Page 36 of The Christmas Arrangement
Dad goes first. “I’m grateful we’re all together tonight. I regret not finishing the manger I started making before your Mom got sick—I keep meaning to complete it and never do. Tomorrow, I’m going to spend an hour in the workshop and make progress on it.”
Noelle reaches over and squeezes his hand. “I’m grateful we can continue old traditions and start new ones. I regret being short with Mrs. Henderson when she complained about the water pressure—she’s lonely, and complaining is how she connects. Tomorrow, I’ll invite her to join me for afternoon tea.”
Merry sips her Negroni. “I’m grateful for this chaos, even when Holly and Ivy are being bossy about my vignettes. I regret eating an entire batch of cookie dough for lunch instead of actual food. Tomorrow, I’m going to meal prep so I stop doing that.”
“You say that every week,” Holly observes.
“And every week I mean it.”
Holly smiles and launches into hers. “I’m grateful for Jack and for you goofballs. Did you know last night was the one-year anniversary of the day Jack and I met? Which leads me to my regret. I regret keeping a secret from everyone.” She pauses, and something passes between her and Jack. “And tomorrow, I’m going to ... well, actually, we have something to tell you tonight.”
The room goes still.
Jack takes Holly’s hand. “We got married. Last week, in Florida.”
For a beat, nobody moves. Then Merry shrieks—actually shrieks—and launches herself at Holly, nearly knocking over Jack’s drink. Dad and Noelle are on their feet, pulling them both into hugs. I’m slower to react, my brain trying to catch up.
Married?
Holly’s laughing and crying at the same time as Merry demands to see the ring. Jack explains that he gave Holly his mother’s ring and it’s at Alpine Jewelers being resized.
Noelle asks about the ceremony. Holly says they did it at the courthouse with Jack’s brother as a witness.
“But why?” I finally manage.
Jack explains. His brother’s moving to England to manage their mother’s European publishing interests. Jack’s taking over the Florida operations, and he and Holly will have a long-distance relationship for at least a year, maybe longer. “We wanted to be official, legally tied to each other, before the chaos begins,” he says, rubbing his hand over Holly’s palm.
“We’re planning to do a real wedding here later,” Holly adds quickly. “For the town, for you guys. This was just for us.”
“Like eloping,” Merry says dreamily. “How romantic.”
“So romantic I’m going to need you to throw me a party anyway,” Holly tells her. “I want the whole town to celebrate with us.”
“Done,” Merry agrees. “I’m thinking a Valentine’s Day theme?—”
“During mud season? Absolutely not.”
Dad clears his throat. “Well, since we’re sharing secrets ...”
Noelle’s cheeks turn pink. “Nick?—”
“They should know, Noe.” He looks around the room. “Noelle and I got married, too. Right after Christmas in July. Judge MacIntosh performed a private ceremony at the cabin.”
This time, I’m the one who shrieks.
The room erupts again—more hugs, more questions, more laughter. Why didn’t they tell us? Why so secretive?
“Because we didn’t want the fuss,” Noelle explains. “It was just for us. Nothing official-official. No rings, no name change. Just us, married.”
“Nothing official-official?” Holly sputters. “Marriage is literally the definition of official!”
“You know what I mean.”
“We’re throwing you a reception,” Merry declares. “Both of you. All four of you. A massive party.”
Noelle holds up her hands. “After Holly and Jack’s party. I don’t want to steal their thunder.”
Merry flops back in her chair dramatically. “Fine. I guess I need to ‘fess up. I’m also secretly married.” She cackles at our expressions. “Just kidding! But honestly, at this rate, I might be the only single Jolly left.”