This was hands down the best day of her life.
The final strains of “Silent Night, Holy Night” rang through the sanctuary, and Brittany set her hand on Mason’s arm. She sat between him and Nan. Next to Mason were Noah, Ryder, Harper and Ivy. Bill, Joanna and Eden sat in front of them, and Noah had poked Auntie Eden’s back often, prompting Mason to scold him more than once during the service.
Thank You, Lord. Your plan was so much better than my own. You’ve done mighty things for me today.
She glanced over at Nan, who smiled and grew teary-eyed again. She’d cried tears of joy when Brittany and Mason told her they were in love. She’d brought her palms together, raised her gaze to the ceiling and assured them her prayers had been answered before kissing each of them on the cheek.
“Hi, Miss Bwittany,” Noah whispered for the sixth time while he waved at her. She smiled, putting her finger to her lips, then waved back. When Mason had told Noah that Brittany was his girlfriend, Noah had hugged her so hard, she’d almost fallen over. Facing her, he’d sat on her lap and hugged her neck. Then he’d whispered in her ear that he wanted her to be his mommy.
It had been one of the sweetest moments in her life.
Mason had taken it upon himself to tell his in-laws and Eden in person, and afterward he’d called Gabby with the good news.
Brittany had the less inviting task of calling her mother. When she’d told Mom she was moving in with Nan and opening a studio in Rendezvous, her mother had responded with, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
She and Nan had invited her to come out and spend some time with them, but she’d declined. At least Mom had wished Nan a merry Christmas.
An organ heartily pumped out “Joy to the World,” while ushers marched to the front to excuse everyone.
“My Christmas gift is right here,” Mason whispered to her. His eyes glimmered with love, and her breath caught in her throat.
“You didn’t want chocolate-covered cherries?”
“I only want you.”
Heat flushed up her neck. But the ushers were at their pew, so she helped Nan rise and hooked arms with her as they made their way down the aisle. Life had sure changed in twenty-four hours. God willing, from here on out, she’d be spending all her Christmases with Nan and Mason and Noah.
In the entryway, they were met with cries of “Merry Christmas” and lots of hugs. Bill and Joanna approached them.
“I hear you’re moving to town, Brittany.” Bill spoke kindly. Joanna wrung her hands.
“Yes, I’m excited to spend more time with Nan.”
“We’re very happy you’ll be spending more time with Mason, too.” Joanna tried to smile, and Brittany could see how much it was costing her. Pity stabbed her heart over this couple’s loss.
“Welcome to Rendezvous.” Bill held his arms out.
Was he offering to hug her? She’d been pretty sure he didn’t like her. She moved forward into his arms and was surprised at how genuine the embrace felt.
“Thank you.” She glanced at Joanna again. The woman was clearly trying to keep it together. Brittany put her arms around her. “I’m sorry. I’m sure the holidays must be hard, and I know my presence isn’t helping.”
A tear trailed down Joanna’s cheek, but she smiled and whisked it away. “I miss Mia, but I’m very happy for you and Mason.”
Eden picked up Noah. “Are you ready for presents tomorrow?”
He nodded, holding her neck tightly. “Yes! Auntie Eden, did you know Miss Bwittany is Daddy’s girlfriend?”
“I heard that.” Eden rubbed his little back. “It’s wonderful news.”
Brittany locked eyes with her and Eden smiled.
“Do you think Ivy will get the doll she wants?” Noah snuggled into Eden’s arms.
“I certainly hope she does.” She brushed his hair from his forehead.
“Me, too.”
Gabby came over and tapped Brittany’s shoulder. “I hear you’re moving to Rendezvous.”
“I am.” She liked Gabby and Eden and hoped they’d all be friends. “I’m buying the old computer repair shop.”
“Good for you. It will be great having you around.” Gabby looked at Eden, then Mason, who stood next to Brittany. “While you’re all here, I have my own announcement.”
“I’ll just get Nan’s coat,” Brittany said, wanting to give them privacy.
“Stay,” Gabby said. “You’re one of us now.”
One of them. Of all the nice things to say... Brittany’s emotions couldn’t take much more.
“I might have done something stupid.” Gabby lifted her palm. “Seeing that it’s Christmas, I sent one final letter to Phoebe’s father. But I’m holding firm from now on. I’m not going to try to contact him anymore.”
“You’ve done more than most would in this situation.” Eden put her arm around Gabby’s shoulders and squeezed.
“Thanks, Eden.”
Brittany knew Gabby was raising her sister’s baby, but she hadn’t realized the father was an issue. It wasn’t any of her business, but she would be glad to lend a hand whenever Gabby needed one.
“We’ll support whatever decision you make,” Mason said.
“Brittany!” Babs O’Rourke wove through the crowd. “Oh, I’m glad I caught you. Merry Christmas, honey.”
“Merry Christmas.” She was taken aback at her red-and-white-striped blazer with red skirt. She looked like a walking candy cane.
“I’ll have the papers drawn up the day after tomorrow. Will you be in town?”
“Yes, I will.” She and Babs discussed the property for a few more minutes while Mason chatted with his friends.
After Babs left, Brittany took a moment to savor it all. Nan stood with Lois and Gretchen. Bill and Joanna were fussing over Noah, still in Eden’s arms. Ryder was twirling Harper, then Ivy, who both giggled with glee. Mason locked eyes with Brittany and smiled.
Who would have thought all her dreams could come true in a middle-of-nowhere town?
She strolled over to Mason. This was where she belonged.