Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Maisy
I never celebrated Valentine’s day. I never had a date, never had plans other than telling cafe customers about our signature red velvet latte made with sweet cream and red sparkling sugar. I’d never been kissed.
This year, everything’s different.
I stand in front of my bedroom’s full-length mirror, straightening the collar of my off-the shoulder wedding dress. The neckline shows off my diamond necklace and mating mark, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My ring finger feels bare without my wedding band, though.
There’s a knock on my door, and before I’m finished murmuring “come in,” Daisy sails through.
“Happy birthday, darling girl!” she cries. “It’s a gorgeous day.” She sets a bright yellow mug of coffee on my dresser then turns and gets a good look at me. Her breath catches. “Oh my.”
“Daisy?” My grandmother has recovered most of her energy, but she’s changed. She seems…softer. She cries more easily. Like now. Her face fills with wonder, and her eyes grow glassy with tears.
“Darling girl,” she whispers. “You look stunning.”
I cross the room to take both her hands, holding tight in case she falls.
“Oh, my Maisy.” She squeezes my hand with strong fingers. “You’re all grown up.”
It takes a moment to stop my lip from wobbling. Missy did my makeup, and there’s no way I’m messing it up. “Will you zip me?”
She spends the next few minutes fussing over my gown. She’s in a stunning dress of her own, bright turquoise with pops of yellow and a daisy pin. Lana had it made by an up-and-coming designer.
We both have coats that match our gowns.
“There, all set. Oh, you look like a snow queen.”
I glance at the mirror. Missy did use a lot of shimmer on my cheeks and eyelids. I look ethereal.
“Thanks for walking me down the aisle.”
I asked Daisy to walk me down the aisle. I wouldn’t want Allen here. Besides, Matthias told me he’s been mind-wiped by a vampire and is now living his best life as a waiter in Vancouver.
“Of course. I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride. If your mom could see you now… but of course she’s looking down on you from heaven.”
“Don’t make me cry.” I tip my head up and blink my tears back.
Outside our door, someone honks a horn.
“That’s our ride. Before we go, let me say this.
” She cups my face between her hands. “I never thought there’d be a man who deserves you, but you found him.
That man won't ever leave you lonely. I swear he looks at you like you’re his whole world.
I know when my time is done that he'll take care of you.”
“Stop.” I sniffle. “You’re living a long time. Don’t you want to hold your great-grandbabies?”
Our ride honks the horn again.
Daisy opens the door and hollers, “All right, keep your shirt on,” at Axel, who’s parked by our mailbox in one of his project hot rods, a sky blue convertible.
Even though the air is frosty, he has the top down.
He hops out, swinging his long hair like a K-pop star.
All his tattoos are hidden under his tux, so he looks very conventional and dashing, like a Jane Austen hero.
“Daisy.” He bows low as he opens the door for her. “You’re looking lovely.”
“Yes, thank you, young man. I feel sixty-two again.”
“Maisy, I have something for you.” He grabs a black velvet box and presents me with a sparkling tiara. “One last touch.” He sets it on my head as I play with the diamonds on my necklace, feeling breathless. “Perfect.”
I’m so happy I can’t speak. I let him help me into the front seat.
“Let’s get this show on the road.” From the back, Daisy slaps her hand against the driver’s seat.
The cold air rushes by us, but we have such a short drive it’s like being in a horse-drawn sleigh. I can feel my cheeks glowing pink.
While Daisy’s busy humming “Jingle Bells,” I drop my voice to a murmur to ask Axel, “Is Missy already there?”
Axel nods. “I dropped her off earlier.”
I study his face closely. Matthias told me he had a thing for Missy. I haven’t told Missy yet. She’s always acted like she doesn’t like Axel. Someday soon, I’m going to get to the bottom of their relationship. But not today. Today’s for me.
Me and my husband.
Axel drops us off at the end of Main Street, right where a carpet of white rose petals begin. The whole town stretches before us. The Leaky Bucket on one side, the Trading Post on the other. Our cafe beyond that, with the Winterfest Ferris wheel rising behind it.
The path of rose petals ends at a stage flanked by some impressive ice statues. That’s where Matthias is waiting in his white tux.
“Ready?” Daisy offers me her arm. We stroll down the street, only to be joined by Everest in bear form.
