Page 104 of One Midnight Kiss

“Don’t make me call your brother,” Christa warned.

“Alright, alright,” I called out. “We’re coming.”

Fox gave me a reluctant smile and opened the door, looping his arm around my waist. We walked back into the main hall. The whoops and cheers erupted again as our family and friends caught sight of us. The room was aglow with warm yellow lights, the fire casting playful shadows over everyone’s faces. The wooden beams of the lodge overhead were strung with fairy lights, adding a touch of magic to each moment. Soft white gauze was draped across the ceiling.

Our song came on over the speakers. We made our way to the dance floor, which was surrounded by tables adorned with snow-white cloths and centerpieces made of pinecones, candles, and sprigs of holly.

The world seemed to melt away as we moved together, perfectly in tune with each other and the music. We glided gracefully like we were floating on air.

Our guests watched us, some dabbing their eyes, others whispering about how stunning we looked together. It wasn’t just a dance. It was a declaration, a celebration of our union that went deeper than the mere exchange of rings.

I glanced over and saw Fox’s parents. They were freshly returned from their year-long trip around the world, beaming at us from their seats. They had become something like family to me, in the way that parents could when they actually showed up and cared.

Unlike mine.

I had gotten a card in the mail from my parents—one of those generic ones with glittery script that read Best Wishes on Your Special Day. It was insulting. They hadn’t called. They hadn’t come. And honestly? I was okay with it. More than okay.

When my old life fell apart, I’d been forced to lay the groundwork for something new. I hadn’t realized it at the time, but running away to Seattle was the best decision I ever made. I was happier now than I’d ever been.

I didn’t need or want them. They had shown me who they were. All of them. They were not the kind of people I wanted in my life or the life of the family I would be building with Fox.

After the dance, we took our seats at the table. Dinner was served amidst laughter and clinking glasses. I loved that it was more like a large family gathering. It was nice and intimate. We were all able to talk instead of us feeling like we were being pulled in a million different directions.

The speeches were heartfelt and humorous. Dave’s toast had everyone tearing up one moment and bursting into laughter the next. Wilder shared embarrassing stories from their childhood, making Fox shake his head in mock exasperation but with a grin that couldn’t be wiped away.

Christa waddled over, her belly huge with her and Wilder’s first child. She was due any day now. The glow on her face outshone every light in the lodge. She was happier than I had ever seen her. Wilder trailed behind her, grinning like the proudest father-to-be.

“Congratulations, you two!” Christa said, pulling me into a hug that was awkward thanks to her belly, but still full of warmth.

Wilder pulled Fox into a hug. “You did good, bro,” he said, slapping Fox on the back. “You did really good.”

Fox looked at me and smiled. “Yeah, I did.”

We mingled for a while, sharing laughs, clinking glasses, and basking in the joy that seemed to permeate every corner of the room. Fox’s hand never left mine, like he needed to keep touching me just to make sure this was real. I didn’t mind a bit. I loved being next to him.

Christa and Wilder were dancing next to us.

“You two look like you want to get out of here,” Christa said. “I’m afraid you’re going to ignite the room on fire.”

I glanced at Fox, who was already giving me that look, the one that made my knees weak. “Maybe a little,” I admitted.

“It’s your wedding,” Christa said. “You can do whatever you want. Go, have fun. We’ll hold down the fort.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “Is that allowed?”

“Positive,” Christa said, shooing us away with a grin. “Get out of here. Enjoy your night. I remember our wedding. We couldn’t wait to get out of our reception.”

Fox didn’t need to be told twice. He grabbed my hand and practically dragged me out of the hall. We made our way out into the cold night air, the sound of laughter and music fading behind us. We walked through the snow, my heels sinking into the fresh powder, but I didn’t care. It was magical. I had him by my side, which made it perfect.

We reached one of the luxury cabins Fox had rented out for the occasion, tucked away in a quiet corner of the property. He opened the door and looked at me once again. He flashed a grin. I knew exactly what he was going to do.

He reached down and lifted me up, carrying me across the threshold. The warmth of the cozy cabin enveloped us both as he set me down gently for the second time that night. Fortunately, it was a gas fireplace. He didn’t need to bother with wood. He turned it on and immediately flooded the area with warm light. The crackle of the fireplace added to the atmosphere, making it feel even more like a scene out of a fairy tale.

Fox stepped back and admired the setup he had arranged: rose petals scattered everywhere, a bottle of chilled champagne on the table beside two fluted glasses. He seemed pleased with himself, his eyes sparkling with excitement and love.

“I wanted our first moments as a married couple to be unforgettable,” he whispered.

“This is perfect,” I said. “You thought of everything.”