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“Consider that my last kiss as her boyfriend, then.” Everyone in the church heard that and laughed with us, and it was a beautiful start to our wedding.

Later at the reception,we danced our first dance; the photographer flashing his bulb and clicking his camera the entire time.

“You were full of surprises today, Mr. Buchanan. First the gift of a few acres in Holly Creek. And this ring? I never expected it when you put it on my finger during our ceremony.”

I loved seeing her face when I placed on her finger the new custom diamond ring I had made for her. She switched Mom’s emerald ring to the other hand and proudly wore the new ring on her left.

“The night isn’t over. When can I get you alone, Mrs. Rex Buchanan? I fucking enjoy calling you that,” Iwhispered into her ear. Our song was a nice slow one, giving me plenty of time to hold her close.

“Soon. And I love hearing that, too. First, we have to put on the big show to make Miriam happy, remember?” We kissed, our lips lingering together while the guests clapped for us. She was right, of course. “And we’re not scheduled to leave until some time after the cake is cut. Can you be patient a while longer?”

I glanced around the ballroom, taking it all in, the beauty of our wedding reception, the cheerful people everywhere, all our family and friends. I breathed the moment in deep, and suddenly wished for the night to slow down, not so impatient anymore. Wanting every second with my wife to last a lifetime.

52

A HOLLY CREEK CHRISTMAS

CHELSEA

Our New York Citywedding two days before Christmas turned out to be the most special day of my life. Every time I thought about it or looked at my ring or admired my husband, my stomach did flips and tingles ran up and down my spine. But I couldn’t wait to get back to Holly Creek for Christmas Day.

Rex and I drove Mom, Maisy, and Colt back home that morning. Then we spent the afternoon ice skating at the frozen pond, one of my favorite winter activities. I loved the chill in the air as I twirled on my skates, with Rex chasing me around until he caught me. He got a kiss each time he did, and our cold noses matched.

We skated a little too long, and it was getting late, when we were to meet everyone back at Flora’s Diner for a Christmas meal together.

As a light snow started coming down, Rex and I watched from the window of the warming houseafter we changed out of our skates. He came up behind me, wrapping me in his arms.

“Beautiful. And the snow is, too.” He nuzzled into my neck.

“Not sick of me yet, Mr. Buchanan?” I teased.

“Never, Mrs. Buchanan. Come on. Let’s go for a walk in this, hand in hand.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I want to walk during a snowfall. One thing I’ve come to love about Holly Creek is how quiet it is here, not like the city.”

“Are you saying I’ve converted you to small town life, city boy?” I loved the snow landing in his dark hair until he covered it back up with his cap.

“Maybe. At least there’s one small town girl I love.”

Bundled up, we walked side by side down Main Street, eventually coming upon the square and the community Christmas tree, all lit up. Through the speakers on the lamppost, instrumental holiday music drifted through the air.

As we rounded the tree and came to the gazebo, I gasped at the sight.

“Mom? Maisy and Colt? Sadie, Courtney…Everybody? What are you all doing here?” Everyone I knew and grew up with, friends and family and community, stood under or near the gazebo, holding lit candles and smiling at me.

Rex nodded at his mom and Richard, too, and brought my mitten-covered hand to his heart. “Chelsea Calhoun-Buchanan, I love you. Would you marry me again right here, right now, in your hometown?”

“Oh, Rex. I’d marry you a thousand times. I love you.” We kissed, and it all sunk in. Just how much he listened to me and loved me to make this special moment happen.

“I told you, my sweet wife. I’ll spend the rest of my days on this earth making all your dreams come true and giving you everything you’ve ever wanted.”

“You’ll need this.” Maisy bounded up, holding out a white fur muff with a sprig of roses and greenery attached to it.

“And this,” Mom cried, fitting her ivory shawl around me, the one her mother had crocheted for her when she married Dad.

“This is exactly as I pictured it being. A sweet wedding outside in the snow at the gazebo on the square,” I said, my eyes wet. “How did you pull this off without me knowing?”