Chapter 20 I Do... or Do I?
The morning of January 15th dawned crisp and clear in Evergreen Hollow, a rare break in the winter weather that felt like a good omen. Snow blanketed the ground like a pristine white carpet, and the sun peeked through the pines, casting a golden hue over the tree farm. Holly woke in Rowan's arms, her body still humming from the previous night's lovemaking—a slow, tender session on the living room floor after Lily went to bed, where he'd worshiped every inch of her with his mouth and hands before taking her from behind, whispering filthy promises about their honeymoon.
"Today's the day," Rowan murmured, his voice gravelly as he nuzzled her neck. His hand slid between her thighs, finding her already wet. "One last time as fiancés?"
Holly arched into his touch, moaning softly. "Make it count." He did—fingers curling inside her, thumb on her clit, bringing her to a quick, shuddering orgasm before flipping her onto her stomach and entering her slowly, deeply. They moved in unison, his weight pinning her, thrusts building to a frantic pace. "Come with me," he growled, and they did, his release hot inside her as she clenched around him.
Post-climax bliss was short-lived; the day exploded into action. Holly's mom arrived with breakfast—muffins and coffee—while Jack hauled in decorations. Lily bounced around in her pajamas, excited for her flower girl role. "Is it time yet? Can I wear my dress?"
"Soon, sweetie," Holly said, hugging her. But as she checked her phone, a text from the florist pinged: Slight delay on delivery due to icy roads. No big deal, but the first ripple.
At the tree farm, setup was underway. Workers strung lights and set up chairs in neat rows facing an arch of evergreens. The barn buzzed with caterers arranging tables, the scent of roast chicken wafting through. Holly, in a robe, oversaw it all while getting hair and makeup done in a makeshift bridal suite—a heated trailer.
Rowan, meanwhile, suited up with the guys at home. Jack clapped him on the back. "Nervous, buddy?"
"Only about the ex showing up," Rowan joked, but his jaw tightened. Anna had called last week, fishing for info on Lily. He'd shut her down, but the unease lingered.
Back at the venue, drama struck. As Holly slipped into her dress—the lace hugging her curves, veil pinned in her curls—her phone rang. It was Sarah, Jack's girlfriend and bridesmaid. "Holly, emergency! My car slid off the road. I'm fine, but stuck. Tow truck's coming, but I might be late."
Holly's heart sank. "The ceremony's in two hours! Okay, deep breaths. We'll stall if needed."
But it escalated. The photographer called next: Flat tire, running behind. Then the band: Drummer sick, sub en route. Holly paced the trailer, dress swishing, as Rowan texted updates from the groom's side. "Everything okay over there?"
"Not really," she replied. "Mini crises everywhere."
He arrived minutes later, sneaking in despite tradition. "Hey, beautiful." His eyes devoured her in the dress, heat flaring. "What's wrong?"
Holly explained, stress evident. Rowan pulled her close, careful of the gown. "We'll handle it. That's what teams do." His hands roamed her back, dipping lower to squeeze her ass. "Let me help you relax."
"Rowan, now?" But she didn't pull away as he backed her against the wall, hiking up her dress. "The door's locked," he assured, dropping to his knees. He pushed aside her white lace panties—bought special for the day—and buried his face between her thighs. His tongue lapped eagerly, sucking her clit, fingers thrusting inside. Holly gripped his hair, moaning as tension melted into pleasure. She came fast, legs shaking, the release clearing her head.
"Better?" he asked, standing with a smug grin, lips glistening.
"Much." She kissed him, tasting herself. "Your turn later."
Guests arrived as the sun climbed higher. Family mingled, the team joking in their suits. But as Holly peeked from the trailer, a familiar figure caught her eye: Anna, Rowan's ex, striding toward the arch like she owned the place. Dressed in a tight red coat, blonde hair flawless, she scanned the crowd.
Holly's stomach dropped. "Oh no." She texted Rowan: Anna's here. WTF?
