Page 6 of Wishing for Christmas
“Yule log martinis,” they said at the same time.
Buddy’s yule log martinis were a holiday tradition. A martini glass full of vanilla-flavored vodka, chocolate ganache, rum, and espresso—topped off with a sprig of holly. Decadent and festive,they limited themselves to one per year. They learned the hard way a few years ago that, like many of the sugary-themed cocktails at Buddy’s, they are best savored early, but not often.
“Well, I can’t think of a more worthy occasion,” Clara said, beaming with happiness for her best friend as they ordered their drinks. She took off her coat and settled in. “Okay, spill,” she said with a little clap.
Lily’s eyes were glued to her menu. “Well, he took me to a romantic dinner at our favorite restaurant and asked me to marry him. Should we order an appetizer?”
“Simple as that?” Clara asked, her eyebrows rising.
“Well, yeah.” Lily looked up with a relaxed expression. “Clar, we’ve been together forever. We knew we’d eventually get engaged—it was just a matter of time.” She shrugged.
Clara thought about how long Lily and Kylehadbeen together. It had been a few years, at least. Unlike her and Matthew, though, those two had actually stayed together the entire time.
Whyhadit taken Kyle so long to propose? Did they really need all that time to make sure they were right for each other?
She thought about Matthew and all the wasted time she’d spent with him over the years. Was thathimtrying to decide if they were right for each other, or had he only been prolonging the inevitable? Did a relationship really need to be so long and drawn out before making a commitment?
The waiter delivered their drinks, the glasses brimming with holiday goodness. He seemed to be in no hurry as he set each one down in a painstaking effort not to spill a single drop. Clara grew impatient, tapping her foot under the table. As soon as he left, she held her glass in the air. The martini immediately sloshed over the edge of the glass.
Lily laughed, shaking her head.
Clara ignored the spill and continued with her toast. “To my best friend and to helping her plan what’s sure to be a spectacular wedding.”
They clinked glasses, and took their first sip at the same time.
“So good,” Lily said.
Clara nodded in agreement.
Lily looked happy, and Clara supposed she should be. She had certainly waited long enough for this. She had more patience than Clara could even comprehend. It was probably what made her such a great third-grade teacher.
“So, what about you and Brent?” Lily asked, eager to turn the attention away from herself. “How are things going with you two?”
“Oh, Brent is great.Weare great.” Clara felt a warmth crawl over her as her thoughts shifted to her boyfriend. “He’s taking me out tomorrow night. And he’ll be on leave for the entire week leading up to Christmas. I cannot wait to spend our first holiday together.” She let out a delighted sigh as romantic thoughts of Christmas filled her mind. “Apparently, he’s got loads of activities lined up for us.”
“That sounds magical,” Lily said.
Clara nodded as she took a sip of her drink.
“So, Clar, do you think Brent has the potential to be, you know, the one?”
“Oh, it’s too early for that,” Clara said, waving her off. She leaned back in her seat, her lips puckered. She considered what Lily had said. There was something about that word she’d used—magical.
Her thoughts shifted to her grandmother; her guiding star—her Grams. Grams had told Clara she’d immediately known Clara’s grandfather was the one for her after spending their first Christmas together. That was it. No need for years of dating. Nobreaking up and getting back together. No complications. A little bit of Christmas magic, she had told Clara. That was all it took.
Clara sat up in her seat.Of course! It could be so simple.
She decided to amend her previous answer. “You know what?”
“Hm?” Lily’s eyes were back on the menu.
“Maybe Brent could be the one. No, maybe heisthe one, and maybe there’s a way I can know it—quickly and easily this time.”
Lily looked up. “How’s that?”
“Christmas with Brent,” she said, her hands held out wide as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Maybe that’s all I’ll need to figure out if he’s the one for me.”
“That simple?” Lily laughed.
