Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy Bwwm Holiday Romance)

As we walked off toward the truck, we shared a look. Love blazed within his gaze. And I shyly glanced away, too nervous to deal with the new feelings rising within me.Chapter 16

Sleigh RideI spent the next hour checking all the boxes for the wedding. The planner was on her job, doing everything correctly. When she needed an extra hand, Saint and I jumped in and helped.

The officiator and chapel staff wore Lappish clothing. I’d looked it up on my phone and discovered that the Lappish people were split between four nation-states—Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Their garments’ colors remained in red, blue, yellow, and green.

I found the outfits lively and inspiring. I made a note to explore this style in my next Winter collection. Both men and women wore a pullover. For the men, it hung to their mid-thighs. For the women, it stopped at their knees. Fabric belts wrapped around their waist. Along with that, they had on pants, hats, and bonnets. Boots decorated their feet. Some even wore fur leggings. I’d asked a woman what animal the fur come from. She’d explained it was from reindeer.

Once it was time for the wedding, I breathed in a sigh of relief.

Saint and I rushed to Holly’s Villa. Both mothers were inside swarming over her like nagging vultures, touching her hair and commenting on every aspect. Exhaustion covered Holly’s face. Her expression begged me to save her. But I was so overtaken by how she looked. It took me a minute to rush in.

So Beautiful.

Her gown had turned out to be breathtaking. Surely, Cinderella would have been pleased. A dream dress. I’d come up with over twenty designs for her. This was the one she chose. Once she did, I sent it to a designer friend who specialized in wedding gowns.

“Okay, everybody.” I clapped. “You have to get in the chapel.”

Holly’s mother’s eyes watered. “She just. . .looks so gorgeous. We should take another photo.”

Holly widened her eyes. “Mom, we took several. I also hired a photographer.”

“Mrs. Madison, it’s so cold in the chapel. We really should get you in there so that the rest of the guests don’t freeze to death.”

“Oh, that’s right.” She put on her white fur coat. “Everyone is gathering there.”

Nikolas’s mother touched the top of her hair. “Hmmm. Is this the veil that you’re going to wear?”

Holly frowned and was about to speak.

I jumped in. “Mrs. Ingram, it’s really time to go. Thanks so much for helping Holly. Saint will show you your seats.”

Saint frowned but nodded.

“Well, in my day, we didn’t wear so many flamboyant things for a wedding.” Mrs. Ingram walked away. “Weddings were about love not about the things you can buy.”

Holly’s frown deepened.

Saint guided them away.

The door shut close.

“Bitch,” Holly mumbled and looked back in the mirror. “Do you think the veil is too much? I mean it could be, but—”

“It’s beautiful. Enchanting and stunning. I helped you pick it all out, so don’t even think about what she said. You know I would never have my girl looking crazy at her wedding.”

Holly turned to me. “Do you like it?”

“It’s amazing!” I rushed over and gave her the biggest hug, doing my best not to mess up her makeup. “You are the most enchanting bride I’ve ever seen.”

She hugged me back. Her body shivered against me. “I’m so scared.”

“What? Why?”

“I thought I wanted this. But maybe I don’t. If I wanted this. If it was good, then why am I so nervous?”

I leaned away and smiled at her. “Because it’s that good.”

“What?”

“Just trust me. I know you want this. I’ve listened to you for years talking about marrying Nikolas and coming up with the names of your children.”

She grinned. “Nicky and Olly.”

“Yes.” I rolled my eyes. “Names that we’re going to work on.”

“I like those names.”

“Well. . .it’s your wedding so we won’t argue about that now.”

She turned back to the wedding. “You’re right. I do look. . .”

“Splendid. Breathtaking. Gorgeous.”

She let out a long breath. “And this is going to be a good thing.”

“The best decision you will ever make in your life. Besides, officially, you’re already married.”

“I am. And he’s been so awesome.” Her eyes watered.

“Nope.” I shook my head. “You’re not doing that right now. After the pictures, you can cry. Suck it up, soldier.”

“But this is really happening.” A tear peeked out from the corner of her eye.

I grabbed a napkin and dabbed at it. “No more tears, Holly.”

“Okay.” She shook her hands in front of her as if that could stop them.

“Suck them up.”

“Sucking them up.” She blew out another long breath. “And. . .how’s the chapel? Is everything in place?”

“Saint and I were out there hours earlier working with the staff and doing your planner’s bidding. Everything is perfect. It all looks magical.”

She widened her eyes. “Do you like it?”