“It’s a long story,” I explain. “But Gemma isn’t my girlfriend.”
Maddie’s face drops.
Turning to Gemma, I ask, “You wanna tell her?”
“We’re married.” She clings to my arm and smiles up at me. “Got hitched six weeks ago.”
“Shut. The. Fuck. Up.” Maddie’s booming voice is so loud, I’m shocked she doesn’t wake the kids. “You got married?”
“Dude, congrats!” Liam pats my shoulder. “I’m guessing this story is gonna call for some whiskey.”
“I want all the details!” Maddie exclaims as she starts picking toys and random items off the floor. “After I shower and clean up this mess.”
Gemma and I help tidy up so Maddie can get clean and change.
An hour later, we’re sitting on the deck, sharing the story of how Gemma and I got married. We talk about Robert, Jerry and the garage, and all the drama that unfolded with Victoria.
Maddie’s shaking her head at me in disbelief. I know she’s thinking about her sister Sophie and her crazy ex-boyfriend who kidnapped and tried to kill her. Liam, Mason, and Hunter found her just in time.
“That’s batshit insane!” Maddie’s jaw drops. “Why didn’t you punch in his face?”
Gemma chuckles. “He wanted to and offered plenty of times, but he knew with his record, he had to be extra cautious.”
“Especially in small towns. Everyone knows you and your business,” I explain.
“And the gossip flies around faster than mosquitos at a summer barbecue.”
“Aw…sounds like a Hallmark movie. Who doesn’t love a small-town romance with drama and gossip?”
“God,” I groan. “I forgot you’re horny for Hallmark, too.”
“I love it,” Gemma tells Maddie.
“I already have ten Hallmark Christmas movies recorded! We’ll make the boys cook while we start one.”
“Putting me to work already, Mads?” I flash her a wink. “I’m on vacation, you know?”
Maddie smirks with an eye roll. “Oh, puh-lease. You’re here to cook for me. Don’t even deny it.”
She’s not wrong. I anticipated being in the kitchen, and I don’t mind. It gives Liam and me some alone time to shoot the shit and catch up. The girls can drink their wine as they watch their corny holiday movies—as long as I get my wife back by the end of the night.
By Saturday, the entire house looks like it vomited Christmas decorations. I helped Liam put up a real tree, and Maddie’s sister and even Serena and her son came to help decorate. They all brought their kids and packed all the rooms. It was great to reunite with Mason and Sophie too.
That night was their annual sisters’ Christmas dinner and gift exchange. I helped cook a ham and turkey, and Gemma offered her not-so-great baking skills. Though she tried, which was cute. I didn’t think I could be any happier, but being here surrounded by my closest friends and new wife, I’m nearly bursting at the seams with joy.
Perhaps it’s because it’s a special time of year, but also, it’s the first Christmas I’ve celebrated in over five years.
And so far, it’s been one to remember.
“I brought one of your gifts,” I whisper in Gemma’s ear when I come up behind her.
“You did?” She spins and faces me. “I didn’t pack one! Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to exchange presents here?”
“Don’t worry. It’s an early one. We can still do ours Christmas morning, but I want you to have this particular one now.”
“Okay.” She smiles as I grab her hand and lead her to the tree.
Everyone quiets as they watch me kneel in front of her and reach in my pocket for the velvet box.
“What’re you doing?” she whispers.
“Giving you what you deserve.” I take her hand and smile up at her. “A real proposal and a real ring.”
She tilts her head and tries to smile through her tears. Though she’s already said she doesn’t need anything fancy, I want to show her how much she means to me and how much I love her.
“Gemma, sweetheart. After everything we’ve been through, I can’t imagine my life without you in it, and I hope I never will again. You’re the woman I always want to fall asleep next to and wake up to. We might’ve gotten hitched unconventionally, but I’d marry you again in a heartbeat.” I open the box and show her the ring. “Will you marry me again?”
She wipes her cheeks and immediately nods. “Of course.” She bends down until our lips collide. “I can’t believe you bought me a ring.”
“Well, technically, I didn’t…” I take it out and slide it on her finger. “Your dad gave me your mom’s engagement ring, and I had it set on another band.”
Gemma gasps as she stares at it, holding out her hand and watching it sparkle under the light. “Oh my God.” She barely gets the words out before she falls to her knees. Wrapping her arms around me, she cries into my neck, and I hold her tightly against my chest.