DALTON
One year later
Christmas music echoes through the church as I stand at the front, fiddling with the cuffs of my suit. Weddings are stressful. Christmas weddings? A whole other level. Not that I’d admit it out loud. I’m supposed to be the calm one, the steady rock in Candy’s life. Right now, though, I feel more like a snowman on a sunny day.
“Uncle Dalton, stop messing with your sleeves,” Charlie whispers with an exaggerated eye roll. My nephew looks sharp in his new suit, holding the pillow with our rings like it’s the most important job in the world.
I grin at him. “You’re right, bud. Gotta look good for your Aunt Candy.”
“She’s already seen you, like, a million times. Relax.” He shrugs, like getting married is no big deal.
Easy for him to say. He’s not about to promise forever in front of half the town, with a dog in a glittery Christmas bow tie potentially causing havoc in the background. From somewhere near the back, I hear a bark followed by Jax, muttering, “Rudy, sit. This is not your big moment.”
I stifle a laugh. If he knocks over a poinsettia or eats some tinsel, it’s going to be hard to keep a straight face.
The church is packed, and decorated with twinkling lights, poinsettas, and fresh pine garlands. Snowflake at its best. All the guys from the firehouse are here, Chief Brock giving me a thumbs up when he sees me.
It was Candy’s idea to have a Christmas wedding, to add more happy memories to all the time we’ve spent together during the holidays. From her falling into my arms to my proposal, our relationship is linked to this time in a way that I love.
“Dalton,” my sister Heidi hisses from her pew. “Stand up straight. You look like you’re about to keel over.”
“I’m fine,” I mutter back, but I straighten up anyway.
Then, the music changes. The familiar notes of the wedding march fill the room, and every head turns toward the back of the church. My heart pounds as the doors open, and there she is.
Candy. My Candy.
She looks like a dream in her white dress, decorated with a hint of sparkle that catches the light. Need lights up my core at the sight of her lush curves, her cleavage deep in the gown’s sweetheart neckline. Her hair is swept up, a few soft curls framing her face, and her eyes shine bright.
I swear the world stops spinning and I’m centered again.
Her dad walks her down the aisle, his expression a mixture of pride and teary-eyed joy. Beside me, Charlie whispers, “Uncle Dalton. Candy looks like a princess.”
“She does,” I reply, my throat tight.
When she reaches me, her dad pats me on the shoulder with a gruff “Take care of her.” I nod, barely able to respond past the lump in my throat. Candy’s hand slips into mine, and suddenly everything feels right again.
The ceremony is a blur of vows and rings, smiles and happy tears. Candy's grandma dabs at her eyes with a lace handkerchief, while Leonard—although I always think of him as Dr. Abbott—sniffs loudly into a tissue. When the officiant finally says, “You may kiss the bride,” I don’t hesitate.
As I lean in, Rudy barks again. The congregation laughs, and Candy giggles against my lips. “I think he’s happy for us,” she whispers.
“I know I am,” I reply before kissing her properly. I can’t wait for the start of our life to begin.