Once Upon a Holidate, page 25
Garrick handed him the six-pack of beer he’d brought, then dropped to a knee to greet the old dog who circled him, tail wagging.
“Hey, you,” he said, rubbing Koda’s ears. “How you doing, big guy?”
Koda woofed his answer, before swiping Garrick’s face with a quick lick. Garrick stood and greeted his friend.
“You don’t have to rub my ears,” Jasper said dryly, leading the way to the family room where a large Christmas tree, decorated in red and silver ornaments, dominated the space.
“Good, because I was going to say you don’t have to lick my face.”
Cade sat on the sofa. He looked at them both. “Do I want to know what you’re talking about?”
Garrick laughed. “Nope.”
Cade grinned. “Now I’m worried.”
Garrick took one of the beers and opened it, then settled on the far end of the huge sectional. The game was on, but the sound was muted.
“Where’s Renee?” he asked.
“Prepping for the wedding tomorrow,” Jasper said, stirring the contents of the Crock-Pot. “I guess it’s a big one. Then Saturday is Holly’s wedding, which should be easier.”
“She still taking off the rest of the year?” Garrick asked as Jasper joined them on the sofa.
“She is.” Jasper reached down and patted Koda.
“So where are you two going?” Cade asked. “You said somewhere tropical. Hawaii’s nice. So’s the Caribbean.”
“We’re staying here.” Jasper raised a shoulder. “Renee just wants us to hang out here and do nothing. To be honest, I don’t care what we do, as long as we have a couple of weeks together.”
A sentiment Garrick understood. He would like that with Wynn. Just the two of them somewhere quiet. The location wasn’t important. It was more about the time and the company. Not that he minded having Hunter around. He was a great kid. But a little one-on-one with Wynn would be great. Just them and zero complications.
Only she wanted more children. Did it change anything? While they were involved, neither of them had ever mentioned having a future. Still, he wasn’t the kind of guy who went from woman to woman. He liked being with Wynn. As for his worries about getting married again, he knew she wasn’t like his ex at all. So what did that mean?
“Earth to Garrick,” Cade said, waving his beer. “You still with us?”
Garrick nodded. “Just got a couple of things on my mind.”
Jasper looked at him. “Want to talk about it?”
Cade raised his eyebrows. “When did you turn into someone with a soft, gooey center?”
“I’m a writer, my friend. I’m allowed to be intuitive and sensitive.”
“You say that like it’s a good thing,” Cade muttered.
“You act tough, but the truth is you’re just as much of a wuss as the rest of us,” Garrick said. “We can’t help it. We’ve evolved.”
“And the world is better for it,” Jasper said, his gaze still on Garrick. “Is that you avoiding what’s on your mind or do you really not want to talk about it?”
“Aren’t those the same things?” Garrick asked, his tone light as he considered the question. He drew in a breath. “Wynn wants more kids.”
Jasper surprised him by smiling. “Good for her. I’m glad she got there.”
Got there? Why would Jasper put it that way? But as soon as he asked the question, he realized he knew the answer. Wynn and Jasper had dated for a couple of years. They’d broken up about the time Garrick had moved back to Happily Inc, so he’d never seen them together, but they’d been a thing.
He found himself wanting to stand up and challenge his friend. The need was accompanied by a jolt of jealousy and he ignored both. Whatever had happened was long done. Jasper was married to Renee, and Wynn was obviously not longing for the other man. But the surge of emotion was unexpected.
“Kids are great,” Cade said. “But your daughter is grown. Are you done with that part of your life?” He held up a hand. “Or are we assuming too much about your relationship with Wynn?”
Jasper nodded, but didn’t speak, leaving Garrick to figure out what he wanted to say.
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “About kids. I never thought about it. Joylyn’s all grown up.”
But he’d enjoyed all the stages of her life, and he’d been devastated when she’d refused to see him for all those years. A do-over would be great. Only there was no way to go back in time and get back those years. Which only left him with the future.
