The small wedding party gathered on the carpeted ice, leaving Jenny and her father behind. Her mother gave Jenny one last hug before taking her place. “I’m wishing you all my best, darling. Enjoy this moment, but know it only gets better from here.”
Jenny looked out onto the pond, taking in the sight of Dan standing next to his older brother. Dan stood tall and confident, looking at her with a love that burned fiercely in its intensity.
As her father guided her on the red carpet, she glanced over at Ryan. His expression was one of tenderness. It both blessed and broke her heart. Ryan’s presence was a gift beyond price.
Then Jenny locked eyes with Dan. His gaze was inviting, drawing her like a flame. My husband…
Everyone turned in response to the loud echoing roar of an engine. Jenny looked in the direction of the disturbance and gasped when she saw a red Camaro careening down the snowy path, fishtailing from side-to-side. “No!”
“It’ll be all right, Jenny. Don’t say anything, we’ve got this,” Dan stated calmly.
Kelly jumped out of her car screaming, “Stop the wedding! Stop it right now! This woman is nothing but a whore. She’s tricked Dan into marrying him. Everything she’s said is nothing but lies!”
Both Dan and Ryan moved in unison, blocking Jenny from Kelly’s wrath as she approached. “Turn around and go home. Now!” Dan ordered.
“No, I can’t let you do this, Dan. It’s a huge mistake.” Kelly turned to Mrs. Hayes. “You’re not going to allow this whore to marry your son, are you?”
Mrs. Hayes did not hesitate, stating coolly, “I believe my son told you to leave.”
Kelly stared at her in disbelief. “Harriet, what are you saying? You know what she is. How can you take her side?”
Jenny’s father growled, stepping towards Kelly threateningly. “I believe you were told to leave.”
Kelly backed up, but looked around wildly until she spotted Ryan. “Come on! You can’t let her get away with this. I thought you came to stop it, Ryan. Why would you condone her betrayal? What are you, some kind of fucking pussy?”
The lanky blonde hissed, “Watch what you say, you venomous…”
Marcus interrupted the exchange, stating loudly, “That’s enough.” He turned to Kelly, sounding suspiciously formal like a police officer. “I believe there is a restraining order against you.” He walked up to her, taking something out of his pocket. Before Kelly knew what was happening, he’d handcuffed her wrist. “You are in violation of the law. You can go quietly or additional charges will be filed against you.” He walked her to his car and called out to Dan, “I’ll be back in a minute.”
He drove the car to an alcove of pine trees and got out, walking back to the group. “She’s handcuffed to the seat. That should keep her quiet while we get on with the happy event.”
Jenny’s parents looked at their daughter questioningly, unaware of the trouble Kelly had caused them.
Jenny was unsure where to begin and was relieved when Mrs. Hayes answered for her. “Kelly is still struggling with their decision, but I trust she will get over it. We anticipated she might be a problem today, which is why I asked my son Marcus to bring his handcuffs.”
As much as Harriet didn’t want the marriage to take place, she had taken precautions to protect the ceremony. Jenny was shocked and mouthed the words, “Thank you,” to her. The woman met her appreciation with a cold stare, but nodded stiffly.
The small group took their places again and the pastor began the ceremony. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here…” Jenny was barely aware of his words the moment Dan took her hands in his. Dan must have noticed her delirium, because he gently squeezed her hand and she heard the words, “… say I do.”
Jenny giggled nervously, embarrassed she’d almost missed her cue. “I do. I most definitely do.”
The pastor continued on, but her heart was beating so loudly by then that it drowned out his words. She saw Dan’s perfect lips form the words “I do” and her whole body broke out in a warm flush.
“The couple has chosen to share their own vows during the exchange of rings.”
Jenny pulled off her glove and handed it to Ryan. She smiled bashfully when Dan took her left hand in his. He slipped his great-grandmother’s wedding band on her finger and then brought her hand to his lips. The love reflected in his eyes melted her heart.
