Sweet Christmas Kisses (163 page)

“Oh right.” Julia cleared her throat, and her face transformed to one of abject sorry. “You need a new snow princess for tonight. I can’t do it.”

“What do you mean, you can’t?” Noelle said, tension racing up her spine to twist around her shoulders. “You promised.”

The snow princess was second only to Santa in terms of popularity in Covington Falls. Every year, she led the candlelight processional down Main Street where she directed the choir in the Singing Christmas Tree. Then she flipped the switch to turn the tree on. In reality, the choir members had battery packs, but to the observers, it appeared as though the snow princess magically activated the tree.

“I know, I know,” Julia said. “It’s this baby. I’ve been so sick, throwing up night and day. I can’t think of anything worse than Her Highness losing her cookies all along Main Street.”

“I thought you said you only got sick in the morning.”

Julia’s lips tightened. “That was last week. This week it’s bad. Like the-girl-who-threw-up-pea-soup-in-that-movie bad.”

“You look fine to me,” Noelle said. She felt horrible about pushing, but she couldn’t lose the snow princess so close to the proceedings. “Just try. I’m sure everything will go well.”

“No. I don’t trust myself,” Julia insisted.

“All right. I don’t want to push if you’re feeling sick, but who will we get to fill in on such short notice? I’d do it but I have so much going on.”

“I think Addison would be perfect,” Julia said, already leading the way back to the tree.

“She’s busy with the choir and the kids.”

“Meredith can handle them, and I’ll help out.”

“I thought you were sick?” Noelle said. A sudden suspicion occurred to her. Julia didn’t seem ill at all. In fact, she was glowing. So why did she want Addison to take over? “Julia? Is something else going on?”

“What? No! Why would you say that?” Julia cried, looking everywhere but at Noelle.

“Really?” Noelle asked, pinning her friend with a penetrating stare. “What are you up to? Don’t lie to me. Remember, I’m responsible if something goes wrong.”

Julia sighed. “Don’t worry. Nothing will go wrong. If all goes well, it will be the most memorably event Covington Falls has witnessed in years. But
only
if Addison is the snow princess.”

What else could Noelle do except relent? “Fine. We’ll get Addison to cover for you.”

As it turned out, persuading Addison to take on the role took all of thirty seconds.

“I get to wear a glittery dress and a crown and carry a crystal scepter?” Addison asked, blue eyes wide with fascination.

“That’s the costume,” Noelle said.

“I’ve always wanted to do that!” Addison said, beaming with pleasure.

“You’re a little shorter than Julia, so we’ll need to locate a seamstress to redo the hem,” Noelle said.

“My stepmother Grace can take care of that,” Julia said. “In fact, she’s waiting at the church now.”

“Then I’ll leave you to transform Her Royal Highness,” Noelle said. “I need to change as well. I must look like a fright by now.”

“You’re beautiful just as you are,” Kirk answered right on cue.

“And you’re good,” Julia said, eyeing the doctor with admiration. “We really need to find you the right woman.”

“Hello?” Noelle asked, waving a hand in Julia’s face. “What am I?”

“A distraction,” she answered. She looked at Kirk again. “Although that face could have its uses when it comes to a certain
friend
.”

Heat rushed up from Noelle’s chest to envelop her entire being. “You and Addison are both devious.”

“We’re both right, too.” She took the soon-to-be-snow-princess’ arm. “Come on, My Lady.”

As dusk began to settle over Covington Falls, Noelle and Kirk, along with the child-genius, Ella, took the crates of candles and drove to Seth’s church where the processional would start. Michael and Holly met them at the car. A large crowd had already started to gather in the parking lot. Noelle vowed to ignore Michael. She still couldn’t believe the strong-arm tactics he’d used earlier with Kirk. Just like a man to try and stake a claim to someone he wouldn’t even fight for.

“Glad you could make it,” Holly said. “The natives are starting to get restless.”

“Sorry. Slight change of plans with the snow princess.”

“Please tell me we didn’t lose Julia!” Holly said, panic widening her eyes. “We need her.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got the perfect substitute. A real star, in fact.”

At that moment, the church doors opened, and the woman of the hour emerged. Noelle gasped right along with the citizens of Covington Falls.