Not that he would have a kid to make up for what had happened with Joylyn. The reason had to be about himself and what he wanted, along with what he could give to a child. But was he looking for that?
“Wynn’s a great mom,” he said, more to himself than them. He could see her with a couple more kids. Maybe girls. He knew most guys would want a son, but he was happy with the idea of girls. He’d enjoyed watching Joylyn move through the various stages of growing up. From the little girl who hung on to her stuffed pig to the fearless ten-year-old who’d raced around on her bike.
Did he want to do that again? Did he want to start over with Wynn? Did he want to be a part of her life and have her be a part of his? He knew he didn’t want to let her go. He liked what they had together. Liked her. But that was a long way from “Hey, we should talk about having kids together.”
“Let’s change the subject,” Jasper said easily. “Cade, what are you getting Bethany for Christmas?”
“A custom saddle,” Cade said with a grin. “She’s going to love it. There’s this old guy who lives in El Bahar. He’s done work for the royal family for years, and Bethany always admires his work when we are back there. I talked to him the last time we visited and arranged for the saddle. At first he didn’t want to make a saddle for a woman, but when I told him who I was giving it to, he changed his mind.” His expression turned smug. “She’s known as an excellent horsewoman.”
“The leather guy didn’t know who you were when you talked to him?” Garrick asked.
“He gets customers coming to him from all over the world, so to him, I was just another American.”
“I’m still wondering about a man who won’t make a saddle for a woman,” Jasper said. “Don’t tell Bethany. She wouldn’t be happy.”
“Not just Bethany,” Garrick pointed out. “I’m not thrilled, either.”
“Social evolution takes time. They’ll get there.” He took a drink of his beer. “I’m giving Renee a girls’ weekend with all her friends at a spa.”
Cade groaned. “Man, no. You’ll make the rest of us look bad.”
Jasper grinned, then reached out to pet the orange tabby cat that jumped on the back of the sofa and walked toward him.
“That’s just a bonus,” he joked.
“A girlfriend weekend is a really good gift,” Garrick admitted.
“What did you get Wynn?” Cade asked. “Or are you not at the gift-giving stage?”
“We are. At least I hope we are.” He hesitated. “She’s not easy to buy for. She isn’t into fancy things, and she has her life together.”
He’d thought for a long time, trying to find something she would enjoy that wasn’t dumb or predictable.
“I got her a cleaning service. They’ll come every two weeks and clean the house.”
Jasper chuckled. “That’s perfect. It takes away a chore she doesn’t like, and she’ll think of you every time they show up.”
Garrick exhaled. “Good. I wasn’t sure. I got Hunter a drone. I figured he would fly it up here and take pictures and stuff. Joylyn was easy. Alisha and I are going in on a meal service for her and Chandler when they get settled, and I’m giving them a week at a chalet in Tahoe.”
“So you have it all figured out,” Cade told him.
Garrick nodded, wishing that was true. Having it figured out would mean knowing what to do next. He liked Wynn—he liked them. But liking her a lot was different than wanting forever. Did he? And what about kids? He was still in his thirties, so age wasn’t an issue. But it was a big step, and he had a lot to consider before he could make up his mind. And once he knew what he wanted, there was also the issue of finding out where she was. It would be a hell of a thing to decide he was in love with her only to have her tell him she wasn’t that into him.
This was why he’d avoided relationships, he thought, turning his attention to the game. Because there were always complications. In the past he’d assumed being alone was just plain easier. Only now that he and Wynn were involved, he wasn’t sure he could say that anymore.
Chapter Nineteen
Joylyn was determined to get through Holly’s wedding without bursting into tears. Her hormones had settled down a little, so she thought she might have a chance, but it was going to be difficult, especially when the day was going to be so beautiful.
She had a quick moment to text with Chandler before he headed for the airport to start his long trip home. With luck they would be back together late that night—otherwise in the morning. Either way, she had less than twenty-four hours to go, and that was its own miracle.
