Page 49 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“Well, we knew to stop at perfection.” Vivian rested her elbows on the table and cupped her chin.

“Is that why I’m an only child?” Avery asked, beaming.

Laughter filled the room, with Rachel and Eddie exchanging a look, and the conversation moved to wedding preparations.

Magic was definitely in the mix regarding dinner. Holly couldn’t help but indulge. By the time they were done eating and the table was being cleared, she felt like she could only move in slow motion. Despite her stomach weighing her down, the meal had been so good she would do it all again. After managing to rise from her chair, she strolled into the living room to stretch her legs. A walk would definitely provide some relief, but her food coma was making her too sluggish to even consider conquering that feat.

Dasher and Cupid lay on the rug near the Christmas tree, chomping on some doggy treats. Holly gazed at the piece of art on the wall, recalling that Mr. Mason had told her it had been painted by his wife. She could see the brush strokes and imagined the care Mrs. Mason had taken to create just the right aesthetic.

It wasn’t until Mr. Mason cleared his throat that she realized he’d come to stand beside her.

“I do the same thing, you know,” he said.

“What’s that?”

“Find myself staring at it. Of course, in my case, it’s because I get swept up in the memory of her smile when she painted. The way splashes of paint would stick to her cheek.” He nudged Holly with his elbow. “How she’d tell me I was the best every time I’d bring her tea.”

“You do make a pretty good tea.”

He chuckled. “So, Holly, I have something for you.”

“I didn’t know we were exchanging presents tonight. Shouldn’t we wait for the others?”

“No, no. This is more of a ‘something borrowed’ than a Christmas present.” He winked and then turned, walking to a side table near the door. He pulled open one of the drawers and took out a wooden box.

Holly’s brow wrinkled when he handed it to her.

“It’s beautiful.” She ran her fingers over the intricately carved design on the top. “What is it?”

Mr. Mason flipped open the lid. “It’s a brooch. It belonged to my wife.”

The brooch was made of lovely silver and formed in the shape of a curved feather. Set along the shaft of the feather were seven tiny jewels. Holly suspected they were diamonds, but even if they weren’t, the brooch was gorgeous.

“It can be placed on clothing or pinned to a veil. My Eleanor wore it to our wedding. And Rachel wore it to hers. You don’t have to, so don’t feel obligated, but it would mean a lot to me—to Nicky, too, I can imagine—if you were to wear it to yours.”

“Mr. Mason. I don’t know what to say.” Holly had already felt like she was part of the family, but to be included in such a touching tradition solidified it. “I would love that. Thank you.”

Nick entered the living room, narrowing his eyes. “Seems like I keep finding you two whispering about something.”

Holly turned to face him. “Your dad loaned me your family’s brooch to wear on our wedding day.” She extended the box.

Nick touched the jewels delicately. “You’ll look stunning wearing it. I’m excited to see the whole ensemble put together.”

Holly could tell deep thoughts were going on in Nick’s mind. That familiar soft look appeared in his eyes whenever he thought about his mother.

Eddie entered the room, carrying a couple of pieces of wood. As he added it to the fireplace, Avery came in and settled between Cupid and Dasher, stroking them both on their heads. Vivian and Rachel chatted about international traveling and planted themselves on the couch.

“I’m going to put this in my purse,” Holly whispered to Nick as she closed the brooch box. “I’ll be right back.”

When she returned, Avery was seated between Rachel and Eddie as Nick updated everyone on the Christmas festival.

“Avery, honey.” Rachel rubbed Avery’s back. “That’s the twelfth time you’ve yawned in the past half hour. I think it’s time for bed.”

“No,” Avery whined. “It’s not fair. You guys always have fun without me.”

“That’s not true.” Eddie kissed the top of her head. “We do tons of stuff with you.”

“It’s Christmas Eve,” Avery argued. “Can I stay up a little longer and open one present?” She held up a finger, her eyes pleading.

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