Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 18010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 90(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 90(@200wpm)___ 72(@250wpm)___ 60(@300wpm)
“I like it,” I explain as I smooth out a crease. “It’s fun to rip off wrapping paper.”
“To each their own,” she says right as the front door opens.
Ace comes through first, then Rogue. His eyes light up the moment he sees me, and I smile back at him. He plucks a piece of tinsel from my hair before giving me a quick kiss.
The four of us spend the rest of the day preparing dishes for Christmas dinner and singing along offkey to Christmas carols. The four of us are a great team. I’m in charge of desserts while Rogue is on casseroles. Ace takes care of the other food because it was decided unanimously that Mackenzie would be chief dishwasher. She just laughed when her dad teased her about that. Every so often, I see them exchanging a look like they have a secret. Ace seems oblivious, so maybe it has to do with a Christmas gift for him.
Later, when Rogue and I are in his big bed, my head is on his chest and his hand is around mine, touching the engagement ring he bought me. I wouldn’t do any food prep that required taking off the ring. I’m not ready do that yet. I might not ever be ready. This ring is proof that I have a family, that I’m wanted.
“I was thinking,” Rogue says softly. “How do you feel about a Christmas wedding?”
I smile. “That would give us about a year to plan. That would be perfect.”
“Not quite what I had in mind,” he says.
I glance up at his face, shocked by what I think he’s saying. “You mean tomorrow?”
“The holidays have always been a hard time for both of us. I’d like to make them into something positive,” he says.
“I don’t know if we could find someone to do it tomorrow. That’s really short notice.” Even as I tell him that, the idea is taking root. A Christmas wedding would be kind of perfect.
“Are you saying no?” he asks softly.
Instantly, I shake my head. “I’m saying I love the idea, but I think it’s kind of impossible.”
“Judge Helen has already agreed. She’ll be at the wedding chapel tomorrow if we want. Mallory from Sew Cute will open her shop tomorrow morning so you can pick out your dress. Mackenzie and Ginger are ready to help with hair and make-up. Ace and I found rings today.”
I gape up at him. “You’ve really thought of everything.”
“So what do you say? Do you want to become Mrs. Claus tomorrow?”
I grin, unable to hold back all the love in my heart. This man is so amazing. “Yes! I would love to marry you on Christmas.”
His whole expression lights up before he brushes a soft kiss across my forehead. “You’re going to make a beautiful bride.”
I think Rogue was right because I feel absolutely beautiful as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. Mallory helped me find the perfect dress. It’s a gorgeous white one with a sparkly bodice and a full skirt that has peppermints on it. The red bow above the skirt gives it a festive feel, and I smooth a hand down it.
“I can’t believe today is my wedding day,” I tell Mackenzie and Ginger. “I never imagined I would be marrying the man of my dreams so soon after your weddings.”
Ginger shrugs. “That’s how the men of Courage County are. When they find their forever, they put a ring on it.”
“And we love them all the more for it.” Mackenzie laughs. She hands me a tissue. “Blot.”
I do as she instructs, blotting my lipstick.
“Are you ready?” Ginger asks just as there’s a knock on the door.
Greer comes in wearing a black suit. He nods to me. “You look real pretty today.”
My cheeks heat. I can’t wait until Rogue catches a glimpse of me. “Thanks, Greer.” He called last night and apologized about the rumors. He said he never meant to scare me with his phone call. He was only looking out for me.
He clears his throat. “Thought I might walk you down the aisle. If you’ll let me.”
My heart is so happy, it feels like I might explode. “I would love that.”
The clock in the corner chimes, and just like that, it’s time to get married.
When the doors of the chapel swing open, the wedding march begins to play. My eyes quickly scan through our wedding party to find Rogue. He’s beaming at me, so much love written in his gaze.
I glide down the aisle on the protective cowboy’s arm. If it weren’t for Greer anchoring me, I’d probably float up to the sky. That’s how light and happy Rogue makes me feel.
Greer kisses my cheek before he gives me to my groom. Rogue takes my hands in his and gives them a gentle squeeze.
We repeat our vows and exchange rings. Then Rogue is leaning forward to kiss me, but before he does, he whispers in my ear, “You’re the best Christmas gift I could’ve ever asked for.”