Page 105 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
It was crazy to think back on the last ten months and the journey Holly and I had taken. Last fall, when Holly had stepped into my office, I’d fully believed I’d be able to work with the gorgeous petite chef without any worries of falling for her. How wrong I had been—and happily so. Holly hadn’t taken my crap. She’d made me laugh, and best of all, she’d loved me even when I wasn’t at my best.
Deidre was finally well enough for surgery and still had a ways to go, but the doctors were hopeful she’d one day ring the bell, indicating she had beaten cancer. I was excited for her to officially become my mother-in-law. I couldn’t think of any woman who would welcome me into a family as lovingly as she had. Trevor and Noah warmed up to me as well. We had fun when we were all together, which wasn’t too often anymore. Trevor had a girlfriend who took up his free time and Noah…well, let’s just say Noah had a certain redhead in his life who shook up his workaholic ways.
Holly had met my parents in February. They’d adored her the second they were introduced. Whenever we visited Dad’s side of the family, I appreciated having Holly by my side. Things with my uncle were tense since I’d told him I was leaving to start my own business at the end of the year. But I was ready to move on, even without being a regional manager. I was tired of living under his rule and wanted to branch out on my own.
At first, I wanted to start my business without any help from my family or by using my trust fund. Holly helped me see pursuing my dreams was more important than my pride. So we were using my trust fund to get my company going.
Holly herself still wanted to get a James Beard Award or earn a Michelin star rating. She continued to search for open executive chef positions in our area. Considering how amazing she was, I held absolute confidence her dream would come true one day as well. Even if we used my trust fund to purchase a restaurant of her own to do so.
When Holly told me she’d gone to Jack Frost Bakery back in January to get Jack and Meg’s help, Meg and Holly had hit it off and texted one another all the time.
I worried Meg would steal Holly’s affection, but Holly reassured me I was, and always would be, her number one. We loved spending time with our friends, though, and I was so grateful Jack had found Meg and I’d found Holly. That the two women in our lives got along so well was kismet.
When I’d proposed to Holly on St. Patrick’s Day at her family party, she had been completely shocked and cried for five solid minutes before she could talk to anyone.
“I thought you would be happy about this.” I’d stared at my fiancée, chuckling nervously at her reaction.
She’d wrapped herself around me like a koala in a tree, drenching my t-shirt with her tears. When she’d calmed enough to speak, she’d whispered, “These are happy tears. My cycle is starting soon, so I’m extra weepy.”
“I guess I’d better get used to this version of Holly.”
She’d sniffled. “Yes, because she makes a monthly appearance.”
I’d kissed her temple and waited until she’d stopped crying to pry her off me and accept her family’s congratulations.
Yes, our dating then engagement had been pretty short. Shorter than I’d ever imagined for myself, but Holly made everything in my life better, and honestly, there were times I really wished she were in my bed in the middle of the night to hold me when my anxiety flared. But more than that? I wanted to start our lives living under the same roof. I wanted everyone to know she was mine, and I was hers.
When we got back from our honeymoon, Holly would move in with me. At first, Holly had been concerned about leaving her mother alone, but Dee had reassured us she’d be okay. Trevor, Noah, and Holly would still check in on her as much as possible. But she felt better every day and soon wouldn’t need as much care.
I couldn’t wait for Holly to make my house our home. The one in which we would start a family.
Knuckles tapped on the door as it swung open. My dad, with his brown hair, wide shoulders, and grin, stepped into the room. “How are you feeling, son?”
“Happy—and like I’m going to puke,” I joked.
Dad chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”
“Is everything ready to go outside?” I asked. “Mom’s not freaking out about anything?”
He smiled. “She can’t stop crying, but otherwise she’s fine.”
Sounded like Holly, who had already warned me she’d be leaking from her eyes the entire ceremony. “I can’t believe I’m getting married.” I rubbed my forehead. “I didn’t think it would happen for me.”
He let out a short chuckle. “I’m shocked you didn’t get married in college just to get access to your trust fund, like your cousins did.”
And look how well that had turned out for them. One divorced after a year, the other so money hungry, she demanded more from Uncle Anthony and Grandpa every day. “Nah. It’s not a selling point for marriage.” I met my match when I was supposed to. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life than Holly.
Jack popped his head in. “Hey, man.” He grinned. “They’re ready for us out there.”
My stomach clenched tighter. This was it. The moment Holly would become my wife. “You have the rings?” I asked Jack.
He shot me a dry look. “Yes, Mr. Paranoid. I had the rings the first time you asked me this morning, and I still have them now.”
So sue me for making sure every part of today went perfectly. “Good.” I shook out my hands. “I guess there’s nothing for me to do except get married.” The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. What if I was a horrible husband? What if we drove each other crazy? What if Holly couldn’t stand my need to keep things clean all the time? Or what a slob I became when I was depressed? What if my routine bugged her? What if she wanted to rearrange my entire house? What if she snored, and I slept terribly the rest of my life? What if she hung the toilet paper underside rather than over?
Dad clapped my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, son.”
A swell of emotion filled my heart. “Thanks, Dad. Any last words of advice?”