Holly and Rex had arrived the night before, getting two rooms at the Sweet Dreams Inn. The ceremony would be at four with cocktails from five to six and the dinner after that.
Joylyn had picked up her friend at the inn and driven her over to Weddings Out of the Box. Even though it was only eleven in the morning, Renee was already there, with her team hard at work.
“You’re here!” Renee said, hugging them both before smiling at Holly. “How do you feel?”
“Excited. Happy.” Holly blinked back tears. “Grateful. I still can’t believe everyone did this for me.”
“We are very special people, so let’s accept that and move on. I want to show you everything we have. Your wedding is going to be even more beautiful than you imagined.”
Joylyn squeezed her friend’s hand. “Aren’t you excited? I can’t wait to see how it all turned out.”
“I’m still having trouble believing this is real,” Holly admitted. “But I’m also thrilled to be here.”
“Good.”
Renee led them into what Joylyn remembered as the main open area. Only now it had been partitioned in several smaller rooms. A pretty foyer had been decorated with Christmas trees and lanterns filled with large, white candles.
“Guests will be directed through there,” Renee said, pointing to an open doorway.
Joylyn and Holly walked through and found themselves in a big room. There was a center aisle with wooden chairs on either side. Sprays of white roses and red dahlias, accented with seasonal greens, were attached to the chairs on the aisle. Long red and green ribbons trailed to the floor. At the far end of the center aisle stood a stone fireplace. It was huge—maybe ten feet square, with logs piled in the opening. Twinkle lights lined the mantel, while two Christmas trees stood on either side.
Joylyn stared at the fireplace. “I don’t remember seeing that before.”
“It’s portable,” Renee said.
Holly stared at her. “How is that possible? A portable fireplace?”
“I know. A gentleman in town called last week. He heard about your wedding and offered it to us. The whole thing is on wheels and runs on propane. There’s a venting system out the back.” She grinned. “We’ve tested it twice and it works great. It gets a little toasty so we’ll wait until the last minute to turn it on, but it’s going to be so beautiful.”
Joylyn hugged her friends. “The pictures will be amazing.”
“I can’t believe all this is happening.”
From there they walked over to where the reception would be held. The tables were set with white tablecloths with a Christmas plaid runner down the center. Dahlias and roses and greens covered the plaid runner. Votive holders of different heights were nestled in with the flowers. A gold charger anchored every place setting.
“And the cake will go over here,” she said, pointing to a smaller, square table at the far end of the room.
They saw the bowls of red ornaments decorated with Holly’s and Rex’s names, along with the date. In the kitchen, they peeked in the large refrigerator and looked at the simple white four-layer cake.
“The caterer will get it in position in about an hour,” Renee told them. “She’ll add a cascade of red roses down one side and then let it come to room temperature. By the time you and Rex are ready to cut it, the cake will be ready.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” Holly told her, brushing away tears. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Oh, we thought of a little more,” Renee said, grinning at Joylyn.
Holly looked between them. “What is she talking about?”
“I have no idea.”
Renee led them to the Bride’s Room where two massage tables were set up and two masseuses were waiting for them.
“Welcome to your own spa day,” Renee said. “First a massage, then mani-pedis, then you get your hair and makeup done. There will be a light lunch at one, so don’t worry about that.”
Renee smiled at Joylyn. “I had your dad check with your doctor, and you’re good to go with a massage. Moira, your masseuse, is very experienced with pregnant women.”
Joylyn was thrilled by the surprise, delighted for her friend and not sure she could even get on the table. “I’m pretty pregnant,” she said. “With my belly . . .”
Moira moved the sheet aside to show a cut-out in the table. “We like to think of everything,” she said with a smile.
Holly started to cry in earnest, and Joylyn couldn’t help joining in. People who didn’t know her or her friend had gone to so much trouble to make everything perfect.