He’s closed his teeth around the handle of a white wicker basket.
Inside the basket is a velvety white pillow holding our two wedding rings.
He’s taking the role of ring-bearer very seriously.
He even has a sky-blue bowtie around his neck to match the sky-blue dresses and tuxes (or kilts) our bridal party is wearing.
As soon as Daisy and I step onto the carpet of rose petals, the triplets strike up the bagpipes. The blast of sound is impressive. I’ve never heard “Love Me Tender” done so…loudly.
That’s when people start pouring out of Daisy Day and the Beary Nice Bookstore. There’s Old Man Luther, Sara, and Nancy from the clinic. Even Abe leaves his bar to stand on the porch of the Leaky Bucket. It looks like the whole town’s turned out to watch me walk down the aisle to Matthias.
Missy, Lana, and Paloma appear and take their place in front of me as bridesmaids.
As of two weeks ago, Lana, Paloma, and I are officially in business together.
They are funding the cafe’s expansion, and using my business as a test case for their non-profit that helps female, queer, and POC entrepreneurs.
With their help, I’ve already filed permits for the cafe’s expansion.
My whole life has been transformed. I feel like I’m dreaming, like I’ve stepped inside a holiday movie–a cozy one that always has a happy ending.
My happy ending comes with a bite mark on my shoulder and a diamond necklace that’s secretly a collar. And an Elvis soundtrack performed with bagpipes. I think the triplets are trying to play “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Teddy and Lana then Darius and Paloma walk down the aisle. Axel offers his arm to Missy, and I hold my breath, but she takes it with a regal nod and holds her head high as he escorts her to the stage.
They look good together. Maybe I’ll tell her that tomorrow.
Everest prowls down the aisle, and then it’s Daisy’s and my turn.
People murmur their congratulations as I pass.
“You got a good one. About time someone locked Dr. Hunk down,” Terri from Trading post calls. Abe tips his Stetson to me.
Jasmine Waters holds Oliver back as he reaches down, takes fistfuls of rose petals in his chubby toddler hands, and throws them in the air as I pass.
That’s when I look up and see Matthias. He’s on stage staring down at me, and suddenly we’re the only two people in the world. We could be back in the playroom, with me crawling to him.
Maybe later tonight.
The bite on my neck throbs, and I pray I don’t soak through my sky blue panties before the vows are done.
We pass the huge ice sculptures–they’re in the shape of bears, of course–and climb the stage stairs to the altar.
Daisy takes her place next to Winnie, Matthias’ mom.
They both got an online certificate, so they could officiate the wedding.
They’re good friends, and Winnie’s been busy making us feel like part of the family.
“You ready to have six wild brothers-in-law?” Matthias asked me yesterday.
I told him that at least two of them had awesome mates.
“Two down, five to go,” Matthias muttered.
“Three down,” I corrected.
Now he takes my hand and warms it between his large ones. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this moment.
Matthias leans down. “Why did the groom wear extra socks on his wedding day?”
I know the answer, but I ask, “Why?” My cheeks are sore from smiling.
Matthias winks. “In case he got cold feet.”
“Dearly beloved,” Winnie says. She and Daisy take turns prompting us through the vows. I can barely hear what they’re saying. I’m vibrating with excitement, just standing in the circle of my husband’s arms.
“Maisy Stark has a nice ring to it,” he whispers as he slips the wedding band back on my finger. Back where it belongs.
“Why did the groom stand on the left during the wedding ceremony?” I ask, and he answers, “Because his bride was always right.”
“I now pronounce you the king and queen of Winterfest!” Daisy shouts. “And also married!”
Everyone erupts into applause.
“You may kiss the bride,” Winnie adds, but Matthias is already sweeping me into the crook of his arm. He tips me back and our lips meet.
And then the triplets are there, laughing, and putting a silver crown on Matthias’ head. I’m already wearing mine.
“Three cheers for Maisy and Matthias Stark!” Sara calls. “Hip hip, hooray!” the whole town shouts loud enough to echo off the mountain.
I’m crying with happiness. There’s no hope for my makeup now.
“Happy birthday, wife. Did I get you what you wanted?”
“Yes.” I cup his face and whisper against his mouth. “You.”
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