“Jenny, my life didn’t start until I met you. Everything before was just going through the motions, but I didn’t know it. I was blind until you came into my life and gave it color. I love everything about you, from this long beautiful hair,” he said, playing with a dark curl, “to this gorgeous Cherokee skin.” He caressed her cheek lightly. “But it is your adventurous spirit I admire most. I feel like… No, I am the luckiest man on the planet.” He took her other hand and squeezed both tightly. “You are my treasure and I will endeavor to remind you of that every day.” He gave her a little wink when he added, “It will be my pleasure to do so.”
Marcus handed her Dan’s ring. Jenny’s hands trembled slightly as she guided the gold band onto his finger. She took a deep breath, wanting to drink in the moment a little longer.
“Dan, I have finally found myself in you. Your love complements me.” She inadvertently glanced at the edge of the pond, remembering their last visit to this place. Dan responded with a low chuckle, letting her know he was thinking of the same memory. “You seem to understand me on a level no one else does. Your wisdom, patience, and love have transformed me into someone new. I can’t imagine life without you now.” She looked deeply into Dan’s brown eyes and smiled. “Dan William Hayes, I pledge my loyalty and love to you and I cannot wait to share the rest of my life’s journey with you by my side.” Jenny went to kiss him, but remembered halfway and stopped herself.
Several people laughed when the pastor cautioned her, “Now, now… no need to rush.” He then announced in a dramatic voice loud enough to echo off the snowcapped peaks, “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder!” When the muted echoes died off, he added in a tender tone, “And so, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife.” He grinned at the groom. “You may now kiss the eager bride.”
Dan put his hands around Jenny’s waist and tilted his head slightly as he went in for the kiss. It started off tender, but then he parted her lips with his tongue and took his bride. Marcus cleared his throat, bringing them both back to reality. Dan broke the embrace and they looked at each other and laughed.
The pastor didn’t miss a beat. “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hayes.”
Dan took Jenny’s hand and they faced the small group. Her heart felt close to bursting as she walked back down the red carpet as the new Mrs. Hayes.
Dan’s parents made it a point to congratulate them first. Mr. Hayes hugged his son, thumping him hard on the back. “You’ve taken on quite a responsibility. Don’t you dare fail your new wife.”
“I only learned from the best, Pops. No worries there.”
Mr. Hayes turned to Jenny. “You are officially my daughter now. I’ve never had one before, but I’ll do my best to do right by you.” He took Jenny in his arms and gave her a real hug. She sighed inwardly, happy to receive his love.
“Thank you… Dad.” It felt a little weird saying it, especially with her father standing close by, but Jenny couldn’t have been happier.
“Yes, welcome to our family. I hope you enjoy our honeymoon gift,” Mrs. Hayes stated with exaggerated formality. She did not make a move to hug Jenny.
“I’m sure I will.”
Dan’s father took a key from his pocket with a red bow attached and handed it to her. “From our family to your new family.”
Jenny took the key as Dan put his arm around her. “It’s the cabin.”
Mr. Hayes explained, “Harriet and I both felt it was the perfect gift for you two. I am sure Gammy and Poppy would approve.”
Jenny studied Dan’s mother carefully. “Are you sure, Mrs. Hayes?”
&n
bsp; “It’s ‘mother’ to you.”
Jenny gave a spontaneous hug to the stiff woman. “Thanks, Mom!”
Dan joined in the hug, forcing Harriet to respond to the group embrace. She sputtered, “That’s quite enough, you two.” She straightened her jacket before adding, “I made a few changes to one of the rooms. I hope it will be suitable.”
Jenny threatened to hug her again, so she quickly stepped backwards to get away from Jenny’s reach and bumped into Ryan. Poor Mrs. Hayes looked mortified and made an abrupt beeline for the pastor.
Ryan looked at Jenny and Dan awkwardly. “Sorry, but I didn’t bring a gift.”
Jenny gushed, “Rye, coming today was the greatest gift you could give!”
He nodded towards the lanky blonde with short, bobbed hair standing a few feet away. “It’s Roxanne’s fault. She said I would regret it later if I didn’t come.” Jenny looked at the woman with renewed interest, realizing she was Marcus’ date after all. The woman was attractive—tall, blonde, the exact opposite of Jenny.
