Page 90 of Yuletide Acres

“How about I get that, Cupcake?” I chuckle, knotting the tie and examining my reflection. Not to be an arrogant ass, but I clean up pretty damn well. “How do I look?”

“You’re handsome, Daddy.”

“You think so?”

“Yes, and I’m beautiful, too.” Marissa twirls in her dress, the skirt floating up around her, the hair clip from Poppy holding back her curls.

“You’re very beautiful.”

“Will I be as beautiful as Poppy one day?”

I scoop her into my arms, tweaking her nose. “You already are.”

“Are you two going to have a baby?”

“I hope so. Would you like to be a big sister?”

She considers my question before shrugging. “So long as Poppy keeps reading to me every night.”

“She won’t have a problem with that. Are you ready?”

Marissa nods, giggling as I tickle her, and we head out the door.

* * *

Ihave to hand it to the women of Yuletide acres; they know how to get things done. The place already resembled a winter wonderland, but now, it’s fit for a fairytale. And my queen.

“Ah, there you are, Dylan. I have the paperwork for you two after the ceremony.” John, the Justice of the Peace, hands me the documents to peruse.

Sometimes it pays to know people at town hall. The marriage certificate is ready to go. Now all it needs is our signatures.

So long as Poppy doesn’t freak out.

I told her we were having a handfasting. She likely doesn’t realize I’m making this ceremony legal in the eyes of God and state.

I feel a tugging at my pant leg, and smile down at Marissa, grasping her hand. I know this is a ton of change for her, but I truly believe Poppy’s presence will be hugely beneficial in her life. I know it is in mine. “Are you ready?”

Marissa nods, her eyes bright with happiness.

My mother walks in, having swapped out her jeans for a dress. Even though she’s stuck in the orthopedic boot for the next couple of weeks, it hasn’t slowed her down. She marches straight to Marissa, holding out her hand. “You are needed with us. Poppy would like you to walk her inside.”

My daughter’s face lights up and once again, I am amazed by my soon-to-be wife. How Poppy just intrinsically knows what my daughter needs to feel included.

With an excited clap, Marissa leaves my side, trailing after her grandmother.

The music starts and I take a deep breath. I’m not nervous about marrying this woman. I’ve wanted to make her mine since the day we met all those years ago. I spotted Poppy across a crowd at a festival, dancing atop a boulder, shaking her body to the beat. I knew in that instant that I’d found my other half, and no one would ever take her place.

No one ever has.

My only worry is that my free spirit will suffer a last-minute change of heart.

But when the doors open, my fears are laid to rest. In their stead, I’m hit with every emotion as my gaze connects with Poppy. God, she’s gorgeous. Surreal and breathtaking. Wearing a long white gown, her hair piled on top of her head, and that smile—she’s my every fantasy come to life. At her side, clutching her hand, is Marissa.

Troy rests his hand on my shoulder, standing up with me once again. “I’m really happy for you, man.” There’s no disguising the emotion in his voice. He knows I’ve earned this happiness. How long I’ve waited for Poppy to find her way back to me. How many prayers I put up that somehow, our paths would intersect once more.

I never imagined that my darling friend and first wife, Merry, would be the one to ensure the reunion happened.

Poppy hands off her bouquet, biting her lip as she smiles at me, her eyes full of tears. “Hi, handsome.”

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