“Speaking of, we better get everyone out there so you guys can pick out your trees and get them secured to take home before we lose daylight.”
I stood on a chair and whistled, drawing everyone’s attention to me.
“I wanted to first say thank you, friends and family, for coming out again this year and spending your Thanksgiving afternoon and evening with me and Abby.”
Cheers rang out among everyone. I peeked over to see that Abby’s cheeks were red.
I held up my hands to quiet everyone down. “We’re going to be heading out on the tractor and trailer, so everyone can pick out a tree. Afterward, we’ll head back up to the firepit for s’mores, hot dogs, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate. I think everyone knows the drill by now, but any questions?”
Bryce called out, “The only question I’ve got is: are you two finally back together?”
More cheers and whistles rang through the small group. I looked down to see that Abby had walked over to me. I reached out a hand. She looked at it, then at me.
“Give me your hand, Abs.”
She smiled and set her hand in mine, allowing me to pull her up onto the chair.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
I pulled her close and kissed her.
Abby wrapped her arms around my neck and deepened the kiss. The noise around us slowly disappeared as we both got lost in the moment. It was Abby who finally broke away first.
Turning to look back at Bryce, I yelled out, “Does that answer your question?”
He let out a roar of laughter. “It sure as hell does!”
“You’re crazy,” Abby said with a laugh. God, how I loved that laugh of hers. I’d missed it a lot more than I’d realized.
We jumped down, and I put my arm around her waist. “For you, I am.”
“Shall we?” she asked, motioning for me to lead the way.
“Let’s go.” Together, we walked over to the tractor. Abby started to climb up, but I pulled her back down. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Driving the tractor.”
With a disbelieving chuckle, I shook my head. “You’re not driving the tractor.”
She pouted. “Why not?”
“One, it’s been at least two years since you’ve driven it. And two, you can sit on my lap while I drive it.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “I think I’ll sit in the trailer and help Bryce pass out hot chocolate.”
I winked. “Next year, I’ll let you drive the tractor.”
Abby
To say I’d been floating on cloud nine all evening would be an understatement. After everyone picked out their trees, baled them, and loaded them up, we all sat around the firepit and drank cider and hot chocolate. A few folks enjoyed a beer or two, and nearly everyone roasted marshmallows for s’mores.
It was wonderful to be able to catch up with everyone as we laughed and talked about anything and everything. I’d been nervous about how some people would feel about me being there. Especially on a night when it was all our good friends and family, and I knew I’d hurt most of them by leaving. But, like Bishop, everyone made me feel so welcomed and loved. My cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much.
His eyes met mine, and I grinned like a little schoolgirl talking to her first crush. It had been happening all night. I would feel Bishop’s eyes on me, and when I searched for him, our eyes would meet. My stomach would drop or my chest would flutter. It used to happen like that before I left too. I had always been so aware of Bishop’s presence. It was almost like we breathed as one. And for that to have simply picked up again, like no time had passed, was amazing. A testament to our love.
“If you keep staring at him like that, everyone’s going to know what you’re thinking.”
My face grew hot as I looked up at Arabella. She sat down, and we wrapped our arms together. She lay her head on my shoulder and sighed. “I’m so happy for you, Abby. I know how much you love Bishop.”
I tilted my head so it rested on hers. “Just like I know how much you love Hunter.”
Her body stiffened.
“Arabella, don’t you think it’s time to tell him? It’s so clear to me that he still has feelings for you. I know you don’t want to see it, but after the other night at the sleepover…the way he looked at you. Everyone saw it.”
“I thought everyone was noticing how you and Bishop looked at each other.”
“And now look at us.”
Arabella lifted her head off my shoulder. “It’s been too long, Abby. So much has happened between us that I’m not even sure I can tell him. I don’t even want to think about it myself, let alone tell Hunter.”
“Who says it’s been too long? Arabella, you’re miserable. You love him. He clearly has feelings for you. I know it’s scary—believe me, I know. I thought for sure Bishop would never forgive me, and look at us. I’m so over-the-moon happy right now, I can’t think straight.”
She grinned. “It’s not about me right now. It’s about you. I still can’t believe you asked him to marry you!”
With a slight chuckle, I replied, “I know. But it just felt so right.”
“When do you want to get married?”
I glanced around for Bishop and saw him standing with Kyle and Hunter over by the barn. They were helping Bishop’s folks load a Christmas tree onto their car.
I looked back at Arabella and leaned in closer. “I need your help with something.”
“Okay,” she said in a cautious tone. “What do you need my help with?”
After another quick look around, I said, “I need your help planning our wedding without Bishop knowing.”
Her brows pulled in. “Wait…what?”
I stood and took her by the arm, casually walking us a bit farther away from everyone. “Bishop once told me he wished we had gotten married on Christmas Eve, and he suggested that someday we renew our vows then.”
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
Nodding, I said, “Yes. I know it’s only a month away, but I’d love to surprise him with a wedding on Christmas Eve. Would you help me plan it? I want it to be simple. Nothing big, just our closest friends and family.”
Arabella’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to help you plan your wedding!”
“Shh, we have to keep it between us.”
“Okay, but how will we get everyone to show up?”
“I was thinking we could host a Christmas Eve lunch or dinner here, in the greenhouse. We can set up the tables and decorate them for the reception, but Bishop will think it’s just for the lunch or dinner.”
Arabella did a little jump and clapped her hands together. “This is going to be so much fun! I’ve already got some ideas for the food swirling around in my head. Would you mind if I asked Candace to help with the food? I’m sure you’re going to be busy with the flowers and such.”
“I don’t mind at all.”
“What are you two whispering about over here?” Bishop asked as he walked up to us.
“Abby just had a great idea! A little Christmas Eve luncheon in the greenhouse.”
Bishop looked at me with raised brows. “Can we get the greenhouse cleaned up by then?”