Page 83 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“I had a feeling about the two of you,” Shaylin says as we get out of the vehicle.

I stand there, dumbstruck, not quite sure what to do, where to go, or how this is happening so fast. But for once, my busy brain doesn’t ask too many questions.

Shaylin says, “You look beautiful. Let me take a picture before you go inside.”

I spin in a circle, the white dress flaring at the bottom as she snaps a few photos.

“Jesse is on the other side of the door waiting for you.” Shaylin looks toward the sky. “And your groom will be along any minute.”

“He’s not parachuting in, is he?”

She laughs. “No, but that would’ve been cool.” The way she smiles makes me wonder if that’s the kind of grand entrance she’d like to make on her wedding day. I bet she and Dylann would get along splendidly even though my bestie is best described as an extrovert, and Pax calls Shaylin, Shylin, implying she’s the opposite.

As I approach the church’s double doors, they slowly open. My thoughts do the same. I’m about to get married to a man who is solid, secure, and has a voice that’s the stuff of my dreams.

Jesse nods in greeting.

I’m a bit wobbly in the sugar shoes. Not from nerves, but it’sbecause I’m an island girl who grew up in sandals. But my thoughts don’t go far out to see because I notice the bouquets consisting of sprays of white roses dotted with pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and red berries decorating the room. Garlands of red and white ribbon frame the altar and only candles light the church.

“This isn’t for the Christmas service, is it?” I mutter.

“No. It’s for you.”

“How’d you guys pull this off?”

“Alex, Pax, Austin, and I have been working together for a long time. Whatever we do, we have everything down to military precision.” He glances at his dive watch. “We also have thirty minutes before we need to clear out.” He spins his pointer finger in the air like it’s time to get things going.

As the door opens, I suddenly wish my brothers were here. Then again, I wasn’t at their weddings. I couldn’t very well have all of them walk me down the aisle.

But even in these high heels, I know my destination. I’ll arrive there on steady feet.

At the end of the aisle strewn with white rose petals like snowflakes, Alex stands at attention. Standing tall and freshly shaven, he has the bearing of a man who spent years in the military, getting his life squared away, serving our nation in preparation for serving our future family, for being a loving and loyal partner.

His smile is dimpled and all for me. My gaze then travels from his head to his shoulders, continuing to his feet. He wears a dark gray suit and that is a sight to behold. I hope someone is taking photos—for Dylann, of course. I’ll never forget this moment as my thoughts finally go silent save for one. I love this man with all my heart.

Alex’s eyes devour me the closer I get as I march down the aisle.

He mouths, “Oh by golly.”

The pastor waits beside him and soon the others turn up,watching eagerly as we make our vows. It’s something of a blur, but every word I speak is the truth.

But they’re more than a promise. I see the truth of his devotion in the depths of his eyes. In the tenderness of his lips. In the way he brushes his fingertips across my cheek after the pastor announces that we can kiss.

Alex leans close and whispers, “This is real.”

“It’s our nonfiction,” I reply.

Then we melt together in a kiss.

It’s only when I hear loud cheering and hooting along with a very specific whistle do I realize that beyond Alex’s friends seated in the front rows, we have an audience.

The images of my four brothers fill the screen used during church services.

They sing happy birthday to me.

My jaw lowered, I say, “How’d you?—?”

Alex winks then takes my hand and whisks me down the aisle to applause.

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