Addison reached the top step and paused, no doubt to let her minions take in her appearance. The Hollywood diva had been transformed into royalty. A form-fitting sheath of white encrusted with a million crystals hugged the star’s curves like a glove. A thirty-foot swath of shimmering blue silk swept the ground behind her. White silk gloves embraced her arms, and atop her head rested a glittering tiara.

“She sure does know how to make an entrance,” Holly muttered with the slightest touch of cattiness.

“Yeah,” Noelle said, sighing with envy. Every male in the crowd probably wanted Addison at that moment. What must it be like to have that kind of effect on men?

“If she wasn’t so nice and down-to-earth, I could almost hate her,” Holly said.

A gurgle of laughter bubbled up. “I know.”

The sisters shared a conspiratorial grin. “She will make the perfect snow princess. Maybe the best ever.”

“Yeah.”

While Addison enjoyed her moment, Noelle and her crew began distributing candles. By the time full darkness fell, everyone had a light, and they fell into formation for the trek up Main Street. Addison was situated in a horse-drawn carriage festooned with tinsel and lights.

“Okay, folks,” Noelle called as soon as the carriage headed for the street. “Light ‘em up!”

A thousand candles went on, and even in the crowded parking lot, the effect was magical. Noelle sighed in pleasure while a murmur of excitement went up. Meredith and her choir followed the carriage. They began singing a carol,and within a couple measures everyone else joined in.

“You two take the rear and encourage the stragglers,” Noelle told Michael and her sister. “I’ll stay with the choir to make sure the Living Christmas Tree actually comes to life.”

“Aye, aye.” Holly disappeared into the darkness, dragging Michael along before he could protest.

Kirk appeared at her side, an extra candle in his hand. “I figured you’d forget to grab one for yourself.”

“You’re right,” she said. “What a gentleman.”

“What’s a gentleman?” Ella asked.

“A man who takes care of the people he loves.”

“My daddy takes care of me now,” the little girl said, as if pondering the meaning of such a thing.

“That’s right, because he loves you,” Noelle said.

Ella turned to her father. “Is that true?”

He swallowed, his eyes suspiciously wet. “Yes, baby.”

Her button nose wrinkled. “I’m not a baby.”

“Here’s the thing about daddies and daughters,” Noelle said, taking Ella’s hand and leading her out of the parking lot. “You will always be his baby, no matter how old you are. My dad says the same thing.”

“But you grew up with your daddy.”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s just how daddies are hard-wired.”

“Hmm.” Ella obviously needed to digest the new information. The concept of daddy was one she still hadn’t quite grasped.

Kirk didn’t need to contemplate Noelle’s words. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”

Noelle allowed herself to snuggle closer for a moment, but it wasn’t long before Ella squirmed between them.

Kirk took his daughter’s hand, smiling at Noelle over the little girl’s head.

The human parade wound its way up Main Street. All the shops had stayed open, and the glow from the stores, along with the lights in the display windows, transformed the street into a twinkling wonderland. Noelle glanced over her shoulder to see a blanket of candles as far as the eye could see.

A table had been set up outside Jesse’s Treats
,
and Jesse handed out coffee and hot chocolate to anyone who wanted some.

The choir transitioned to another carol. Noelle tried to join in, but her vocal chords constricted, choked off by a lump of emotion. If her dad hadn’t gotten sick, she’d be in Atlanta right now. In a couple weeks, she’d follow through on her pledge to leave town. If all went as planned, she wouldn’t be here for the processional next year. She’d miss the opening parade, the tree lighting, the Singing Christmas Tree.

She’d be surrounded by strangers. People who didn’t know she was a jilted bride. It was what she wanted, but suddenly the idea made her want to weep.

Before long, they reached Rice Circle. Noelle rushed forward to help Addison out of the carriage, but her stepson Aaron appeared. He waved Noelle off and indicated he would take over.

Aaron had not been part of the plan.

Noelle’s confusion increased when she noticed a long red carpet stretching out and disappearing into the middle of the Christmas Village. Votive candles in white bags lined the carpet.

“What’s going on?” Noelle asked.

Addison looked at the carpet. “Isn’t this part of the show?”

“No.”

“It’s all right, Mom,” her stepson said, hooking his elbow out. “Take my arm.”

Addison eyed him with suspicion. “What are you up to, Aaron Carmichael?”

“For once, don’t argue. Just come with me.”

