“Yes, let’s get it done as soon as possible.” I infuse a light, jovialness. If I can’t make her forget about the events that’ve just unfolded, I’ll have to distract her with humor. “Before another billionaire shows up.”
A solid joke on multiple levels, although nobody here knows enough to give me props.
At least Edward chuckles, although it might be a courtesy-laugh. Tucking his trusty clipboard under his arm, he gestures for us to follow him inside. With a remark about needing to print out a new contract, he leads us through the grand double doors of the Rose Hotel.
With a hint of irony, I muse that this is how I get my first look at the interior of the hotel I just purchased.
Hope it’s a good investment, but if it’s not, it will be soon.
An enormous Christmas tree with twinkling white lights stands in the center, the burgundy and gold ornaments glisten beneath the lights. The window behind it bathes it in sunlight, releasing the scent of fresh pine.
Large white columns are twisted in garland, tinsel, and pinecones. Cinnamon and gingerbread sweetness hang in the air. Old but classic, exuding nostalgic charm. I see why Anna picked it, and why my bride-to-be was so set on this venue.
It’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a holiday romance movie.
And in a couple of days, it’ll be where I marry Victoria.
The thought blooms in my chest, creating a heady mix of devotion and tranquility.
I’m one lucky guy, and I can’t wait to make it official.
Edward ushers us into a generically decorated office with polished oak furniture and a massive window overlooking the sprawling lawn where our nuptials will take place. He clicks the mouse a few times and retrieves the pages from the printer.
“Here you go.” He slides the contract across the desk, the pages still warm from the printer. Pens clatter against the side of his metal, cylindrical holder as he fishes out one and places it in front of us. “Please sign and date here, and the venue will officially be yours.”
I glance at Victoria, offering her the pen first.
“It hasn’t quite seemed real till now. I know that the timing was chosen for you.” All that concern in her eyes, and it’s on my behalf. That’s my angel. “Are you truly ready to do this?”
I hear the anguished strain in her voice and rush to erase it completely. “Yeah, sweetheart, I really am. I’ve been ready to marry you since the day we met.” Not a lie, either. I never believed in love at first sight, or that you just knew when you knew.
Until I met Victoria. That was all it took.
Hovering the pen over the document, she scans down the page. Placing the tip on the signature line, she looks across the desk at Edward. “While my mom put down a deposit, can you remind me how much is left to pay?”
Edward’s smile turns plastic, a flicker of confusion creasing his face before his features smooth. Then one side of his mouth lifts higher than the other. “Don’t worry about it. My apologies for the misunderstanding earlier, that was completely my fault. You won’t be charged for the venue rental, and your deposit will be refunded.”
Victoria blinks. “Wait, what? I can’t tell if you’re being serious.”
Edward and I have a quick conversation with nothing more than eyes and eyebrows. In proof he goes above and beyond, Luis has already handled it. “Completely serious, ma’am. It’s been taken care of by the new owner. Everything is set for your big day.”
A considerable amount of stress seems to melt off her shoulders. Albeit her expression still holds a considerable amount of disbelief. Biting that luscious lower lip I can’t get enough of, she presses the tip of the pen to the paper and signs the dotted line.
Our wedding. It’s happening.
I’m fighting a little disbelief myself, an unexpected twist that makes me feel more certain and more alive than I’ve ever been. I commit the looping curves of Victoria’s signature to memory, practically vibrating with excitement by the time she passes me the pen.
I scrawl my name besides hers, sealing the deal.
Edward nods in approval, stacking the papers neatly and placing them in a folder he marks with our names. “I wish you both a wonderful wedding.”
Victoria and I exchange a glance. We’re a sappy, enthusiastic engaged couple about to tie the knot, and Lord help me, I can hardly wait.
As we step outside, our plans set, I’m legitimately in awe. I finally have everything I’ve ever wanted. And the best part?
My bride chose me before she knew any of the perks that came along with my family name or marrying me.
Victoria
The scent of roasted meat and barbeque fills the air as we settle around the dining table that evening. Mom went all out, setting the table with our fancy, gold rimmed plates and red and green linen napkins.
For us, that’s about as lavish as we get.
Candlelight flickers from the pillar candelabra in the center of the table, illuminating silverware and half-filled glasses of wine in a deep burgundy.
I eye the platter with the steaming pile of tender beef brisket, the sliced pieces curling over and begging to be snatched up and devoured. “Everything looks and smells amazing, Mom.”
Earlier this afternoon, I discovered the lights on the tree had a button that switched up the color and setting. Now multicolored rainbows dapple the room as well, as bright and cheery as I am after a winning day.
Cozy and intimate, we’re the picture-perfect scene in a snow globe, untouchable and tucked away.
Laughter echoes off the walls as Simon details his struggle chopping wood at the beginning of our trip. “I’m thinking, ‘How hard can it be? This woman does it all the time, and she’s teeny tiny!’”
My mom full-on blushes at that, pleased as can be.
Beneath the table, I wrap my hand around Simon’s knee.
Grandma Naomi sits at the head of the table in her wheelchair. She dabs at the tears in her eyes from Simon’s joke about his lumberjack skills with her napkin. I haven’t seen her so happy and uninhibited in a long time.
I’m pretty sure this is what heaven’s like, and if not, it certainly should be.
The wonderful man at my side holds up his bandaged finger, really playing it up. “How come nobody told me the trees fight back?”
Giggles round the table again, and Simon reaches for his glass. He downs his bite of brisket with a sip of the wine Mom paired with the delicious meal.
With a delighted hum, he says, “Anna, you should open a restaurant.”
“Oh, you.” My mom clucks her tongue. “I don’t need a restaurant. I just need my family to be well-fed and happy.”
“She works very hard,” Grandma chimes in, always quick to give credit where it’s due. “Are you getting tired, dear? After taking me to the hospital and preparing all this food? I worry about you.”
“I’m not tired, actually. Don’t go worrying about me, I couldn’t be happier.” She turns the blue eyes I inherited from her on me, and they’re literally twinkling with joy. “The doctor said Grandma’s health has taken a turn for the better. Now we’ve got Christmas and a wedding to focus on. There’s just so much to celebrate!”
Simon’s knee comes to rest against mine.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.