He burst into the trailer moments later, face thunderous. "I'll handle it."
Together, they confronted her outside, away from prying eyes. Anna smiled sweetly, but her eyes were sharp. "Rowan, darling. I heard about the wedding. Thought I'd stop by to see Lily."
"You weren't invited," Rowan growled, stepping protectively in front of Holly. "Leave. Now."
Anna's gaze flicked to Holly, appraising. "So this is the matchmaker who fixed my mess? Cute. But Lily's my daughter too. I deserve to be here."
Holly's temper flared. "You left her. On Christmas Eve. You don't get to waltz back in."
Anna laughed bitterly. "I made a mistake. I'm clean now, stable. I want shared custody."
Rowan's fists clenched. "Over my dead body. Get out, or I'll call the cops."
Tension crackled. Guests whispered, sensing drama. Jack approached, eyes narrowing. "Problem?"
Anna huffed, turning on her heel. "This isn't over." She stormed off, but not before tossing over her shoulder, "Congrats on the rebound, Rowan."
Holly trembled with rage. Rowan pulled her into a hug. "She's gone. Focus on us."
But the interruption delayed everything. The florist arrived late, bouquets wilting slightly from the cold. Sarah made it, disheveled but smiling. The photographer rushed in, apologizing profusely.
As the ceremony began, another hitch: The unity candle wouldn't light, wind gusting unexpectedly. Pastor Ellis improvised, skipping to vows. Rowan went first, voice steady despite the chaos. "Holly, from our fake date bet to this real forever, you've melted my grumpy heart. I vow to love you through storms—literal and figurative—to protect our family, and to make every day feel like Christmas magic."
Tears streamed down Holly's face. "Rowan, you and Lily are my happy ending. I vow to stand by you on and off the ice, to heal old wounds, and to love you fiercely, always."
They exchanged rings, the silver bands sliding on with a finality that soothed the day's frenzy. "I now pronounce you husband and wife," Pastor Ellis said. "Kiss your bride."
Rowan did—deep, passionate, hands cupping her face as cheers erupted. For a moment, drama faded.
The reception in the barn was a warm haven. Lights twinkled, music played, food steamed. Toasts flowed: Jack's hilarious recount of the bet, Holly's mom tearful about gaining a son. But whispers about Anna circulated.
During their first dance, Rowan held Holly close. "Sorry about the ex drama."
She smiled up at him. "Adds to our story. Besides, you're mine now."
His hand slid lower, squeezing her ass discreetly. "Damn right. Can't wait to consummate this."
Heat bloomed between them. After cake—smeared playfully on faces—they slipped away to the trailer for a "quick break." Door locked, Rowan hiked up her dress, panties ripped aside. "Mrs. Kane," he growled, thrusting into her against the wall. It was rough, urgent—her legs around his waist, nails digging into his suit as he pounded deep. "Come for your husband."
She did, crying out, and he followed, filling her with a groan.
Refreshed, they returned to the party. But drama wasn't done: A call from Rowan's lawyer—Anna had filed for emergency visitation. "We'll fight it," Rowan said, jaw set.
The night ended with fireworks—literal ones over the trees—and goodbyes. In the limo to the inn (honeymoon tomorrow), Rowan and Holly decompressed. "Wild day," she said.
"Understatement." He pulled her onto his lap, dress bunching up. They made love slowly in the moving car—her riding him, veil still on, his hands on her breasts, pinching nipples through lace. "I love you, wife."
"I love you, husband." Climax hit together, sealing the day.
At the inn, they collapsed into bed, but energy surged. Rowan stripped her fully, exploring her body like new territory—kissing scars, sucking toes, fingering her ass teasingly. "All mine," he murmured, entering her from behind, slow and deep. They experimented—her on top, then missionary with legs over shoulders, his thumb on her clit. Multiple orgasms later, spent and sated, they slept entwined.
Morning brought resolve: They'd face Anna together. But for now, in honeymoon bliss, love conquered all.