By now, the rest of townspeople had reached the square. Michael and Holly appeared at Noelle’s side.

“Any idea what’s happening?” Michael asked.

“No, but I have a feeling my show has been hijacked.”

Aaron and Addison stepped onto the carpet and swept through the gate toward the center of the park. Noelle had no choice but to follow along. Aaron stopped about twenty feet from the Christmas tree. Then Julia appeared. She was dressed in a forest green dress with a white wrap. At her side were Ethan Thomas’ sisters-in-law. Ethan’s mother was also there, as well as Addison’s great aunt. So was a gorgeous and very famous redhead… Sydney James, Addison’s former co-star from
House of Fashion
.

They looked like a… well… a wedding party.

“Who did all this?” Addison asked with a tremor in her voice. She must have figured out part of the puzzle.

“Hopefully, the man who will be your husband in a few minutes,” Sydney said, pointing toward the Christmas tree.

Sure enough, Ethan Thomas had appeared along with his two brothers, and Brian Lawson and Eric Austin. All five men wore black tuxedos with green cummerbunds. Ethan’s twin sons, dressed in miniature suits, stood in front of the group, and Seth Graham was there as well.

“Since you two couldn’t seem to find the perfect date for a wedding, Ethan decided to make one,” Julia said.

Addison’s mouth dropped open, and then a glowing smile transformed her face. “He’s pretty sure of himself.”

“He should be,” Julia said with a husky laugh. “Only a knight of the first order could pull off a surprise wedding.”

The crowd had finally clued in as well, and applause went up around the square.

“Just to be clear, you’re not sick, Julia?” Noelle asked.

Guilt chased across her features. “Sorry. I had to get Addison into the costume somehow.” She looked at Addison. “Are you ready to tie the knot?”

“I’ve been ready forever,” she said, never taking her eyes off Ethan.

Julia grinned. “Good girl.”

She raised her hand and gestured to the dais, where Meredith had appeared. Music piped in through the loudspeakers, and then Meredith began to sing “Ave Maria.”

Once more, Noelle could only go along with the change of plans. She watched as the bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Then Aaron took Addison’s arm and led her toward Ethan.

Seth stepped forward. “Family and friends, we welcome you tonight to witness the long-awaited union of two lost souls who have been found. Two broken hearts that are whole again.” He smiled at the teenager. “Who gives this woman to this man?”

“I do,” Aaron said, standing tall and proud.

Holly came to stand next to Noelle. “Ethan Thomas has set a new standard for the men of Covington Falls.”

“I think he’s just blown everybody else out of the water,” Noelle said, swallowing past the lump in her throat.

Aaron kissed his stepmother’s cheek and then took his seat.

Seth continued the ceremony. “Life is a journey of constant surprises,” he said. “From the deepest despair rises unmatched joy. Ethan and Addison, I know the journey you’ve traveled has not been easy. You have both experienced great loss, leaving you to wonder if you would ever know happiness again. But God has always had his hand on you, and His miracles are evident in the fact that you are standing here today.” He paused and addressed the bride. “On a personal note, Addison, you have made my best friend complete, and for that I can’t thank you enough. I know his Jenny would approve. So it makes me happier than you can imagine to ask you to repeat after me…”

Noelle tried to focus on the vows, but the only thought crowding her head was a note. Once more, Doug’s words swam before her eyes. A sharp pain lodged in her chest. In some ways, it seemed as if she’d been struggling to breathe ever since that day.

She did focus on Ethan, and what she saw in his face caused the quiet ache to explode in a fiery burn of agony. Doug had never looked at her with such longing. He never would have moved heaven and earth to create such a magical moment. He’d fled town rather than tie himself to her. Fled with her best friend.

“I have to go,” Noelle whispered to her sister.

“What?” Holly dragged her gaze away from the wedding.

“I can’t. This… it’s too much.”

Holly reached out. “Oh, honey…”

Through a veil of tears, Noelle pushed past her sister and ran, heading into the welcoming darkness of the trees. She ended up by the nativity, which was mercifully empty, save for the animals. Someone had brought Fred and company from the enclosure.

Probably Michael. He took care of everything these days. When he wasn’t avoiding her. Thinking about Michael caused a new ache to bloom. Why did she keep tangling her emotions with unavailable men? Either they ran away or closed themselves off.