Twins Under His Tree (15 page)

“T
his is as unconventional as it gets,” Mitch murmured to Lily, folding his arm around her in her cream wool cape. As long as she was in his arms, the world was good and he slept peacefully during the deep night hours. Marriage would gift them with the future they both wanted and needed.

Twinkle lights were strung around the border of Mitch's patio. The fire pit was lit, giving off warmth. The minister from Lily's church had agreed to perform the service. He'd told her early evening was fine. Afterward, he could return to his congregation for Christmas Eve midnight service.

Fortunately, the weather had cooperated and even Mitch had to admit his patio looked wedding-ready. The stars were crystal clear and the slice of moon glowed with silver-white light. An arbor, also decorated in
evergreens and twinkle lights, housed the minister as Lily and Mitch stood before him, ready to say their vows.

Lily cast a glance at Ellie, who was holding Grace, and at Angie, who was carrying Sophie. The twins were bundled up in their pink snowsuits and mittens, their noses barely peeking out from their hoods. Gina had dressed Daniel similarly in blue, and Logan held his son so he could see what was going on, too, as Eva stood with Hannah ready to help with the kids. Shep and Raina had brought along Joey, Roy and Manuel. Tessa and her husband, Vince, held their children's hands, while Francesca and Grady as well as Emily and Jared stood by with their children. Within driving distance, Tony and Jimmy had brought their wives, children and Christmas along with them. Beside them, Lily and Mitch's colleagues watched from along one stone wall where the twinkle lights flickered high above them.

Lily had wanted them all here to witness this joyous celebration. She loved Mitch so much she wanted everyone who could to share their joy. They'd only be outside for about ten minutes and then they'd go inside for their reception, which would be homey and all theirs.

In a low voice beside Mitch, Matt said, “You two couldn't wait until spring, could you?”

Mitch shook his head. “Not a chance. You and I both know each day is a precious gift, and I want to spend them all with Lily.”

Lily cuddled closer to Mitch, not at all cold, just wanting to feel him near. He was wearing a black, Western-cut leather jacket. His hand and wrist were still bandaged. After Christmas they would fly back to Houston for an exam by the doctor and decide whether
Mitch was ready for physical therapy. The surgery had gone well, but it might take time for him to have use of those fingers again.

Reverend Allbright made some opening remarks and then said, “I understand the two of you have vows to make to each other.”

“We do,” they said in unison.

“Whoever wants to go first,” the kindly older man invited.

Lily took Mitch's hands, one bandaged and one not, in both of hers. “I know how important vows and promises are to you. I promise to love you from morning till night and every minute in between. I vow to be your partner, lover and friend and I will always respect your opinion in raising our girls. Each and every day, I will try to bring happiness into your life and will be proud to call you my husband.”

Mitch cleared his throat and held on to her as tightly as she was holding on to him. “I was broken when I met you, in ways I didn't even understand. Your acceptance, passion and caring have changed that. Having you and Sophie and Grace in my life has healed past wounds. I want nothing more than to be your husband and their dad. You are everything I've ever wanted, the woman I didn't even know I hoped to find. I love you, Lily, and I will cherish you, protect you, honor and respect you every day of our lives.”

The minister opened his hand to Lily. Raina handed her a wide gold band and Lily placed it in the minister's hand. Matt handed Mitch a circle of diamonds and Mitch placed that in the minister's palm, also.

Reverend Allbright said, “These rings embody the circle of love that you have promised each other. I give
them to you now to slide onto each other's fingers in memory of this night, the vows you have made and the love you will share.”

Lily took the ring again and slid it onto Mitch's finger. “I thee wed,” she said solemnly.

Mitch took the ring from the minister's hand and slid it onto Lily's finger. “I thee wed,” he echoed, just as solemnly.

They held hands and faced forward again.

Reverend Allbright smiled. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Mitch took Lily into his arms and she lifted her face to his. Their kiss was an embodiment of everything their ceremony had entailed.

When Mitch raised his head, he said loud and clear, “I love you.”

She kissed him again and buried her nose by his ear. “I love you, too.”

Everyone around them was applauding and they realized they weren't alone in the universe. With her husband beside her, Lily went to Grace and lifted her into her arms. Mitch did the same with Sophie and they came together for a group hug.

“Can we cut the cake now?” Joey asked.

“We can cut the cake,” Mitch announced happily, tickling Sophie.

After more hugs all around, they headed into Mitch's house, ready to begin their lives and the future they would build together.