All eyes now turned to Cass, who was descending the staircase in a silky white long-sleeved sheath with an open back. Her wavy hair hung loose around her shoulders, with sparkling crystal barrettes holding tendrils back from her face. She clasped a small white posy of flowers in her hands, tied with a brilliant red satin bow. She was glowing, and she smiled as she caught Miguel’s eye.
“We wanted this to be a surprise, and, well, we wanted to do this our way,” Cass said, joining Miguel in front of the tree. “With little fuss but with everyone we love in the same room.” Miguel took both of Cass’s hands and gave her a soft kiss, while Faye softly chided, “Not yet, young man. That’s for after the vows.”
Helen turned to Charlie, eyes wide and filled with unshed tears of joy and surprise. “Did you know about this?”
“I did—I made the cake, actually,” Charlie said. “Three tiers, because I wanted to give these two a touch of tradition.” She smiled at Cass and Miguel. “Starlight fruitcake, Dad’s gingerbread, and German chocolate for the top tier . . . all of which we will enjoy after we let these lovebirds say their vows.”
“A baby and a wedding,” Thomas exclaimed, beyond thrilled. “Our girls, both so happy. This is the best Christmas we’ve ever had!”
“I think it might just be one of the best Christmases we’ve all had,” said Faye. Then she cleared her throat and stood tall. “An especially fun one for me, since I finally figured out how the Internet works, and learned you can do almost anything on it—including becoming an ordained wedding officiant. Are we all here?” There were murmurs around the room as this was confirmed. “Well, then! Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate Christmas—and to witness the wedding of Cassandra Goodwin and Miguel Rodriguez.”
Cass squeezed Miguel’s hands gently, then reached up to adjust his bow tie. He cleared his throat and looked down at Cass, his eyes full of emotion.
The couple’s friends and family pulled closer, and there was just enough room for all of them to surround Cass and Miguel in front of the glittering tree. Jake encircled his hands around Charlie’s waist and rested them there, an expression of perfect joy on his face. Outside, the snow continued to fall, blanketing the town in peaceful silence, while inside the house voices, laughter, and spirits rose, and love was all around.