Christmas music rang throughout the house as Ayden and I prepared for our wedding. I still couldn’t believe it was happening today or that he had planned all of this as a surprise for me. He told me he wanted our first Christmas together to be unforgettable, but he’d succeeded long before he announced the surprise for today.

As I stood in front of the mirror inside the bedroom, Andi zipped the dress she’d found hanging in my closet. It wasn’t my wedding dress. I had yet to pick one, but I’d purchased this dress for the annual Christmas party we had at Music Haven. Since I wouldn’t be able to attend it this year, there was no point in letting the dress go to waste. Besides, it was one of the few dresses I owned that accommodated my waistline.

Chuckling to myself, I placed my hand on my belly and patted it. A slight thump came from inside and teased my palm.

“Is the baby moving?”

I glanced at Andi as she walked around to face me. “Yeah. Right here.” I pressed her hand to my stomach and waited for more movement.

After a solid minute, she frowned. “I don’t feel anything.”

“She’s just getting active. I’ve spoken with my obstetrician a few times, and he said I’ll notice more movement in the next few weeks.”

Andi’s brows rose. “You said she. Did you find out it’s a girl?”

Heat filled my cheeks when I realized my slip. “No, we haven’t found out the baby’s sex. Ayden said he feels like it’s a girl. I guess it’s grown on me.”

“It wouldn’t surprise me if it was a girl. I’ve always thought of you having a daughter, not that you would love a son any less. No matter what you have, your baby will be loved by many people, especially you and Ayden.”

“Don’t forget Grandma Kay.”

I spun at the sound of Ayden’s mother’s voice and felt a surge of excitement as soon as I saw her. She had the warmest smile covering her face as she approached me with open arms.

“Kay, you made it.” I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Your father was kind to fly us out here.”

When we broke our embrace, I gazed at her. “Neither Ayden nor I would want to do this without your family’s presence. We wanted our loved ones to be with us today.”

“Mia!” Toni squealed my name as she came running into the room. She raced toward me and wrapped her arms around my legs. I patted her back until she released me.

“Toni, you’re just the person I needed today. How would you like to be my flower girl?”

Aunt Jenny and Grandma Hannah walked in just as Toni’s big, blue eyes widened. The second she saw her mother, she ran toward her. “Momma, can I be Mia’s flower girl?”

Aunt Jenny nodded. “Of course.”

When she saw me, she smiled and mouthed the words thank you. After she and Grandma Hannah joined us, Kay grabbed my hands. “We’re not going to keep you. I know you have to finish getting ready, but we have something for you.”

“You do?” Confusion filled me as I glanced at each of them.

Jenny removed the large tote she was carrying on her arm and set it on the bed. As she searched for something inside it, I looked at Kay. “My curiosity is killing me.”

“Well, we were hoping you followed a famous tradition many brides do. You know about the adage, something old, something new?”

I nodded. “Something borrowed, and something blue.”

“That’s the one.” Kay chuckled and motioned toward her sister. “We have something for you if you would do us the honor.”

My heart fluttered. Ayden’s mother was going to make me cry. I pressed my lips together to keep them from trembling as I nodded my head and faced Aunt Jenny. She removed a bouquet of white roses wrapped in silver and blue ribbon.

“Kay and I made this for you. It’s your something blue.”

Accepting the bouquet from her, I stared at the flower arrangement as pride filled me. “Thank you both. These are beautiful. I’m honored to carry them with me today.”

Aunt Jenny held the tote open as Grandma Hannah grabbed something out of the bag. I took a few steps closer to her so she wouldn’t have to come to me. Then she presented me with something I didn’t expect. A tiara.

“Wow! It’s so pretty.” I touched the tip of it, dazed at the exquisite beauty of the piece. The diamonds sparkled in the light coming from the window.

“This is a tiara I won in a beauty pageant oh so many moons ago.” She cackled at the reference to her age. “I met Ayden’s grandfather during that pageant, and after we decided to marry, I wore this tiara. My girls wore it when they were married. Toni will wear it someday, but right now, it’s your turn. This is your something borrowed, my dear.”

Once she placed the tiara in my hands, I was too stunned to move. It was a valuable family heirloom and something that would be passed on for generations. If Ayden was right and our child was a girl, I had no doubt she would wear it for her wedding day too.

It was at this moment that I realized how fortunate I was. Ayden was one hell of a man. I felt lucky to have him in my life. Now I was gaining his remarkable family too.

“Speaking of this famous tradition, I have something for you too.” Andi left my side and grabbed something from the overnight bag she brought with her. I didn’t see what it was until she was standing in front of me again.

