Page 110 of A Very Merry Enemy
We drive out to the opposite side of the farm by the big storage barn in a convoy of black SUVs that Claire’s family arranged. Everything about this wedding is extravagant in a way that should feel out of place in Merryville, but somehow, Claire made it work.
The large venue is set up in the north field, the one with the best view of the rolling hills and Christmas trees beyond. It’s been transformed into something that belongs in a magazine, not on a working tree farm.
Three massive white tents are connected by heated walkways lined with evergreen garland and thousands of white lights. The main ceremony tent is in the center, with clear panels on the sides so the farm can be seen. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and more white lights are strung everywhere, making it look like we’re standing under a sky made of stars.
The tent on the left is for cocktails and appetizers. Ice sculptures of swans and Christmas trees are on the opposite side of the entrance. Their surfaces glisten with condensation from the heat lamps. There are several bars being tended by bartenders in formal wear, mixing signature cocktails and serving appetizers on silver trays.
The tent on the right is set up for dinner and dancing. A quartet is doing sound checks in one corner, the soft sounds of a violin floating through the space. Tables are draped in white linen with gold accents. Centerpieces made of white roses andevergreen branches smell like Christmas and elegance combined.
Heat lamps disguised as elegant standing candelabras keep the temperature comfortable, despite the late November cold outside. This had to have cost more than most people make in several years, but it’s beautiful. Exactly what I’d imagine Claire would do.
“Your fiancée went all out,” I tell Jake as we walk through the ceremony tent doing a final check.
“She’s been planning this for a year. I just showed up where she told me to and said yes to everything.” But he’s grinning, clearly happy to let Claire have whatever she wants.
Claire appears from behind a curtain where the bridal party is getting ready. Even though Jake’s not supposed to see her, she walks right up to him in her silk robe and kisses him like they’re the only two people in the world.
“Everything okay?” she asks when she pulls back.
“Perfect.” Jake’s looking at her like she hung the moon. “You look incredible.”
“You haven’t even seen the dress yet.”
“Don’t need to.”
She smiles and touches his face gently. “I love you.”
“Love you, too. Now go finish getting ready so I can marry you already.”
She laughs and disappears back behind the curtain, and I feel something twist in my chest watching them. That’s what I want. That certainty. That ease. That absolute knowledge of being with the right person. And I had it once with Holiday, but we were kids who didn’t know any better.
Maybe we could have it again. I want to believe that.
Hudson elbows me. “That’s going to be you and Holiday in about six months. Calling it now.”
“Shut the fuck up.”
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
“I don’t know what the future holds,” I tell him.
“Ah, you’re in the uneasy stage. Enjoy the ride, little brother,” Hudson says, pulling a flask from his inside pocket and handing it to me. I take several gulps, needing it to calm my nerves.
Guests start arriving around four thirty. Vintage white horse-drawn carriages bring them from the parking area to the venue. They’re heated inside, with white leather seats and gold trim, and there are blankets embroidered with Claire and Jake’s initials for anyone who wants them.
Christmas music plays from hidden speakers as the carriages glide along the path. Each arrival feels like an event, guests stepping out in their finest, looking around at the transformed farm with surprised reactions.
I’m standing with Hudson near the entrance to the ceremony tent, greeting early guests, and my stomach is in knots. Every carriage that arrives, I watch. Waiting. Wondering if this is the one that’s carrying Holiday.
Emma walks over to us, and Hudson immediately goes to her side.
“Babe, everything okay?” he asks her.
“Fine. I’m just going to the bathroom before this party starts. I swear the babies are using my bladder as a trampoline right now.”
Everyone is worried her water is going to break tonight. Emma’s very pregnant with twins and looks like she could pop any second, but she refused to stay home. She’s stubbornly glowing.
“You clean up nice.” She looks me up and down. “The ladies are going to lose their minds when they see you.”
