Page 22 of Mistletoe Magic

“Not really, but let’s get it over with.”

“We’ll be waiting for you two to get back. I think your brothers are going swimming.”

“After the wedding, we’ll be back. I’m not going to the reception,” Hunter says to his dad.

We slide into the back of the black town car Hunter ordered for us. As we pull up to the church, we’re about twenty minutes early. I don’t want to be too early, so I make small talk. As Hunter opens the door for me, he reaches his hand out. My hand is shaking.

“We don’t have to do this. No one will think less of you if you decide to skip this wedding,” Hunter reassures me.

“No, it’s all good. I don’t care what anyone thinks of me anymore. You helped me with that, and I can never repay you for it.”

“A kiss would be nice.” Hunter puckers up, making me laugh. I lean my body into him as I kiss him hard. I want him to know I love him. We break apart and head into the church. I swallow hard and hold my head up high, spotting dad. I smile, seeing him light up as he walks away from Matthew’s mother.

“Babygirl. Merry Christmas. How are you?”

“I am a nervous wreck. I feel all eyes on me.” I scan the room, and notice people pointing while whispering.

“They’re looking at the hot goddess who walked in.” Hunter kisses my temple. I blush.

“Fuck them. Let them talk.” My dad leans into me. “Buckle up because here comes your mother.” We all turn to her walking with a big smile on her face until her eyes focus on me. “You look beautiful, my dear. I think you’re going to outshine the bride.” My dad kisses my mom. Her demeanor of disgust softens.

I know I’m not the daughter she wants to see and fuss over right now, but I love her anyway. I wish she could love me for who I am and not what she wants me to look like. All my life, I’ve been on fad diets because I wasn’t as skinny as Michele or pretty as Michele. Hunter makes me feel like I’m the prettiest woman in the world. He only sees me. There have been a lot of women trying to catch his attention these past few days, and he couldn’t stop staring at me.

“You look spectacular, Mom. Merry Christmas.” We quickly hug.

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Richfield.” Hunter kisses her cheek. “Now I see where Ava gets her beauty.” My mom blushes.

“Ava, I’m glad you’re here. It wouldn’t have been Christmas if you weren’t here with us. I know I’ve been a bitch to you, and I’m sorry.” I open my mouth to say something when Lisa comes up to my mom and whispers something in her ear. “What else is going to go wrong?”

“What’s the matter?” my dad asks.

“Michele is freaking out. I’m sorry I can’t stay and talk. Please sit in the front with your dad and me. I know your grandmother will be happy to see you.”

I nod. Hunter and I walk over to the front aisle where my grandmother is sitting. We make small talk while we wait for the wedding to begin. Being around my family hasn’t been so bad.

Everything about the wedding is beautiful except for the bride and groom. My vision for a Christmas wedding is breathtaking. Everyone forgot I was here, which is a delightful change. Hunter holds my shaky hand the entire time. Every so often during the vows, he leans in and whispers that he loves me.

How didI get so lucky?

Hunter

Christmaswith my family is better than I could ever imagine. I remember when Brad and Tony started bringing Chrissy and Tina around when they got serious. It changed the dynamic of the three of us but enhanced it too. Now, with Ava in the mix, it feels like our family is complete.

Mr. and Mrs. Richfield joined us for dinner at the hotel. Ava’s mom spoke highly of her and told us stories about her growing up. It was a different side of her, which was nice. Maybe the influence of Michele clouded Mrs. Richfield.

Now Ava is fast asleep in bed next to me. I can’t stop staring at her. It’s going to suck leaving her to go back to California to get my stuff and tie up loose ends. I wonder if I can convince her to come back with me for a couple of days. I know she has to work since she owns the skating rink.

I flip over to my left side and open the nightstand that houses the engagement ring. I pull it out to look at it again. Jack and Lyssa are helping me set things up for tomorrow. We leave in two days, so I want to be engaged to my goddess before packing everything up. Even if she says no or not right now, I’m still moving here.

Dad gave me his blessing when we talked in private tonight. I’ll remain at King Enterprise and go back for quarterly board meetings and anything else that needs my attention, but I’m free to get back to my passion. The bed stirs beside me, and I snap the ring box shut to put it back.

I pull Ava into me, and I fall asleep with her.

We have no alarms set since she closed the rink today. She wants a day to rest as she’s been going nonstop. I think it has more to do with the wedding wearing her out.

The sun shines bright through the curtains.

“I thought I closed them,” I mumble.

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