“You’re being so nice to us,” she said, reaching for Renee. “I don’t know why, but thank you.”
Renee hugged her. “We want you to be happy. Both of you. Now go enjoy your spa afternoon. By the time everything is done, it will be time for the wedding.”
* * *
Joylyn couldn’t remember ever being pampered so much. The massage was perfect. The table took all the weight of the baby without mushing her, and she loved being able to stretch out on her front after so many months of having to wrestle with her stomach in the way.
After their mani-pedis, they got their hair and makeup done, then Wynn showed up to help get Holly into her dress.
“I did a quick walk-around,” Wynn said, steaming the hem of Holly’s dress. “Everything looks stunning. The cake came out so amazing. I love the simple design, and the white on white with the frosting makes the roses stand out.”
“I couldn’t be happier,” Holly told her, looking beautiful with her makeup done and her hair in curls, piled on her head.
Wynn and Joylyn helped her into her dress, then Wynn began the laborious process of fastening all the little buttons.
“Just remember, you need to give yourself an extra five minutes every time you need to pee,” Wynn teased. “Someone has to undo the buttons, then redo them. Unless you want a couple of us to come in with you and hold the dress.”
Holly winced. “I’m not really comfortable having my friends do that for me.”
Joylyn rubbed her belly. “I wouldn’t have wanted to do that, either,” she said. “But I think after going through childbirth where everyone is standing around looking at my girl parts, I’ll be a lot less modest.”
She moved to a chair and sat down. Her back was aching. She’d noticed it that morning. The massage had helped but now the dull but steady pain was back. No wonder, she thought. There was too much baby and not enough her.
The photographer came in and took pictures of Holly, and then a few of Holly and Joylyn together.
At almost four, Renee appeared, a tablet in her hand. She paused to smile at them both.
“So beautiful,” she said with a happy sigh. “All your guests are here, the caterer is busy with the food, Silver is getting ready for the postceremony drink rush and I have triple-checked everything. There are six handsome men waiting by the minister.” She smiled. “I assume you only want to marry Rex, but the other five are tempting, too. Ready to get married, Holly?”
“I am.”
Joylyn took her bouquet of flowers and started for the door. The pain in her back seemed to circle around to the front and squeeze.
Not now, she told her baby. She was a week from her due date and knew that false labor could happen at any time. Give me about three hours and then you can fake labor all you want.
Amazingly the pain went away.
“I have superpowers,” Joylyn murmured to herself as she walked toward the foyer.
Ninety minutes later, she stood with the five co–best men, talking about how beautiful the ceremony had been. The bride and groom made a wonderful couple, and by the time they exchanged rings nearly everyone had been fighting tears.
“I can’t believe how fast this wedding got pulled together,” Will said.
“It took a village,” Joylyn told her.
Servers circulated with trays of champagne and appetizers. The guys helped themselves. Peter got her a glass of juice, while the two Bens and John offered her food. Joylyn smiled at them and tried to participate in the conversation, but couldn’t seem to follow along. She’d been hungry before, but since the earlier cramping, she’d kind of lost her appetite. Plus the pain was back, but with a little more intensity. She was just about to go look for a place to sit when she felt her insides twist with so much intensity that she nearly doubled over from the pain.
The shock of it was followed by bone-numbing fear. Nothing was supposed to hurt that much. What if something had happened to the baby?
She no more than thought the question when the pain returned, sharper this time—a rip cord circling her belly, wrapping tighter and tighter. Panic joined fear. This was bad. Really bad.
She looked around at the party going on and had no idea what to do. She didn’t want to create a scene but knew she couldn’t stay standing much longer. She was breathing in pants and she’d broken out in a cold sweat. She had to—
Her mouth literally dropped open as the truth dawned. Nothing bad had happened. She was in labor!
Her dad walked up and put his arm around her, while smiling at the guys. “This is about the prettiest wedding I’ve ever been to. You did good, kid. Holly’s going to remember this day for the rest of her life.”