“I bought this a month ago for your bridal shower, but since we’re kind of skipping that part, I’m giving it to you now. It can be your something new.”

It was almost as if she, Kay, and Jenny had coordinated their gifts. The blue ribbon on my bouquet matched the fabric on the garter Andi purchased. I was touched by their thoughtfulness and grateful they could celebrate this day with Ayden and me.

“You guys are the best. Thank you so much. Now all I need is something old.”

“I have just the thing.”

This time, it was my father’s voice that drew my attention to the doorway. He was standing just inside, smiling at all of us. The second he saw me he came closer.

“Dad. I’m so glad you’re here.”

Embracing me, he hugged me tighter and longer than anyone. I hadn’t considered what this day meant for him. Even though I was in my mid-twenties, I was still his baby. He would always see me as his little girl. Today, he would give me away to the man who promised to love and cherish me for the rest of my life. It was bittersweet for him because I knew he was thinking the same thing I was. We both wished Mom were here.

When he finally pulled away, he tried to blink the tears from his eyes. I didn’t let on like I saw them. Instead, I gave him a quizzical glance. “So, what’s this something old? I hope you weren’t referring to yourself.”

He chuckled, just like I hoped he would. “I guess that could have worked, but I have something even better.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a jewelry box and handed it to me. The hinges gave once I lifted the top and stared at a gorgeous pair of diamond and pearl earrings.

“Dad, these are beautiful. Were they Grandma Amelia’s?”

“No.” His lips pressed together as he kept his focus on the jewelry box. “They belonged to your mother.”

My chest tightened to the point an ache began. Each beat of my heart intensified the pain. I held my breath a moment, hoping it would make it stop.

It continued, to no avail. My father must have sensed something off because he took the box back. I was about to tell him no when I realized he was removing the earrings. One by one, he put them in my ears then stepped back to admire me.

“Your mother wore these the day we were married. She would want you to wear them today. Had she been here, she would have given them to you to keep. Perhaps you’ll have a daughter to pass them to one day.”

“Thank you, Dad.” My voice cracked as tears flooded my eyes. Though death may have robbed my mother the opportunity to be here, I knew she was with me in spirit, just like my grandparents and Ayden’s grandfather. We would carry them in our hearts when we said our vows today.

Mia was mine. No one in the world could deny that now. The wedding band on her left finger matched the one on mine. It was a symbol of our love and a message to others that we were committed to each other for the rest of our lives.

Now that the ceremony was over, I recounted the event as it happened. From the moment Mia walked down the staircase, I hadn’t taken my eyes off her. The dress she wore was beautiful. It hugged her body in the right places, including her round belly. My heart swelled with pride as soon as I saw her.

Uncle Johnny managed to avoid cracking any jokes during the ceremony after threatening to do so while I was changing. My father assured me that he’d help me kick his ass if he did. Much to my surprise, my uncle grew emotional while officiating. Something about weddings brought out a side of people they didn’t always know existed. I was glad to see another side of my uncle today.

Leaning against the wall near the fireplace, Mia stood in front of me with her back against my chest. We watched as Toni opened the gifts we’d bought her. The moment my little cousin discovered the dress Mia picked out, she wanted to change into it right then. Aunt Jenny had a hell of a time convincing her to finish opening her presents.

Gazing past the Christmas tree, the gray winter sky shifted to slate, signaling evening’s quick approach. I glanced at the clock on the wall, dreading the reality of what it meant. The time we had with our family would end soon, but as much as I hated to see everyone leave, I looked forward to spending the rest of the evening with my wife.

My wife . . . The words spun in my mind. It was surreal. I couldn’t believe everything came together as well as it had. It wasn’t because I did a great job planning everything. It was the people who wanted to celebrate this special day with us. They were what made this day complete. I knew my family would come prepared.

Once Toni ripped off the wrapping paper of her last gift, she tore into the box. The doll she pulled out had her eyes lighting up. “Mommy, mommy, look. It’s a baby.”

“She’s so pretty, Toni. I think she looks just like you.” Aunt Jenny played with the doll’s hair while Toni grinned from ear to ear.

I had to give Mia credit. She knew the perfect gifts to get my little cousin. She had taken the time to play with Toni while we were in Tennessee and it paid off. She learned enough about her to know what she would want for Christmas.

“Okay, munchkin. We need to pack up your gifts and get ready to head home.” Aunt Jenny motioned for Uncle Johnny to get their coats.

“I don’t wanna.” Toni hugged her baby doll and sat beside her mother. “I wanna stay with Ayden and Mia.”