Ryan explained, “She’s my temp.”
“Oh, the attorney in disguise,” Jenny acknowledged. “She must be good at the powers of persuasion to get you to come today.”
Ryan gazed at Roxanne with admiration. “Yeah, she’s a smart lady and she’s right. I still care about you and Dan… despite everything.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Rye,” Jenny said, tentatively reaching out to give him a hug. He tensed and she stepped back in response, suddenly aware of the nerves he was trying to hide. She smiled, hoping to express her heart without bringing him further pain. “Ryan, you being here is the best gift ever.” She swallowed back the lump in her throat, adding, “I will hold this memory dear to me always.”
Ryan’s lips twitched and he looked desperately at Roxanne for support. She walked over to him and broke the awkward silence that hung in the mountain air. “I am glad I was able to attend your wedding, Mrs. Hayes. Getting to meet you gives me a better idea who Ryan is.”
Jenny was concerned for Ryan’s well-being, so she cut their conversation short. “I know you two have a long drive back. I thank you for coming—for everything.”
Dan shook Ryan’s hand and said gruffly, “Thank you, Ryan.”
Ryan responded with a hard handshake. His voice faltered when he replied, “Take care of her.” He immediately took Roxanne’s hand and headed towards their car just as the snow began to fall.
Jenny’s mom came up and wrapped her in a hug, distracting Jenny from the poignant scene. “It was a lovely wedding and the vows you shared were beautiful.” She grabbed onto Dan and squeezed him, too. “I have a good feeling about you both.” She nudged him playfully. “And that dress stunt you pulled on my daughter made me a fan forever.”
Dan brushed back his hair, obviously embarrassed by her praise. “I love your daughter, Mrs. Cole.”
Her father put his sizeable hand on Dan’s shoulder. “We believe that. My only advice is to be honest and respectful of each other. You can work through most anything if you remember that.”
“Sound advice, sir.”
The snow was coming down with greater intensity. Dan pulled Jenny’s hood around her face and patted her on the head. The flakes were small, but they were increasing in number, making visibility an issue.
“Looks like it’s going to be a bad storm,” Marcus announced. The newlyweds smiled at each other.
Dan told him, “That it does. You better get crazy woman out of here before she kills herself on the road.”
Marcus chuckled, “Don’t worry, I will be following her all the way down. There is no way she will escape my watchful eye.”
“Thanks, brother.”
Marcus turned to Jenny and picked her up without warning. He hugged her in midair, squeezing the breath out of her. “Welcome to the Hayes clan, sis. I’ll have to get some alone time with you so I can share Dan’s darkest and most embarrassing moments.” She giggled when he put her down. The similarities between the two were disconcerting and made her feel slightly giddy.
The wedding party quickly broke up as people rushed to beat the worst of the storm. Everyone except for the newlyweds, who headed directly to the cabin. When they arrived, Dan insisted on carrying Jenny over the threshold. He unlocked the door and turned on the light before coming back for her.
Dan brushed the snow off her hood. “You officially look like a snow princess.” He kissed her cold lips and smiled. “My personal snow princess…” He picked her up and kissed her again as he carried her through the doorway. The warmth of the cabin embraced her as they entered. Dan broke the kiss and put her down slowly before saying, “Oh shit.”
Jenny stared at the elegantly set table complete with candles and wine. The oven was on warm and she deduced a lovely dinner was waiting for them. “Did your mother do this?” she asked in surprise.
“It does seem like her handiwork,” he said wearily.
“But she’s opposed to our marriage.”
Dan looked apologetic when he said, “Baby, there is one thing you have to know about my mother, she is all about appearance. She wouldn’t want anyone to accuse her of being cheap or uncaring.” He hugged her to his chest. “This is more about making herself feel better than it is about us.”
“That’s too bad,” she said, frowning.
“Don’t take it personally. My mother still has a lot of growing up to do.” He walked over to the table and lifted a napkin off one of the dishes, taking a roll for himself and handing her one.
