One year later
‘ARE YOU READY, MUMMY?’ Freya was bouncing up and down in her calf-length emerald-green bridesmaid dress.
Bonnie picked up her Christmas-themed bouquet and smiled. ‘Oh, I’ve never been more ready. Let’s go, gorgeous.’
They held hands and walked out of the hotel room to the top of the stairs. Jacob was standing at the bottom, waiting for them. In her honour, he’d dressed in a kilt. And she’d never seen a more handsome honorary Scotsman.
Her steps had never been surer as she picked up the skirts of her wedding dress and walked down the stairs to meet the man who made her complete.
Her last wedding hadn’t felt anything like this. It had been beautiful, but she hadn’t felt love in her heart and soul the way she did today. Jacob hadn’t taken his eyes off her on her whole way down the stairs.
Her friends from the hospital applauded as she reached the bottom and she let out a nervous laugh. Jacob leaned over to kiss her. ‘You look gorgeous,’ he whispered.
‘I don’t think you’re supposed to do that until after the ceremony,’ she murmured back.
He smiled. ‘Well, don’t tell anyone. But I’ve got a really take-charge wife-to-be. She’s taught me just to seize the moment.’
And she had. They’d spent the last year growing together as a family. Taking steps that she’d never have even considered a few years ago.
The celebrant gave them a nod towards the room where the wedding was to take place. The whole hotel was decorated for Christmas. A large Christmas tree was next to them at the bottom of the stairs and dark green and red garlands decorated the stairs. Twinkling lights glistened all around them. It really was the perfect setting.
‘I’m not finished yet.’ Jacob smiled.
‘What do you mean?’ she asked. This wasn’t in the plans. But her tiny wave of panic disappeared in an instant. Whatever it was that Jacob wanted to do—she was sure she would love it.
‘Before we start,’ he said to their surrounding guests, ‘I’d like to let you into a little secret.’ He glanced at her. ‘Bonnie and I have been keeping secrets from you—but even my future wife doesn’t know this one.’
Her stomach flip-flopped. What was he talking about?
He pulled an envelope from inside his highland dress jacket. ‘This morning, we received the news that we’ve been waiting for.’ He gave her a smile that made her toes tingle. ‘I haven’t even had a chance to tell Bonnie yet, because I’ve been keeping with the wedding tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony.’
He held up the envelope. ‘We got news this morning that Bonnie and I have been approved as adoptive parents.’ He bent down and picked up Freya. ‘Do you know that little brother or sister we’ve been talking about?’
She nodded solemnly. ‘Well, some time next year you’ll get to be a big sister.’
‘I will?’
‘We will?’ Bonnie could hardly contain her excitement. They’d been waiting for the final verdict. And this just made the whole day even more perfect.
A number of waiters appeared with trays of champagne that were quickly dispersed amongst the guests. Jacob handed one to Bonnie. He held his aloft. ‘So, we’ve not even made it to the altar yet. But I guess I decided to seize the moment.’ She could see the glint in his eyes as he spoke.
‘Can I ask you all to raise your glasses? To the best Christmas ever and to families.’
Bonnie clinked her glass with his and took a sip, then wrapped her arms around him and Freya. ‘You’re going to make me cry.’ She laughed. ‘And we’re not even married yet.’ She gave her head a little shake. ‘This couldn’t be more perfect.’
His green eyes fixed on hers. ‘Oh, yes, it could,’ he said as he bent to kiss her. ‘Happy Christmas, Mrs Layton.’
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