First Kiss at Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain

EPILOGUE

The Next Year, December 26

TONYSTOODATTHEFRONT of the church, sweating.

It wasn’t that hot. The old church was actually poorly insulated, leaving plenty of ways for the Chesapeake wind to come in. The flames of the many red and white candles flickered, and out in the pews, he could see that lots of people had their coats draped around their shoulders.

No, he was sweating because it was finally, finally the day he got to marry Kayla.

They’d waited because they wanted to make sure Jax was used to the idea, and because Christmas was romantic to them, since they’d met during the Christmas season. Most of all, they’d waited because Kayla deserved a real courtship. But it had been a challenge, and Tony was past ready to be married to her and to start spending their lives together.

The bonus of putting off the wedding was that Stella’s killer was in prison. That chapter of their lives was behind them, and he and Jax could start clean, building a family with Kayla.

“You’ll be fine,” Pastor Steve, who was officiating the ceremony, said in low voice.

“This is the worst of it,” Paul added.

“Is it that obvious that I’m nervous?”

Tony’s brother snorted, under cover of the organ music that was starting to get louder. “You’re sweating. Just think how lucky you are that you found someone to put up with you.”

Tony knew it; he was lucky in many ways. Lucky to have these men in his life. What a thing, that he had too many friends to ask them all to be groomsmen, right here in Pleasant Shores. But William had turned him down, saying he wanted to be available to Bisky and their daughter, who was just learning to walk and was a real handful. Drew, too, had said he’d just as soon attend the wedding with his wife and daughters.

Tony was luckier still, or blessed maybe, that his nephew was healing from the traumatic death of his mother. His counseling sessions were once a month now, and were mostly just a chance for him to play with Mixter. Every now and then, he’d get sad or something would prompt another memory, but for the most part, he was a normal, mischievous, happy five-year-old boy.

Most of all, Tony was blessed to have found the love of his life. Kayla was everything he hadn’t known he’d needed. A truly good person who thought of others first. Fun and lighthearted, wonderful with Jax. Beautiful and sexy and pure.

He ran a finger inside the too-tight collar of his tux shirt. He hadn’t wanted to wear a tux, but Kayla and her mom and friends had assured him that he, and all the men, would look “amazing” in black tuxes with red bow ties and cummerbunds. He glanced over at his groomsmen and had to admit, they did look pretty sharp.

He heard a muffled bark and shout in the back of the church and tensed, but the noise was quickly silenced. The people in the pews had heard it, though, and they were chuckling and murmuring.

Looking out at all the guests, he felt a wave of fondness. They’d become his community, and he was going to miss them. But he and Kayla had committed to spend at least a year in Filmore, she teaching in a Head Start program, and he working with the VA’s drug program. It was a trial, to see whether they’d like to live there on a permanent basis.

Tony couldn’t fathom anyone preferring Filmore to Pleasant Shores, even though he’d grown up in Filmore. But Kayla had gotten to know his brother and sister, had spent time in the town and seen the need, and she wanted to help, at least for a year. After that, they’d see.

In any case, they’d spend summers here in Pleasant Shore.

There was a change in the music, and the congregation’s murmurs got louder as Jax came down the aisle in his suit and red bow tie. Beside him was Paddington, walking nicely on a red leash and wearing a red bow around his neck. Strapped onto the big Saint Bernard’s back was a pillow holding Tony’s ring. Jax held an identical pillow, to which was affixed Kayla’s ring.

Now sweat dripped down Tony’s back. Sure, he knew that the rings Jax and Paddington carried were fakes, and that his brother held the real rings safely in his pocket...but still, he didn’t want Paddington to go nuts and run around the church, drooling on everyone in their finery. The dog had been seriously trained by Bisky’s daughter Sunny, but he was big and this was an unusual event for him, a crowd of people inside, in a church.

Seeing the smiles of the guests, though, made Tony start to relax. Kayla and her mom and friends had been right to include Paddington in the ceremony. And seeing Jax’s proud expression as he guided the big dog up the aisle showed him that it had been wise to give Jax such an important role. After all, Jax’s family was changing with this marriage, and he deserved to play a major role in the ceremony.

