“I love you, sweet pea.”
January turned her attention away from the swirling ribbon and looked at her dad with his pink cheeks from the bite of the cold.
“I love you too, Dad.”
The sleigh stopped just outside the clearing and a group of people rushed forward to assist January in getting out of the sled. It was hard with the layers of delicate lace adorning her wedding dress.
Her father quickly joined her, and as she slipped her hand around his arm, he patted her hand.
“Cold?” he asked now that she had left her blanket and coat in the sleigh, but January shook her head. Her excitement was all the heat she needed. It also helped that the farm rented small heaters to keep the guests warm as they waited.
When Deckard had proposed at this same spot over the summer during a midnight picnic they had taken, they both knew this was where they wanted to say their vows. They also agreed unanimously on the date without a second thought. The winter solstice was the perfect day for them. Her sister didn’t even mind sharing her anniversary date.
And though it was a weekday, many of their friends and family made it out for the occasion – even Deckard’s family from Atlanta were decked out in their elegant wear for the event.
The farm was allowing them to rent the back part of the barn for the reception and she couldn’t wait to see what Samantha had come up with. Her best friend had been one of many laid off from the newspaper, but she had a knack at planning events. Her friend opened her own business and hadn’t looked back.
One of Samantha’s crew handed her a bouquet of red Poinsettias as her best friend approached wearing her burgundy maid of honor gown. She carried a small bouquet of the same flower, but in white.
Samantha kissed her cheek then nodded for the music to begin and she made her way toward the makeshift aisle.
They were masked by a gathering of trees and bushes, keeping them from being visible to the guests.
January was next and she bounced on her toes ready to get to Deckard. She bet he looked so handsome in the tuxedo. And as she made her entrance toward the aisle, she could just make out Deckard over the bushes. January wasn’t disappointed.
Deckard stood proudly under the garland wrapped wooden arch with the officiant. The black tuxedo fit his body like a glove and she wondered if they could get an extension on the rental, because she had a lot of fantasies of her own she wanted to try out that involved that suit.
Her father paused before they turned the corner, and when the music changed, they turned the corner. The aisle was long, but it was close enough that she could see Deckard’s mouth drop and murmur, “Holy shit,” as he got his first glimpse of her. Her father must have noticed as well because he chuckled beside her.
At the end of the aisle, her father placed January’s hand into Deckard’s and kissed her gently on the cheek before taking his seat next to her mother.
“You look, wow,” Deckard whispered as they moved under the arch. “This may beat the red dress.”
January laughed as they turned to face each other. “You look handsome, doctor. I have ideas for that tux.”
The officiant in front of them coughed and they both turned toward him and quietly apologized.
“Ready?” he asked them both as Deckard squeezed her hand.
In unison, they replied, “Very.”
~
January spun around the wood slate floor with her hand held tightly by Deckard’s. Since they arrived at the reception, they hadn’t left each other’s side.
They were both amazed at the transformation of the barn by Samantha’s handiwork. It was a rustic dream of lace and lights. And perfect for them.
“Are you having a good time, Mrs. Spruce?” Deckard asked as he spun her back into his arms.
“I am. How about you, husband of mine?”
He tilted her back in a low dip then kissed her thoroughly. Her hand came up to rest on his cheek during the kiss, and as he raised her back onto her feet, she left her hand in its place. She loved the feel of his skin under her palm.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” he replied.
If it was possible for her body to glow in happiness, she imagined it would light up the entire space.
The music changed to a slower song and Deckard wrapped one arm around her waist using his opposite hand to gather hers from his cheek. He settled their clasped hands against his chest. They swayed back and forth, kissing when they couldn’t hold back.