Page 34 of Christmas Rings

A loud knock on the door broke up the moment. Hailey rushed over to answer. It was room service, with a bottle of champagne. When they all had glasses, Alissa raised hers for a toast.

“Thank you for being here. I know I didn’t make this exactly easy over the last few days. I’m sorry for all the drama, but I guess it was my turn to make a fuss. I’ve been reminded since meeting Jed’s family how very lucky I am to have all of you. There’s never been a time, since we became a unit, that I haven’t been able to rely on you for love and support. You have no idea how much it means to me to be part of this clan.” She turned to her mother. “Mom, we can never say it enough how much you mean to us. If it hadn’t been for your huge heart and willingness to take on all of us at once, I don’t know where I’d be.”

“Where any of us would be,” Stevie said.

“So, here’s to us,” Alissa said. “Soul sisters and our lovely mother and Nan.”

They clinked glasses.

Mom fanned her eyes. “Listen now, I can’t cry and ruin my makeup. But I just have to say how proud I am of each of you. Since the moment you came to me, my life has been full of love and so many happy moments—even during the chaotic years. There hasn’t been one day I haven’t thanked God for putting us all together. Thank you for letting me be your mom.”

“And for letting me be your grandmother,” Nan said.

They all clinked glasses again and drank the rest of thechampagne. Just as they finished, Hailey’s phone buzzed.

“It’s time,” Hailey said. “They’re ready for us in the lobby.”

Alissa squeezed Mom’s hand. “I’m suddenly nervous.”

“Just hold on tight to me,” Mom said. “We’ll be fine.”

Alissa did indeed hold her mother’s arm tightly, as they waited to enter the room where the ceremony was to take place. The first notes of “Makin’ Memories of Us” by Keith Urban came through the speakers. “This is it,” Alissa said.

“This is it,” said Mom.

From where they stood behind the door, Alissa could see the small wedding party gathered in front of the big stone fireplace. There were pretty chairs in two neat rows. Mitch and Hailey went first, walking down the aisle created by two rows of brown paper lanterns.

When Mitch and Hailey were tucked on either side of the black-robed pastor, Alissa and Mom entered. Everyone turned to watch, all smiling.They’re here for us, Alissa thought. There was no reason to be nervous. She’d waited for this moment all her life.

Through the big windows, the snow and mountains made a glorious setting, but she had only eyes for her groom.

Jed wore a suit in soft gray and a dusty-blue tie that matched Hailey’s dress. Alissa’s stomach fluttered when they locked eyes. He wiped at his eyes with a tissue, as she and Mom moved toward the small wedding party.

When they reached Jed, Mom took both her hands, then kissed her softly on the cheek. “I love you, sweetie.” She turned to Jed. “You’re part of our family now. No matter what, we’re here for you. Now, take good care of my girl.”

“Always,” Jed said.

Mom took her seat next to Nan.

“You look like a princess,” Jed whispered in her ear.

She smiled up at him. “You look nice too.”

The pastor cleared his throat. “Thank you for being here today, to celebrate and witness the union of Jed Marsh and Alissa Mann Kirby. They’ve written their own vows, which they will now recite.”

Alissa had written vows last week but in all the confusion, she’d left them behind. It didn’t matter. She knew what she wanted to say.

“Jed, I’ve never known a better man. You’re a gentleman, kind and compassionate, and so very generous. From the first day, you’ve made me feel cherished. Your innate goodness has made me want to be a better person. I could not ask for a finer man to spend the rest of my life with. I hope God blesses us with many years together, making memories. I promise to be your wife and best friend. I vow to never let anything or anyone come between us. I’ll always be honest and keep no secrets from you. I’ll be your biggest champion and fan. Together, we will build a life we’re proud of.”

Jed’s eyes had filled while she spoke. He released one of her hands to reach into his pocket for a tissue. “Alissa, I never knew there was such a thing as love at first sight, until I saw your face for the first time. I knew you were the woman I’d been searching for. Yes, I’m a romantic. I’ve been accused of believing too much in the power of love to right what’s wrong. I lost sight of that for a moment this week, but I won’t again. As you say, no matter how hard anyone or anything wants us apart, our bond is too strong. I’ll be here for you from this day forward. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together. I love you more than even our favorite country songs could convey.”

Alissa giggled through the lump at the back of her throat.

“I can’t believe it’s me you chose,” Jed said. “But I promise to spend the rest of my life making sure you don’t regret your choice.”

“Now, we’ll have the bride and groom exchange rings,” the pastor said.

Alissa took the ring from Hailey’s outstretched hand. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

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