Page 77 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

Nick squared his shoulders. “How’d he—?”

“I’m sorry.” Frazzled, Susan smoothed her hair into place. “I tried to stop him.”

“Holly,” Grayson interrupted. “We have unfinished business.”

Sean, Eddie, and Rachel looked between themselves and Nick, unsure what to do. Nick shook his head, a silent plea in his eyes, urging them not to take any action. Holly was frozen, unable to move—unable to believe this was happening.

“Son,” Father Williams said calmly. “You’re too late.”

“It’s never too late,” Grayson insisted. “Holly and I belong together.”

“No, Grayson,” Holly said, her voice weak. “I’m with Nick. We’re married now.”

“Do you have any idea what lengths I went to prove my love for you?” Grayson’s hands were balled into fists.

The crowd murmured, clearly confused.

“Do you know how much I had to pay that caterer worker to look through the files for your address? Only for him to get fired and the company to lose their contract? He wouldn’t give me the address after that, so I was out that cash.”

Holly’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

“Can you imagine how hard it was for me to stand in that storm?” Grayson continued. “How difficult it was for me to get that branch through the dress shop window? I did that for you, Holly. That’s how much you mean to me.”

Holly felt the tears forming in her eyes. “You’re a sociopath.”

“But do you appreciate my efforts? Do you not see how hard I’m fighting for you?”

“Young man,” Father William said, his tone harsher now, “I suggest you leave the premises immediately.”

Grayson ignored him. “You know we’re meant to be, Holly,” he went on. “I forgive you for not yet realizing it. What do you say? Bygones?”

Holly ground her teeth. “The only bygones happening here is me saying bye and you being gone.”

“You heard her,” Nick said, stepping closer to Grayson. “It’s time for you to leave.”

“Don’t touch me.” Grayson sneered as he backed up. He noticed that Eddie, Sean, and the priest were all reaching for him. In his attempt to avoid their reach, he twisted, his arms flailing. The back of his foot caught on the altar’s base, and he lost his balance.

Grayson fell backward, barreling into the wedding arch. A crack resounded, followed by gasps from everyone in the room. The arch teetered, and Nick pulled Holly into his arms and out of harm’s way as it collapsed. Grayson was on the floor among the splinters, looking up at them with wide eyes.

Cupid let out a deep growl. As the first bark exploded through the room, it triggered the response of his siblings. Dasher slunk forward first, teeth bared. Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph traveled as a pack, all growling and snarling.

Grayson visibly swallowed, sweat forming on his brow. He scrambled to his feet and turned on his heel, pushing Father William out of his way as he darted toward the glass double doors. Knocking down a standing vase full of flowers, he tore the doors open and charged outside.

Cupid and his siblings stampeded after him. Their barks echoed through the frosty air. Dasher’s howl followed immediately after Cupid’s, which set off the yelps of the other dogs. Nick, Holly, and their guests hurried after the hounds. Their shrieks and hollers were drowned out by the cacophony of all nine Alaskan Malamutes barking and howling as they chased after the wedding crasher.

Nick stuck his thumb and forefinger between his teeth and whistled, but the dogs couldn’t be stopped. They were on an inexorable mission to chase down the threat.

The scarf that hung loosely from Grayson’s neck flew off. Grayson kicked up waves of snow as he scurried from the scene, desperate to outrun his pursuers. Holly saw him twist his head left and right but continue forward.

Right toward the frozen lake.

Oh no.Holly remembered the “Thin Ice” sign, which had been blocking the lake for weeks now.

The dogs had Grayson cut off from the shore. He darted onto the ice seemingly without thinking.

“Grayson, stop!” Nick called.

Grayson didn’t stop.

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