Page 48 of Always and Forever

The large Spruce tree is center stage with a backdrop of thin tall trees draped in white and silver, their branches adorned with twinkling fairy lights that sparkle like stars in the night sky.

The sight takes my breath away.

As we get closer, I spot crystal chandeliers hanging from the spruce’s boughs, casting a warm glow that dances on the snowy ground below.

And there are strands upon strands of fairy lights hanging like a curtain to mark the area of the altar where more torches flicker.

Small bonfires crackle and dance at strategic points, keeping the area both warm and well-lit. The flames add an elemental touch, and the scent of burning wood fills the crisp air.

“Wow!” I hear Rhia gasp.

Wow, doesn’t cover it.

It’s a gross understatement. I’m truly lost for words.

Not even in my dreams did I imagine something so magnificent.

But the man standing at the end of the rolled out dark red carpet tops it all off.

Tiero’s silhouette is well defined against the backdrop of the subdued lighting, creating an air of mystery.

Although his face remains veiled in the soft shadows, our undeniable connection pulses between us, drawing me in to my destiny.

I sense the intensity of his gaze on me. It’s a magnetic pull that transcends the physical distance. It’s as if his soul reaches out, whispering secrets only my heart can comprehend.

I shift my weight backward to slow the sled down further and call out, “Easy,” to the dogs. And as if I’ve done this hundreds of times already, the sled comes to a halt at the end of the rolled-out carpet.

“Wow,” Rhia says again, impressed. “You’re a natural at sledding.”

Ordinarily, I’d bask in the compliment, but my attention is fully on the scene before me as I step off the sled.

My breath forms soft puffs in the cold night air. It’s in rhythm with my fluttering heart.

Happy tears gather in my eyes as I take in the captivating beauty of this place.

Seriously, I feel like I’ve left reality and stepped into another universe… into a celestial love story, and I am the starry-eyed bride ready to wed my true love.

Rhia helps me out of my jacket and drapes the thick shawl over me. Handing me the bouquet of pine twigs and cones with a few strands of red lingenberries sticking out, I’m ready to walk to my love, to close the distance between us, and begin our always and forever.

Chapter Twenty

Gualtiero

Thewinterforeststandsas a silent witness as I pace up and down on the long, narrow carpet runner, marking the aisle for Ella to walk down.

Along each side, torches flicker, casting a warming glow on our surroundings. Evergreen fir and pine garlands line the snow alongside the rug, with the occasional clusters of pinecones added to the decoration.

Our wedding altar is beneath the large Sitka spruce. Long strands of white, twinkling fairy lights are hung in a half-circle from a thick branch above. An opulent dark red rug marks where we’ll stand, and hopefully distract is from the freezing cold creeping up. It seamlessly merges with the aisle carpet and is fringed with a double row of dancing candles.

Lex, Rhia, and I really did a terrific job.

Ella will love it. I can’t wait to see her face as she takes it all in.

I step closer to the bonfire we lit on to one side to stay warm while we wait for the girls. Extending my hands toward the flickering flames, I let the heat penetrate my cold joints.

In this secluded spot, not a trace remains of yesterday’s ferocious blizzard. It’s become a stunning and memorable backdrop just in time for tonight’s ceremony.

Claudette’s and Lex’s eyes are on me when I pass them, their faces amused.

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