Page 77 of Single Mom's Christmas Wish

“It’s the best happy ending you could possibly ask for because today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. And it’s only going to get better from here.”

“You’re absolutely right,” I reply, suddenly perkier than ever. “We don’t always get what we want in this life. But we almost always get what we need. This is what I need.”

“Cold, hard cash.”

“And three hot husbands.”

“Bam!”

Our giggling session is interrupted by a knock on the door. “Come in,” I say.

“Hi, ladies,” the Faulkner matriarch comes in. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“No, Donna, not at all. Please, join us,” I reply with a warm smile.

We’ve only just met. Literally, an hour ago. It was a bit awkward, but Donna Faulkner is one of the sweetest women I’ve ever come across. She’s got a hard side, a rough edge I’m sure she needed while raising Maddox, Archer, and Reed. They couldn’t havebeen anything other than a handful, given their powerful yet distinct personalities. But overall, Donna is defined by grace and kindness. It shows in every word and every gesture.

To me, what matters the most is the speed with which she welcomed me into the fold. As soon as we shook hands, she pulled me into a hug and said welcome to the Faulkner family. She knows how her sons live, she understands their particular romantic needs, and she supports them in every decision they make, which means that our secret is safe with her.

“We just finished the makeup, Chelsea says. “On to the dress.”

“Ah, then it’s a good thing I came along,” Donna chuckles, then looks over to the gown. “My gosh, it looks beautiful. Let me help.”

“It would be an honor,” I say.

Twenty minutes later, I stare at the image in the full-length mirror, barely able to recognize myself. The woman smiling back at me is a vision in white, the dress doing most of the work in this picture. It’s a classic 1950s style with a lace bodice and long lace sleeves, the skirt swelling outward like an inverted tulip in layers of white silk and tulle. Tiny pearls are sewn in throughout, twinkling in between the layers.

I gesture at myself. “Thank you both so much for helping me get ready. I’m speechless.”

“Well, darling, we had great material to work with, and I’m not talking about the dress,” Donna quips. She beckons me to turn around so I can face her, then gently takes my hands in hers. “I do wish we’d met sooner and under more relaxed circumstances. But these are my boys. It’s how they do things. And I will always respect their wishes.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumble.

She raises an eyebrow. “What are you sorry for? Dakota, the only reason they’re doing this is because you have their hearts in your hands already. They love you. That’s why they’re marrying you so quickly.”

“They’re marrying me so I can get my inheritance. I know Reed told you about it.”

“Honey,” Chelsea interjects with a light chuckle, “that’s what she’s getting at.”

“My sons are marrying you because they love you,” Donna insists. “They’re helping you because they love you. And once you understand that, I promise everything else will make a whole lot more sense later down the road.”

“I’d almost forgotten,” I say, tearing up. “You’re so right, Donna. How did I not see it?”

I’ve been so fixated on believing that the wedding is nothing more than a sham we’re putting together so I can get my inheritance that I’ve had blinders on to everything else.

Chelsea rushes to dab the waterworks away with a tissue. “Do not ruin your makeup, or I will give you a real reason to cry, sister.”

“Oh, darling, you’ve got so much on your plate,” Donna tells me. “I can tell you’re under a lot of pressure. When the boys told me your story, I have to admit, I became immediately fond of you. I hadn’t even met you yet. But seeing you now, I understand why they’re so smitten. The least I can do is give you some peace of mind when you need it the most.” She pauses, watching as Chelsea lovingly dries my face and retouches my makeup.

“Forget about everything and everybody else who isn’t here today to celebrate with you. Keep your departed loved ones in your heart as you walk down that aisle,” Donna says.

Sadness comes over me as I take a deep breath. Chelsea instantly senses the shift in my mood and gives me a gentle shoulder squeeze. We stay close for a while, looking at ourselves in the mirror while Donna adds a touch of blush to her tanned cheeks.

“Grandma Sally would be so thrilled right about now,” Chelsea says. “You know she’s smiling down from heaven today, right?”

“Yes. And Dad would have walked me down the aisle,” I reply.

“Oh, and your mom, she’d be busy keeping the other bridesmaids in line. Callie, in particular.”

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