Dog and boy arrived safely. Jax hugged Tony, as coached. He was getting to where he didn’t like public hugs as much as he’d used to.

The moment Tony let Jax go, Paddington jumped up, paws on Tony’s chest, imitating Jax. Tony would have gone off balance if it weren’t for his brother steadying him from behind. Sunny hurried up from the audience and Erica, who’d been walking down the aisle in her fancy red dress, quickened her step to almost a run. Together, they helped Jax guide Paddington to his proper location in the front row, where he flopped down with a loud sigh that made everyone laugh.

Erica took her place, and Amber walked down the aisle and joined her.

And then everyone was standing and murmuring and turning toward the back of the church. Kayla started down the aisle toward Tony on her mother’s arm, and every rational thought went out of his head.

This was his first sight of her in her wedding gown, for tradition’s sake. Her white dress was fitted on top—wow, fitted in a really good way—with some red Christmassy trim that made her stellar figure even more...well, nice. She’d tried to describe the gown to him, had talked about balancing out the white of a gown with the red and green of the season, but it had all gone over his head. Now, he got it. She looked stunning.

She reached the front of the church, hugged her mom and then turned to him, her eyes full of tears. It was all he could do not to take her in his arms and kiss her, right then and there.

He didn’t, of course. He made it through the ceremony, said his vows, put the ring on her finger. And then he kissed her with all the passion and promise he felt inside.

AFTERTHEPHOTOGRAPHSand their grand entrance at the reception, hosted in the warm back fireplace room of DiGiorno’s, Kayla sat down at one of the tables and traded out her heels for glitter-decorated sneakers. She sighed with relief. “Oh, that’s so much better.”

Amber took her fancy shoes and put them somewhere, taking charge as the excellent matron of honor that she was. “I still can’t get over your dress,” she said, picking up the bottom of it to admire the red velvet, shot through with gold stitching, that made up the train.

“I can’t get over yours. You look beautiful.” All the bridesmaids wore red velvet dresses with cap sleeves and long white gloves.

Amber bent down to give her a hug. “I’m glad it went well. You deserve a beautiful wedding. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you for everything.” Kayla felt teary, but in the good way—with a joy that kept bubbling up inside her.

Wreaths of greenery and poinsettias, woven through with twinkle lights, graced every table, and the cake, white with a cascade of red roses, looked spectacular. Waiters made the rounds with hot drinks, cider and hot chocolate—with and without peppermint schnapps—as well as more traditional soft drinks and cocktails.

“I feel funny not helping,” Kayla said. “Do you think I should pass out drinks?”

“No,” Amber answered. “Your mom can run the show.” She pointed out Kayla’s mom, who stood talking with Mary, Sylvie, and Primrose. Sure enough, Mom’s eyes scanned the room; clearly, she was watching to make sure that everything was under control.

Jax rushed over and leaned on Kayla, a candy cane in his mouth. His sticky hands gripped her dress, leaving red peppermint marks, but it was fine. The dress could be cleaned. She put an arm around him and kissed the top of his head, still in awe that she was going to officially be this wonderful little boy’s mother.

Bisky and William’s toddler chose that moment to pull on a tablecloth, nearly bringing the centerpiece down on herself. Before Kayla could get up to help, multiple people rushed over to steady the wreath and comfort the startled child. Jax rushed over to see what was going on. Amber started to follow and then turned back. “Stay and sit,” she ordered Kayla. “We’ll handle it.”

“And that’s why we decided to have twinkle lights instead of candles on the table,” Kayla’s mom said, sinking into the chair Amber had just vacated. She was holding a big, flat package. “I know it’s unorthodox, honey, but what do you think about opening one present now?”

“Whatever you think. Should I get Tony?” He was standing with a group of the men, talking and laughing, so handsome it made her heart hurt.

As if he felt her eyes on him, he turned to her and smiled. She loved that about him, how attentive and affectionate he was.

“This gift’s really just for you,” Mom said. “From the kids, and I know some of them won’t stay late.”