Jenny was starving and took a bite of the yeasty bread, deciding to accept the gift for what it was. “So your mom said that she changed one of the rooms, right? Do you think this is what she meant?”
“Knowing my mother, I would say no.”
Jenny’s face lit up and she raced to the nearest bedroom. It was still the same cold room she had tried to sleep in during the blizzard. She moved on to the second bedroom—the one where they had first snuggled together and later expressed deeper feelings for one another. If his mother only knew…
She squealed in delight when she saw how Mrs. Hayes had transformed it from a simple cabin room to a luxurious love nest in browns and maroons. A large four-poster queen bed filled the small space and the windows were covered in rich decorative curtains, helping to keep in the warmth. The old chest at the foot of the bed had been replaced with a stylish one made of hardwood and there was an antique self-standing mirror tucked in the corner. Dan seemed intrigued by the piece.
Jenny asked, “How did she know this room is special to us, Dan? You didn’t tell her, did you?”
He chuckled, pulling her to him. “No. This used to be Gammy and Poppy’s room.”
Jenny looked down at her wedding set and smiled, overwhelmed by the connection she felt with his great-grandmother. She was certain that Gammy would approve of their union.
“My love, I think it is time I take off this coat and see the beautiful bride underneath.” Dan undid the big buttons one by one before slipping it off her shoulders. “Oh yes, as lovely as I remember.”
Jenny threw her arms around him. “I can’t believe you got me the dress, Dan. Why would you do that? I’m the only one who gets to enjoy it.”
“Not true. I did it for purely selfish reasons. It was the dress I wanted my bride wrapped in.” He smiled, looking down at her tenderly. “Besides, I did not buy you a ring. You deserved it.” Dan took her hand and twirled her around twice as he looked over the gown. “You have never looked more beautiful to me than you do right now, wife.”
Jenny felt butterflies when he called her ‘wife’. “Thank you, husband.”
“Whoa, that’s weird hearing you say that.” He leaned in next to her ear. “But I like it.” Shivers ran down her spine as he kissed her neck. “My wife, to have and to hold…” He wrapped his arms around her and continued to kiss and nibble.
“Dan, I feel like I am going to melt when you do that.”
He held her tighter, biting her neck and
murmuring, “Melt into me, wife.”
Jenny obeyed and laid her head against his chest, giving into the fire he was fanning. His strong hands explored the lace of her dress, concentrating on the hardness of her nipples. She moaned, feeling her loins contract in pleasure from his attention.
“Shall I undress you or let you remain in your bridal gown a little longer?”
“Undress me.”
He chuckled. “I think you are too beautiful to unwrap just yet.”
She groaned. Dan let go of her and left the room. She reluctantly followed him out and watched him build a fire in the fireplace. He looked up after he got the fire going and said with a grin, “Just in case the power goes out again.”
“I wonder if your mom bought Vienna sausages and Pop-Tarts in case of power failure,” she joked.
“Let’s check.” The two opened the cupboards and saw they’d been stocked with all kinds of staples, but zero convenience foods.
“I suppose we could live on handfuls of flour,” he commented.
“Should we eat your mother’s meal? I’m starving!”
He cleared his throat. “Baby, I hate to tell you this but it’s going to be lamb.”
“Lamb? But I don’t eat innocent babies…”
He patted her head. “I know. But you see, my mother is convinced that any major celebration includes lamb. It should make future holidays with my family loads of fun.”
“Dan. I really want your mom to accept me.” She sighed and looked at him sadly. “Should I force myself to eat lamb?”
He put his hands around her waist and smiled. “Don’t compromise who you are. She will learn to love you, trust me.” He opened the fridge and pulled out a large white box. “So no baby animals, but maybe I can interest you in cake.”
Dan carefully took the cake out and placed it on the table. It was exquisite with the realistic flowers and delicate floating butterflies—the exact opposite of the weather raging outside.
“Just looking at it makes me happy!” Jenny smiled.
“Wait until you taste it,” he said hungrily, pulling a knife out of the drawer.
She put her hands over the cake to protect it. “No! You can’t cut this beautiful piece of art.”