Page 40 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“Picking up my tux.”

“Ooh, exciting.”

“But first, I have to take care of some details for the Christmas festival.”

“Sounds good. I need to get ready for the bridal shower. But first, I think a soothing bath is necessary.”

He lifted one brow. “Well, I know where I’d rather be, but I’ve got to uphold my reputation as a responsible coordinator.”

Holly released a breathy laugh. “Such a good boy.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve kind of let my to-do list fall to the wayside since we’ve been dealing with all these wedding plans.”

“Do I sense a bit of regret?” she teased.

He tugged her nearer. “Not a chance.” He kissed her once more, deeply, before pulling away. “See you later?”

“You can count on it.”

“Enjoy your bath. And your shower.”

Chapter Fourteen

By the time the bridal shower was underway, Holly felt much more relaxed. It helped to be surrounded by friends and family in the comfort of her cabin. Along with her mother, Mrs. Miranelli, Emily, Lucy, Kim, and Rachel, some of her other close acquaintances and colleagues in Silverwood were in attendance. As Holly opened gifts, her spirits were lifted even more.

“This one is from Kim.” Vivian placed the pink-and-white wrapped box in Holly’s lap.

Holly sat in an armchair encircled by shiny, torn-up wrapping paper. She grinned as she ripped at the edges of Kim’s gift. Under the fancy paper was an even fancier box. Once she got past all the perfumed tissue, Holly withdrew a black silk robe.

Kim smiled with her tongue between her teeth. “Thought you could use some New York vibes on your honeymoon.”

“It’s lovely, Kim. Thanks.”

Vivian handed her the next gift.

“Who is this from?” Holly asked.

“It’s from Nick.”

“Nick? He wasn’t supposed to get me anything.” Holly ran her hand over the little box before she opened it. The box contained a velvet jewelry case, which she flipped open to reveal a silver chain-link bracelet with a snowflake pendant. It matched the necklace he had given her for Christmas the year before.

“He’s so sweet,” she remarked.

“There’s a note.” Emily gestured at the card.

Holly opened the card and read it aloud. “Holly, my love, to quote Virginia Woolf, ‘In case you ever foolishly forget, I’m never not thinking of you.’”

Vivian squeezed a fist on her heart. Lucy and Kim gushed.

“I’ve got to hand it to my cornball brother,” Rachel said. “He does have a way of saying the perfect thing at the perfect time.”

Holly cradled the card on her chest. Her heart tingled, and she could swear she was floating.

“This is the last one.” Vivian passed Holly the final gift from the coffee table.

“That’s from me,” Lucy announced.

“What could it be?” Holly took in the size and weight of the package. She couldn’t assess what her unpredictable friend might have gotten her. After the wrapping paper had been torn away, she let out a laugh. “A food processor.”

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