Page 78 of Two Hearts' Christmas Homecoming

“I’d better go fetch the bride if everyone is ready,” Dad said.

A few minutes later, Amy appeared on Dad’s arm, apparently wearing the same wedding gown that Mom had worn when she’d married Dad. The full length lacey white gown fit Amy to perfection, with its sweetheart neckline and short white fur cape.

When Zane began strumming the wedding march, everyone went silent as Amy came walking down the aisle with Dad, carrying a beautiful rose and lily bouquet, meeting Lex at the arbor, where the minister stood behind him.

Amy was the most beautiful woman in the world, and Lex would do everything in his power to stay safe and come back to her so they could spend the rest of their lives together.

When Amy smiled, Lex smiled back.

“I love you,” they said in unison, when Dad left her standing with Lex beneath the arbor.

As they recited their unrehearsed vows, which came surprisingly easy, Lex decided that his efforts to make this Christmas homecoming one that neither one of them would forget for the rest of their lives had been a success. Somehow, the courthouse ceremony hadn’t felt like enough.

When Lex slipped Amy’s new wedding band on her finger, she looked into his eyes with tears in hers. And of course, he was a little teary-eyed himself.

“You may kiss the bride,” the minister finally declared, giving them each a wide smile.

The kiss was long, strong, and very emotional as Lex wrapped his arms around Amy when she burst into tears, smiling when they turned as the minister announced them man and wife.

They were greeted with cheers and whistles, while flower petals were flung through the air.

Zane put down his guitar while Christmas music was being piped through the stereo system, and everyone settled in to celebrate.

* * *

Hours later, once the guests had thinned out, Jake motioned for Lex and Amy to follow him from the solarium.

“I’ve got a little information to share with you,” he said softly, leading them into Dad’s office, where Dad was waiting.

When Jake motioned for them to take a seat, Lex and Amy settled on the chairs near Dad’s desk.

“I’m not sure how you’re going to feel about this, Lex, but you’re the heir to a vast estate in Wales,” Jake observed. “But it’s going to take some time for the estate to be settled. Plus, there’s also the manufacturing plant that needs to be investigated because of what was going on with your quote, unquote,uncle.”

Amy grinned because Lex’s jaw dropped open. She hadn’t seen that look on his face since he’d been a kid.

“I’ve got some pictures of the place on my laptop if you want to take a look at it,” Dad said, looking slightly bemused as he shared the screen on the TV behind him. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

This time Amy’s jaw dropped open.

“The problem is, we’re not sure how trustworthy the management is that was put in place by Masterson,” Jake said. “He was so much in debt, I find it hard to believe that any of the numbers that are being provided are accurate.”

“So, what do we do, Jake? I don’t have time to deal with this. I need to report back to duty next week,” Lex muttered.

“My suggestion would be to let me look into it further. Amy, since you’re Lex’s wife, how would you feel about being my contact?”

Amy turned to Lex. “What do you think?”

“I think that it might be an awful lot for one person to take on. And I want you to get your master’s.”

Amy pursed her lips. “So, what about asking for Matthew’s help too? He’s become pretty adept at managing the winery. He’s finally found a way to delegate so he can spend more time with the books. But sometimes, I get the impression that he’s kind of in a rut, even though he loves running the place. Maybe he needs a bit of a challenge.”

“He’s been overwhelmed though, Dad,” Lex observed. “I’ve been meaning to mention this. I hope you don’t mind, but all of us are kind of tired of the fact that you won’t let us help out with the finances. It’s really not fair, you know. All of us are making good money and we want to help out. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you and Mom.”

“Zane just gave me the same lecture,” Dad replied gruffly. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“That’s settled then,” Lex said firmly, turning back to Jake. “Okay, Jake. Do what you need to do about hiring someone who can evaluate everything going on over there in Wales. It’s not like we have the ability to just get up and go. And then Amy and Matt can be your go-betweens, providing Matt doesn’t mind.”

“Don’t forget—we can reevaluate our arrangements in the future once we know more,” Jake agreed.

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