Page 1 of Snow Place Like Home
Chapter One
Goldie
Igroaned when I looked out the window to see the snow coming down even harder now. Winter in White Cap Mountain was no joke, which normally I was fine with, but today was a different story.
Today, December 24, often referred to as Christmas Eve, was also the rehearsal dinner for my brother, Jack, and his fiancée, Holly.
They were getting married tomorrow, on Christmas Day.
They were that couple—the one who goes to Disney at least four times a year and lives for sporting events, hosting Super Bowl parties that everyone in town wants to attend. They loved the holidays, and they always wore matching sweaters that included batteries and lights, and they were, without a doubt, the most fun couple I’d ever met.
And since their names were Jack and Holly, which they felt was close enough to Jack Frost and Christmas Holly, it was even more obvious that they should marry on December 25.
I cannot make this shit up.
So, tonight, when I’d normally be drinking spiked hot chocolate by the fire at my parents’ house and stuffing my face with my mother’s homemade peanut brittle—I was dressing up for a holiday-themed rehearsal dinner.
And by “dressing up,” I don’t mean your typical LBD ... little black dress.
We’d been asked to wear holiday-themed outfits tonight, and the directions were very specific.
Head-to-toe holiday attire required.
Dress the part, or you’ll break our heart.
The invitation literally said that.
Being a veterinarian, I’d decided to dress as Rudolph. A reindeer seemed fitting. My costume was also very warm and comfortable, which would come in handy when stepping outside in a blizzard to get in the car.
“I’m so glad we don’t have to go to the church first to practice,” Poppy, my lifelong bestie, said. “I love that we’re going straight to the party.”
“It’s very on brand for them, right? ‘No need to practice; let’s just all have a good time.’” I stood in front of the full-length mirror and glanced at myself. My furry suit had antlers sewn to the top of the hoodie. I wore brown Chuck Taylors, because one can never go wrong with a pair of Chucks. I had whiskers penciled on my cheeks, and my costume came with a red nose that I could pop on and off as needed.
Holly had approved the entire look and thanked me for ordering it early and for being prepared. I was the maid of honor, after all, and apparently the other three bridesmaids were not as excited about the required dress attire.
Go figure.
“Girl, Sarah Jessica Parker is totally throwing shade at you in that reindeer suit,” Poppy said as she patted the top of my judgmental three-year-old Bernedoodle’s head. I wasconvinced she was part human. My pup had made it very clear that she did not approve of the costume.
Get in line, SJP, you’re not alone in this.
“How about you, George Clooney?” I turned to look at my fourteen-year-old bulldog, who breathed so loudly that most people thought he was having an episode, and I could swear he gave me a nod.
Thank you, George.
My pups were named after my two favorite actors. They both lived up to the hype, and I loved them dearly.
“George is an easier sell. He’s a big fan of my Christmas tree costume. Did you see how excited he was when I walked in?”
“You mean when he tried to lift his leg and pee on you?” My head tipped back in laughter.
“Well, there was that, but then I bent down and explained to George that it was a costume, not a tree. And it doesn’t hurt that I always have beef treats in my pockets.” She pulled out two treats and tossed them to my dogs.
“They have the best auntie around,” I said as I dropped to sit beside Poppy on the bed. “Buckle up—my mom just sent a selfie.”
My parents were as festive as the bride and groom about this event, and they’d taken this whole themed dressing far too seriously.
Mom: What do you think?