Kayla ripped open the package and then put her hand to her chest and studied the large canvas. Covered with children’s handprints, with a small school picture in each, it had a large, painted caption: We Wish You a Happy Marriage. Kayla’s eyes filled with tears as she made out the names of kids from earlier years, including Davey and yes, there was Jax. “When did you do this? I know you had to be involved.”

“It’s been an ongoing project,” she said. “They all wanted to wish you the best.”

Kayla’s tears overflowed then. “I’m going to miss Coastal Kids so much, Mom.”

“I know you are.” Mom got a little choked up, too. “I’ll miss you, too. But it’s only for a year, right?”

“Right. For now.” Kayla was actually thrilled about the opportunity in Filmore. She’d loved working at the private school, but there were kids in Filmore who needed her help much more.

Primrose and Mary were at a table talking, and after her mother left to check on the food tables, Kayla walked over and sat down to join them. Ria and Drew came over and sat with them.

“She’s making all kinds of excuses to get out of dancing with me,” Drew complained.

“I don’t know why,” Ria said, “but I’m just so tired and nauseated.”

Mary studied her. “Have you considered you might be...”

Ria gasped.

Drew’s jaw dropped.

Ria put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, my goodness, I’d stopped hoping. We’ve been so blessed with our two beautiful daughters...”

“And a grandson,” Mary reminded them wryly. “Are you ready to start over with diapers again?”

“Congratulations,” Primrose said, glee in her voice.

Kayla bit her lip to keep from laughing. If Primrose knew Drew and Ria suspected they were pregnant, everyone else would know soon, as well.

“Now we have to dance,” Drew said, “so we can talk this over.”

“I...have to go chat with some people,” Primrose said.

“I’ll come with you.” Mary stood. She’d try to contain Primrose, most likely. And most likely, she’d fail.

Kayla looked out at the dance floor and was delighted to see that Sylvie and Pastor Steve were dancing.

She felt a hand on her shoulder. “Time to go soon,” Tony whispered into her ear. “And I, for one, am ready.”

Kayla looked up into his warm brown eyes. “Me, too,” she said, holding his gaze. She’d loved every minute of the wedding and reception, but now, she was ready to be alone with her new husband.

“One last dance?” he asked. It had been a delight for both of them when they’d realized they both liked to dance and were good at it, together.

She nodded and soon was in his arms. The candlelight flickered, and the fragrance of pine and bayberry filled the air. She snuggled closer. “I’m so glad we got married at Christmas,” she said.

“I’m so glad you’re finally my wife.” He stroked her hair, then eased her over to the side of the dance floor. “Oh look, mistletoe,” he said, pointing upward and feigning surprise. Then he kissed her, long and slow. It swept Kayla away so much that it was only when he stopped and lifted his head that she realized everyone was clapping.

“Get a room,” Tony’s brother yelled.

“We’re about to,” Tony called back, earning more laughter and applause.

Tony leaned close to Kayla. “Seems like a great time for us to take off,” he said. “And I have a surprise for you and Jax.”

They collected Jax and slipped through the back of the restaurant. Outside, Kayla gasped. There was a sleigh and horses waiting for them.

“Horses!” Jax cried. He was sleepy, but the sight of the sleigh still excited him.

Kayla climbed in with Tony’s help and then held out her hands to help Jax climb into the sleigh. Tony followed and tucked a fur robe around all of them. They were going back to Kayla’s place tonight, with Jax. In two days, once everything had settled down and Jax was used to the changes a bit more, they’d leave on their honeymoon.

It wasn’t a conventional wedding night, but Jax came first. Kids always came first. It was one of many things they agreed on. They wrapped their arms around each other, and Jax sprawled in their laps, sleepy again.

In the starlight, as the horses trotted toward home, Kayla looked from her new son to her new husband. Satisfaction as bright as Christmas filled her.

Her first kiss had been important and meaningful after all. It had turned into deep, true love and a family.

Read on for a bonus prequel novella featuring Kayla’s mother, Meg, and her summer romance! And if you’re curious about Dr. Liz’s background, sign up for Lee’s newsletter at www.leetobinmcclain.com to receive a free short story about how she and Mixter came to settle in Pleasant Shores.