Page 76 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

Holly swallowed hard, attempting to unclench all her muscles. The music continued, but her feet wouldn’t budge.

And then Nick, who stood facing the priest at the altar, turned around. When his eyes met hers, Holly’s lungs filled with the sweetest, warmest air. The light-hearted feeling spread throughout her body until she felt as if she were floating.

She took a step and advanced to the beat of the music. Her heart wanted to be closer to Nick, so she followed her heart.

Though she felt the eyes of their guests on her, her focus remained on Nick, whose soft smile caused a warm glow to swell in her chest.

Holly and Vivian stopped at the arch. The heady scent of freesia and lilacs wafted around her. With a sigh, Vivian leaned close to Holly and placed a gentle palm on her cheek.

“I love you, sweetheart.” Vivian’s voice broke on the last word.

“I love you too, Mom.” Holly waged an inner battle to hold back the surge of sentimental tears.

Vivian wasn’t as successful as Holly in keeping her tears at bay as she kissed Holly’s cheek. Holly let out a shuddering breath as her mother released her and went to take her seat.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Holly swiveled to face Nick. She stepped under the wedding arch and gazed into his eyes.

This feels so right. I’m not afraid anymore.

Father William instructed the invitees to sit. As he continued welcoming everyone in the name of celebrating Nick and Holly’s love, Holly became strongly aware of her heartbeat. She listened to the priest’s words, feeling their importance, but she couldn’t tear her eyes off Nick. Handsome didn’t begin to cover it. He was dashing. Dare she say debonaire? Perhaps there wasn’t a proper word to describe how he looked. He was everything, all she ever wanted and all she would ever need.

Holly was highly conscious that everyone was watching her and that she and Nick were the center of attention. Though part of her mind was focused on the logistics of the ceremony, the emotional part of her brain was swooning. She was almost lost in disbelief that she and Nick were finally becoming one, knowing that in a matter of minutes, they would be bound to each other forever, that this was the beginning of her brand-new life. Her body tingled all over, and the giddiness made her grin.

“Dear friends,” Father William said, “Nick and Holly have prepared their vows, and it is their wish to recite them now in the presence of their family and loved ones.

Father William folded his hands and gave Nick a nod.

Nick returned the nod and took a deep breath. “Holly. From the first moment I saw you, I was under your spell. And I will willingly remain under this sweet, euphoric, intoxicating spell you’ve cast until time ends and the stars fade to black. Because with you, I feel young again. I feel whole. Complete. This”—he gestured between them—“makes sense. Every day, you take my breath away. I keep thinking this could all be a dream. If it is, I never want to wake up. I count myself lucky to stand beside you. Not just now, but through the years, for better or worse, and in every moment, every breath, my love for you will be there.”

Holly could have swooned. She took a second, letting Nick’s words seep into her heart and soul.

Father William looked her way, and she prepared herself for her turn.

“Nick.” Holly swallowed back happy tears. “Nicky. You’re such a good person. Such a good man. I can’t believe how blessed I am to have you in my world. To have you in my heart. As long as you are with me, I’m home. I was lost, and then I found you. You make me feel like I am exactly where I belong. And I want that feeling for the rest of my life. These last few weeks have shown me that we can’t predict what the future brings and what obstacles will be thrown in our way. But I know that as long as you’re with me and I have your love, you will have mine, and we can make it through anything.”

Father William raised his hands out at his sides. “May we please have the rings?”

Nick clicked his tongue, and Cupid came over to stand between him and Holly. Avery followed, crouching to retrieve the bands from the pouch Cupid wore. With a huge smile, Avery handed the corresponding rings to Nick and Holly. Holly passed her bouquet to Rachel.

“Holly and Nick, as you prepare to follow the path of marriage, I now ask for you to state your intentions. Do you, Nicholas Mason Jr., take Holly St. Ives to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her, in good times and in bad, in sickness and health, to love and honor her all the days of your life?”

Though his eyes glistened with tears, Nick smiled. “I do.” He slipped the ring on her finger and squeezed her hand.

“Do you, Holly,” Father William continued, “take Nicholas Mason Jr. to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him, in good times and in bad, in sickness and health, to love and honor him all the days of your life?”

“I do.” Holly wasn’t sure anyone heard her over the pounding of her heart. She slipped the ring onto his finger and then held on to his hands.

Father William smiled. “In sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nick, you may kiss your bride.”

As Holly and Nick leaned in for their kiss, the guests rose to their feet and applauded. Wedding bells rang, echoing around them.

Father Williams raised his voice to be heard over the applause. “Ladies, gentlemen, and four-legged friends, for the first time ever, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Nick and Holly Ma—”

“Holly, no!”

Gasps filled the winter garden as Grayson charged in, dragging Susan along with him despite her attempts to pull him back.

“Oh no.” Holly tensed, her neck aching from the sudden movement. “Grayson.”

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