“We have a few hours until our parents arrive, so if you don’t mind, I’m going to take my fiancée back to bed so I can show her how much I love her.”
“I don’t mind at all,” I reply.
“Merry Christmas, Indiana.”
“Merry Christmas, Carter.”
Turning the blow dryer off, I run the brush through my hair. When I look up I find Carter standing in the doorway of the bathroom, watching me. He smiles at me through the mirror. He’s already dressed in a white button up shirt and a pair of grey slacks. He looks delicious.
“You look nice,” I say turning and walking towards him.
“So do you.” His comment makes me laugh.
“I’m wrapped in a towel,” I reply dryly.
“You’re still beautiful,” he says, pulling me into his arms and brushing his lips against mine. “Even more so without the towel.” I roll my eyes. Of course he’d say that.
“I just got a call from the Surfhouse. There’s a problem with our reservation. I’m gonna head over there now, but our parents are going to swing past here and pick you up on the way. I’ll meet you guys there.”
“Oh really?” I ask in a disappointed tone.
“It’s nothing I can’t fix. I’ll call you if there’s a problem,” he says reassuring me as he kisses my forehead. I hope so. I love that place.
After he leaves I slip into the dress he bought me. It fits like a glove. He has wonderful taste. I had my first ultrasound last week. I’m only seven weeks pregnant, so I’m not showing yet. I’ve had a few off mornings, but basically I’ve been pretty lucky with the morning sickness.
Half an hour later my dad arrives. He’s on his own. “Where’s Elizabeth and Evelyn?” I ask.
“I’ve already dropped them off at the restaurant. Carter called and said he was already there, so it made sense. Plus it gives me the chance to have some alone time with my little girl.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I have a special gift for you. I wanted to give it to you when we were alone.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, kissing his cheek when he passes it to me. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Pumpkin.”
“I have your gift under the tree, but I’ll give it to you when Carter’s here.”
“Okay. Open it,” he says looking down at the small parcel in my hand. Ripping open the wrapper, I do as he asks.
“Oh, Daddy. It’s beautiful,” I tell him when I open the pouch. It’s a necklace with a heart shaped locket on it. There’s a diamond set into the heart.”
“That diamond is from your mother’s engagement ring. I wanted to make it into something special for you.” Tears rise to my eyes when he says that.
“I love it,” I breathe, wrapping my arms around him.
“Open the locket.” When I do, I find a picture of my mother inside. It was from their wedding day. I clutch it to my chest.
“Thank you. I’ll treasure it forever.”
“She’ll always be in your heart, Pumpkin, but this way you can wear a piece of her every day as well.” When I make eye contact with him I see tears glistening his eyes, so I wrap him in my arms and hold him tight. It’s special times like Christmas, Mother’s Day and my birthday, that I miss her most. I wish she were alive to meet Carter and her grandchild when it comes along.
We haven’t told our parents about the baby yet. Carter and I had copies of the ultrasound images framed. We’ve wrapped them up with their Christmas presents.
“I love you,” I whisper as he fastens the necklace around my neck.
“I love you too, baby girl.”
When we pull up outside the restaurant I’m surprised to see Meg standing there. “What are you doing here?” I ask getting out of the car. “I thought you and Drew were heading back to Sydney for Christmas with your parents.”
“I lied,” she replies giving me a sheepish smile. What’s she up to? “I am spending Christmas with them, but up here.”
“Why?”
“Because if you think I’m going to miss your wedding day, you’ve got rocks in your head. Besides I’m the maid of honour, I have to be here. My mum didn’t want to miss your wedding either. You’re her adopted daughter after all.”
“What? My wedding day?” I ask dumbfounded.
“Yes. You, my friend, are getting married today.” That’s news to me. My eyes move to my dad searching for confirmation.
“She’s right,” is all he says.
“Come,” Meg says, linking arms with me and dragging me around the side of the building. “See.” When I follow the line of her finger, I see Carter and Jax standing side by side down near the shore. Some old dude in a suit is standing in front of them. Then I notice LJ sitting by Carter’s feet. I feel my lips curve up. My eyes then move to his mother, grandmother, Meg’s parents and Drew sitting on five of the six chairs that are positioned behind them. Excitement broils inside me.