Page 97 of Christmas at Black Cherry Retreat
‘We talked about them possibly coming out for Christmas and I can’t see any reason why killing two birds with one stonewouldn’t work.’ Fee hadn’t been like so many women who spent years picturing their perfect wedding. All she really wanted was to click her fingers and be Tom’s wife.
‘Eloping is fine with me if that’s the way you want to go.’ Tom’s casual comment took her by surprise. ‘We could have a family party after. Whatever makes you happy.’
For a second she was tempted to take him up onthe offer but refused to be selfish. ‘No, thanks. Snow, candles, lights, Lulu and green stuff works for me,’ she said.
‘That’s a deal. I promise to shower you with green stuff. Now and for the rest of your life.’ Tom chuckled and swooped in for a sizzling kiss. ‘As soon as Thanksgiving’s over we’ll set Mama loose.’
‘Perfect.’And so are you.
Where the last couple of daysdisappeared Tom wasn’t sure but somehow they made it to Thanksgiving Day and the Chambers’ house was bursting at the seams. For the kids’ sake they kept up the pretence of enjoying the holiday as much as usual but the gaping hole left behind by his Mee Maw was wider than the Grand Canyon. Chloe’s cornbread dressing was good but didn’t taste quite right. His mother reckoned there wasn’t enough sagewhile Rayna insisted there was too much. No one had the heart to attempt his grandmother’s caramel cake and Mee Maw’s holiday fruit tea was replaced by a store-bought version because she’d never been persuaded to write the recipe down.
He squeezed Fee’s hand. ‘Do you want to bring up our wedding plans to lift the mood a bit?’
‘With pleasure.’ She gently tapped her water glass thenresorted to shouting. ‘Does anyone have any plans for the day after Christmas that they can’t break?’
‘Why?’ His mother stopped in the middle of scraping the last spoonful of sweet potato casserole onto Mikey’s plate.
‘Because that’s when we would like to get married.’
The noisy chatter eased off for a moment before immediately increasing in volume with a lot of yelledquestions from those who were too far away from the main dining table to know what was going on. By the time everyone got the message a free for all ensued as they all tried to voice their opinion at the same time.
‘Right you lot be quiet.’ Hank held his hand in the air and Tom breathed a sigh of relief when his family got the hint and shut up. ‘Tom, give us a few details.’
‘Wewant a quiet, intimate ceremony at Black Cherry for immediate family only. The Sevier cabin isn’t booked and should be the perfect size.’ He nodded to Fee. ‘Your turn.’
‘Sarah, we don’t want a lot of fuss but do you think you and the girls could take charge of the food and decorations?’
His mother beamed. ‘Of course.’
‘Where’s Lulu?’ Fee craned her neck and Tom’s littleniece jumped off Mary-Jo’s lap to race around to them. ‘Do you know what we need?’ Lulu stuck her thumb in her mouth and shook her head. ‘We need a bridesmaid who likes sparkly dresses and flowers—’
‘And rings?’ Lulu giggled.
‘Of course.’
‘I reckon I need a best man, Pop.’ Tom chimed in. ‘Are you up for the job?’ Only in his head did he add the word – again. Yesterday whenhe asked Fee who would give her away she said it was an outdated notion but rang Will Sawyer to ask him anyway and he couldn’t have been more thrilled.
‘I can manage that.’
‘My parents are planning to arrive in about three weeks to meet you all and help with the wedding.’ Fee’s voice wobbled. She’d been shocked when Maddy insisted on coming so early, explaining that she’d let herdaughter down too many times.
For once he’d chosen the right words when he tried to ease her concerns.
As long as I end up married to you, sooner rather than later, the rest is irrelevant. I’ll listen to the craziness during the day and shut the door on it all at night to be with you.
‘We needed this today.’ His father’s smile struggled to reach his eyes. ‘Y’all raise yourglasses and let’s have a toast to Fee and Tom.’
Amidst the loud cheers and whistles Tom’s throat tightened.
‘Mee Maw’s not really gone. Take a good look around the room. She’s here in every single one of these people who love you and each other,’ Fee whispered in his ear.
Later he’d tell her how much she meant to him but for now Tom contented himself with giving her a longkiss to the satisfaction of his rambunctious family.
‘Right that’s enough sloppy stuff,’ Mikey shouted. ‘The game’s about to start.’
‘Not until the dishes are done.’ His mother’s order wiped the smile off his brother’s face.
‘Yep, that’s right.’ Mary-Jo grinned. ‘Then you get to watch the kids while us girls do up the shop.’
