Page 84 of The Christmas Romance Wish

No sooner do we get outside than he spins me around as snowflakes swirl, landing gently on the powdery snow.

We kiss again.

“You look beautiful,” Alex says.

With a smirk, I say, “Thank you. And you look rather dashing yourself. I’ll never forget you saying,Oh by golly.”

“But you couldn’t hear me.”

I tap my temple. “Your voice is always in my head.”

“We did the Marry Me without the app. Guess you are marriage material, after all.”

“And I’m romantic-issed at Christmas—a combination of romantic and kissed.” I press one to Alex’s lips.

When we part, I say, “Merry Christmas to all and?—”

He adds, “And to Emmie, a happy birthday!”

I got my Christmas romance wish and those bah humbugs turn into butterflies.

Epilogue

Alex is behind the wheel of his Sprinter van which is set up for camping. We just left Utah and crossed the state line into Wyoming. It seems odd to go north to get to the south, but this is our honeymoon road trip.

We have everything we need to get to Coco Key. Sweet and salty snacks? Check. A killer playlist with me in charge of the radio? Check. A few fun stops planned along the way? Check.

As we pass snow-covered fields and mountains in the distance, I say, “I’m finally looking forward to a belated Christmas in the tropics.”

“Tired of the cold weather?” Alex asks.

“No. I’m your winter girl. It’s more like even though that’s where I grew up and it’s a beautiful, special place, I finally have a place to call home.”

I now understand what it means when people say home is where the heart is. But that’s only part of the story. With the love I have for this man, I know we could survive anywhere—including a winter day stranded on the side of the road. Also important is thriving, and I found my place—the ranch, Holidayle, and the community there. I felt instantly drawn, rooted, and like I can breathe again.

Alex glances at me and then returns to the road.

“Home is Eaglewood Acres, so long as you’re there,” I say.

He whoops. “I’d turn this van around and take us back, but I’ll admit that I’m tired of the snow. I could use a break.”

“But only for a week because we have some writing to do.” In light of our getting married and the various weather-related challenges we’ve faced, my editor gave me an extension on Alex’s book.

As we cruise across America, we don’t go too far off the interstates, camping in Wyoming and Nebraska before finally stopping at a hotel in St. Louis. We do a little sightseeing, most notably checking out the Arch before spending a full day exploring Nashville’s musical history and going on a food tour, sampling popular dishes from several prominent restaurants. We stay at the romantic Hermitage Hotel. The next day, we press on to Atlanta. There we check out a botanical garden and visit an aquarium.

Heading through Florida, I reflect on all the miles we’ve covered. My favorite stops have been the RV parks. The people are so friendly and helpful. They’re quaint and quiet, often family-run, and make me think about mine and the one I’d like to start with Alex.

I say, “While there are things I love about cities, I realize that now I’m just a visitor. I appreciate the restaurants, shops, and cultural stops, but I’m craving the country.”

“We’ll be back before you know it. And if you need a little excitement, there’s always skydiving.”

“Is there anywhere else you want to stop before you meet my family?” I ask.

“You say that like I ought to be having second thoughts.”

“My brothers are a lot.”

Alex tilts his head, thinking. “Nope. I’m excited to meet your family, see where you grew up, and put my feet in the water.”

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