Home For Christmas

Inside is a white dress and I look at Neil and our kids.

“Surprise!” Autumn and Holly exclaim, looking at me and then at each other.

“I don’t understand,” I say, confused.

“Well, since you died, and Dad decided to remarry, technically you’re not married anymore,” Vance says, rubbing his hands together. “So we’ve decided that you guys need to fix that.”

“What?” Neil asks, smiling at me.

“We’ve thrown you a surprise wedding,” Holly says and looks at her watch. “You’ve got about an hour to get ready before the ceremony starts.”

“Oh my god!” I shout as I jump up from the couch and run up the stairs.

I can hear everyone in the living room laughing, but if I’m going to have my picture taken I want to at least fix my hair.

Running around like crazy, I do my best to polish and buff every inch of my body, even with Neil coming in to distract me. I manage to do my hair and makeup before I slip on the gorgeous dress the kids picked out. It’s long sleeved and fitted all the way down. It flares a little at the feet in a soft mermaid style. I think I have everything perfect right when Neil steps into the room wearing a tuxedo.

“Where did you get that?” I ask, looking him up and down. “You look as handsome as the day we got married.”

“The boys got it for me. And this thing better be quick. I can’t wait to strip you out of that dress,” he says as he comes over and places a soft kiss on my neck. I know he’s trying his best not to mess up my makeup, but he also knows that spot drives me crazy.

“Careful now. I’m about to be a married woman,” I say, and he winks at me.

He holds out his arm for me to take and places my hand in the crook of his elbow.

“Shall we?” he asks, and I nod.

When we get downstairs the whole place has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Everyone is dressed up and there are caterers buzzing around setting up everything. I gasp as I see the wedding cake that’s identical to our first one. I start to cry, but then Neil leans over and whispers in my ear that I’m not allowed to cry on our wedding day.

It was the same thing he said to me the first time we were married and I got emotional before we said our vows. He always knows exactly what to say and when. I never realized just how lucky I was to have him until I was made to stay away. I think that’s why now our time is so precious and I appreciate every moment we have. I know what it’s like to lose him and I never want to feel that way again.

As we walk down the aisle to the altar they’ve had set up, the officiant comes forward and opens his notes. He talks of love and what today means, but the only thing I can hear is my heart. It’s singing today because it’s so full of love. Love for my family, love for my husband, love for all that surrounds us now. I’m finally home and exactly where I belong, in the arms of my soul mate.

THE END!