of you for helping Sarah make this day so special for us.”
Kristen looked at Finn.
“We should probably take your car,” he said. “I can’t guarantee mine will make it there and back. Do you mind if I come back and hang around through New Year’s Eve?” he asked Wendy.
“We would love to have you.”
“Yay!” Sarah clapped and bounced on her toes with approval. “If you do get married, will you promise to do it here?”
Kristen shared another look with Finn, this one amusement at Sarah’s exuberance.
“This is where we found each other again,” Finn said, giving Kristen such a tender look, her heart seemed to swell and beat against the base of her throat. “I don’t think we could do it anywhere else.”
“I kind of have to get married here, don’t I?” Kristen teased Sarah. “How else would I be able to sincerely recommend people hold their wedding at Mistletoe Chalet?”
Epilogue