Ghosts were real. Other things. There were spirits and portals that unwound time. Doors that opened to the past. Magic trees were real too. And if that was true, then that meant hope was real. And that the power of hope and even love could transcend and manifest the most unimaginable things of our minds.
I stepped outside my door, shut it, and took in my surroundings, seeing everything differently. It had snowed last night.
I gazed out at the whitened landscape. A cool wind whispered against my ears. The space looked like an unfinished painting—a white canvas beckoning for color. A perfect white blanket covered the world around me. There was a brilliance to it. A magical beauty. One that no man could make.
Magic is everywhere.
The shrubs and trees were all stained with white. The ground was as smooth as a wedding cake with shimmering vanilla icing.
Of course there is more to this world. Look at the magic right here.
I went down the stairs and walked along the path to the SnowChapel. Thick blankets of white outlined the path. Footsteps and paw prints crisscrossed each other. And there was something enchanting about me making my first impressions on the freshly lain snow. Flakes crunched under my heels. I’d worn heeled boots.
After several steps, I realized that I’d left my fur coat in my villa. However, I didn’t want to go back. I was too excited to start the day—ready to look at the world and the ones I loved with these new glasses. Thankfully, I wasn’t too cold. The gown was thick and I wore heavy stockings.
It’s a new day. A new beginning. I’m relearning. I guess. Re-seeing. If that is possible.
A deep male voice sounded behind me. “Ivy.”
I stopped and turned around.
Saint stood before me. With the world looking so magical, he was an enchanting sight to behold. My heart came close to leaping out of my throat.
I was breathless. Although snow and a chilly wind surrounded me, heat engulfed my body. And I had to admit in this moment that in Saint’s presence, I felt alive, wild, and free. Perhaps that was why he was the only man to make me feel so vulnerable. He was the only one that I couldn’t stop from getting so close to my heart.
Regret filled his gaze. I wondered if he held remorse for leaving me last night.
I whispered, “You were right.”
His expression softened. “I was right about what?”
I didn’t waste any time. I rushed to him and wrapped my arms around his waist.
He held onto me, shielding me from the cold with his huge arms. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I whispered, scared to say the words, but knowing I would have to.
“You’re up early. We have another hour before we need to be at the chapel.”
“I wanted to make sure everything is going right for the wedding.” I lifted my gaze from his strong hands to his thick forearms, tracing the folds of his suit jacket. “I have a question.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Ask me anything.”
“Did your. . .”
“What?”
“Did your stylist try to come on to you before you left?”
“What?” He blinked and looked around. “Why? Is she here?”
I shook my head. “Did she tell you that there was no reason to wait for me? Were you in a towel talking to her in your bathroom while you shaved?”
Saint let go of me and stepped back. “What’s going on? How do you know that?”
I trembled. “So it did happen?”
“Yes, but how did you know?” Saint held a confused expression on his face. “I didn’t tell anybody.”
“It doesn’t matter because that’s the end of that.” I went back to him, got on my toes, and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I won’t give her the chance to have you.”
“My stylist?”
“Anybody.” I leaned away and stared up at him. “I love you. I’m scared about that. I’m actually. . .terrified about that, but I’m more afraid to let you go. You just can’t die on me. Please don’t.”
Saint parted his lips.
“Promise.”
“Okay, Ivy. Let’s go inside my villa and get you warm—”
“Saint, I love you.”
He grinned. “I love you too. There’s just a lot to unpack. How did you know about the stylist?”
“If I told you, then you would think I’m crazy.”
“I already think you’re crazy, Ivy.”
I quirked my eyebrows. “What?”
“Yeah.”
“Uh. . .well I guess I do have some mental issues.”
“A few.”
“Hey, I don’t need you to help me with that.”
“You actually do.” He moved his gloved hand to my chin and outlined my lip with his finger. “What changed, Ivy? I’m happy. I’m now not going to let you turn this around. But what happened?”
“You wouldn’t believe me.”
“Try me.”
I frowned. “Ghosts came to me. Well, first my mother showed up and she was in that same rope that she killed herself with and—”
“The nightmares are back.”