“How about you come to visit us soon? Would you like that?” Mia walked toward the sofa where my aunt and cousin were sitting. When Toni nodded, Mia wiggled her pinky in front of her. “Let’s make it a pinky promise. That way you know it won’t be broken.”

Toni reached her hands towards Mia, who linked her smallest fingers with my little cousin’s. When they finished, Toni hugged her. “I’ll miss you.”

Mia bent over to hug her. “I’ll miss you too, but a promise is a promise. We’ll see each other really soon. I can’t wait for you to see where Ayden and I live.”

A yawn escaped Toni as she began rubbing her eyes. Uncle Johnny handed Aunt Jenny their coats as everyone else collected their things. Most of the items were already sitting beside the door. Bentley and Andi were packed and ready to head out too. I hated to see them driving back so late, but it was something that couldn’t be avoided. They had to keep things going at Music Haven.

Once everyone was ready, we gathered by the door. Hugs were exchanged, congratulations were offered, and promises to see each other soon were made. Mia’s father welcomed me to the family once more. Then one by one, they filed out the door. Bentley helped Andi inside the SUV they’d driven while my family loaded up in the minivan Mia’s father rented from the airport.

Mia and I stood on the deck waving to everyone as they pulled down the driveway. We watched their taillights disappear before we walked back inside the cabin. I relocked the door as Mia continued through the room.

I found her standing in front of the fireplace when I finished. She was warming her hands as the light from the fire made her face glow. Just watching her made my heart race. She was my life.

Standing just behind her, I lowered my head toward hers. “We’re alone at last, Mrs. McAllister.”

“I love hearing you call me that.”

Her lips lifted upward when I curled my arms under her breasts and held her close. I trailed my lips up her neck, kissing little sections until I reached her ear. “I love you.”

She spun to face me this time. “I love you too, Ayden. Sometimes when I think about how much, it hurts.”

“I know the feeling.” I patted my chest. “My love for you is just as strong.”

Our lips met in a tender kiss. It grew rougher with each pass. So did my hands as they moved over Mia’s body. I pulled her closer, lowering the zipper of her dress. As it fell past her hips, I unbuttoned my shirt and yanked it from my arms.

When nothing but skin remained between us, I led her toward the sofa, kissing her every step of the way. As soon as I sat down, I pulled Mia onto my lap and guided her onto my throbbing cock.

Wet heat sheathed me as she slid down me, taking every inch I had to offer her. The instant I was buried inside her, she leaned in to kiss me again, then her hips began to move.

I groaned. This was the moment I’d been waiting for all day. I was finally making love to my wife.

Leaning back, I stared up at her as she rode me. Her face contorted with pleasure, especially when I gripped her hips and guided her. Her nipples grew harder, drawing my attention to them. When I flicked one with my tongue, Mia moaned. Her movements quickened as the wetness surrounding me increased.

My cock pulsed as she contracted around me. I released one nipple and drew the other into my mouth, swirling it at the same pace as her movements. Each rock of her hips had her voice climbing. It wouldn’t be long before she was coming.

Hell, it never took her long when she was on top because she had control.

Reaching my hand higher, I cradled her cheek and thumbed over her lips as she moaned. Her eyes locked with mine then closed.

Then she came.

“Oh, God . . . Yes!”

The strain of her voice had me holding my breath. Each time she contracted around my cock, her body grew weaker. When she finally collapsed against me, I flipped her over, kneeled in front of her, and pulled her bottom to the edge of the sofa. Then I drove myself deep.

Mia’s cries excited me. The more she said my name with labored breaths, the faster I pumped my hips. My cock swelled thick as the sensation I longed for quickly approached. With the next thrust, I came too.

She milked my cock as the last of my come spilled into her. Then my strength faded. I was careful not to put too much of my weight against her belly when I pressed my head against hers. Our breaths mingled as Mia caressed my back, allowing me a moment to rest.

Once I felt strong enough, I grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and sat beside her. After wrapping the blanket around us, Mia curled her body into mine. I held her close, not saying a word as we stared at the Christmas tree. The lights flickered as the wood in the fireplace popped and crackled. It was the most serene I’d felt in years. My life felt complete.

Caressing her belly, I thought about our child. I couldn’t wait to meet the little one she carried inside her. Be it a girl or boy, I knew without a doubt that I would—

Something thumped against my hand as Mia glanced at me. “Did you feel that?”

“Yeah. Was that . . .?” When she nodded, I pressed both hands to her stomach. A second later, a couple more thumps greeted my palms. It finally happened. I’d finally felt our child move.

Nothing in the world could top this moment.