She wore a skeptical expression.
“You’re still not pleased?”
“That coat looks so good it would definitely convince someone to get one.”
“I can’t with you.”
“You totally can.”
Feeling the winter chill, I put on my gloves. “Girl, you know fake fur actually pollutes the world more than real fur.”
“Oh, God. I must hear this.”
“People think of fake fur as a disposable thing. They buy it. They wear it for a few seasons. They throw it away and it isn’t biodegradable. Whereas a fur coat gets recycled. People wear them for 30 years, they give them to their kids, then they turn them into throw pillows or whatever.”
“Wow. Just wow.” She shook her head. “You missed your calling as a lawyer. You totally are flipping this around and covering it with bullshit.”
“Hey, I’m just saying. You’re right and have several points. But I have points too. And. . .” I twirled around and walked forward. “I look fabulous.”
“Well, we can both agree on that.”
We arrived at the SnowCastle and stopped in front of it.
Nothing could compare to this massive castle made from snow. This would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All snow and ice, it rose over 12 feet high, had three stories, and was 20,000 square feet in size. It looked like the snow bricks were layered in white sequins the way it glittered in the sunlight. There were layers and layers of pure crystalline water. Powdery heaven. Intricate patterns of ice formed the main structure.
I shook my head in wonder. “This is truly a magical place.”
“It is.”
“Another thing we can agree on.” I grabbed Holly and hugged her. “Congratulations, Holly. Nikolas will be a good husband. I have no doubt about that.”
“I know he will. Especially since he’s told me that Saint and you have threatened him repeatedly through this year.”
“Just soft threatening.”
“You told him you would cut his penis off.”
I raised my finger. “But I didn’t say I would watch him eat it. That’ll be his little surprise.”
“Just wow.”
I turned back to the castle. “What else would a sister say?”
“Very true. I’m so lucky to have you.”
“Blessed even.”
“Ivy.” She laughed.
“Let’s go and practice marrying you off.”
We walked forward.
Taking careful steps, I gazed up at it. “How do they even think up something like this?”
“It takes them five weeks to build this,” Holly said. “They use snow from frozen seawater out of the Gulf of Bothnia.”
“This would truly be a massive project to take over.”
“And then it melts away in the spring.”
As we headed in, I looked at Holly. “Aren’t there rooms inside the SnowCastle?”
“Yeah, but there’s no furnace or heat. They have plenty of fur blankets, but I couldn’t bear to even attempt it.”
“True. The villas are better and even more delightful.”
We entered.
Ice sculptures lined the walls. Pale blue lights gave the pathway an ethereal glow. I took in all the different sculptures. Some were shimmering white fairies that towered high with expanded wings. Others looked like they were carved from crystal or diamonds. They sparkled and gleamed in the haunting glow of the blue lights. There were these majestic trees with heart-shaped ice leaves hanging from the frozen branches.
“Okay.” I placed gloved hands in my pockets. “Walk me through this and anything that I need to do.”
“The resort’s wedding coordinator will be on top of stuff, but it wouldn’t hurt for you to check up with her. You’re always good with the business side of things. You don’t play.”
“And I damn sure won’t let any mishaps occur for your wedding.”
She buttoned up the top of her jacket and raised the collar. Her cheeks had turned pink from the chilly air in the chapel. “We have our marriage license done. So, officially we’re already married. This will just be the celebration.”
“You’re damn right.” Excitement filled me. “I can’t believe you’re freaking married.”
“I know right. And one day, I’ll be at your wedding and—”
“Oh, hell no. Girl, I’m not getting married.”
She blinked. “Ivy, are you telling me that you still feel that way?”
“Duh. Why would I change my thoughts?”
“Because you’re getting older now and—”
“So.”
“And marriage is beautiful.”
“That’s your point of view. If I grew up with Mrs. and Mr. Madison, I would think the same thing. For me, it’s a different story. Marriage is not my thing. I think it’s great that Nikolas and you are doing it. There’s no couple I would wish it on more, but me. . .no fucking way.”
Holly stopped walking and frowned at me.
“Anyway, let’s get back to your wedding. These days are about you, not me.”
“But love is so beautiful and—”
“Holly, let’s concentrate on your wedding.”
“Fine.” She sighed. “Tomorrow, I’ll get up early in the morning to do hair and make-up. I may need help from you with wrangling all the women to make their appointments.”
“I’ve got it. You should just be relaxing in bed while I wake them up and get their butts in the chairs. What’s next?”