A Charming Christmas Arrangement by Heatherly Bell

Author:Heatherly Bell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-06-12T22:45:39+00:00

* * *

It turned out that the inside of city hall was almost obscenely beautiful. A grand staircase, reminding Stacy of the one in a movie featuring a beauty and a beast, was the focal point as one walked through the double glass doors. The inside colors were white and gold, and the vaulted ceiling gave the sensation of being inside a cathedral. There were Roman-style pillars and balconies on the second floor, and windows that allowed bright rays of sunshine to spill in.

“Oh, my,” Stacy’s mother said from beside her. She hadn’t really let go of Stacy since arriving. “I certainly didn’t expect this.”

“Neither did I.” Stacy stared around in awe.

“Charming believes in preserving our history, and this building has been here since the town was founded. It’s survived two hurricanes. There have been a few minor improvements here and there, but it’s safe to say our founders had lofty hopes for Charming,” Ava said, gesturing around. “It never worked out to be quite the tourist mecca they’d imagined, but we do okay.”

Stacy, her mother and Adam followed Ava and Max as they made their way up the staircase to one of the judges’ offices. Valerie, Cole and the rest brought up the rear, stopping to take photos along the way.

“My writer’s heart is overflowing,” Grace said, taking a photo from the top of the staircase. “This is so romantic.”

Upstairs, the clerk’s offices were dark wood doors that smelled old. At the entrance, Stacy turned back to view the group. Adam’s family and friends made up three-fourths of those attending their little ceremony.

“I’m sorry, but most of you will have to wait outside.” Ava turned to the group. “We just need Stacy, Adam and two witnesses to sign the official marriage license.”

“I’m a witness,” offered Stacy’s mother, still hanging tight to Stacy’s arm.

“So am I!” Adam’s mother elbowed her way to the front.

“Mom,” Stacy whispered. “Do you think you could let go of me long enough that I could get married?”

Two seconds after Mom withdrew the death grip on Stacy’s arm, Adam was beside her. He confidently took her hand and squeezed it. She looked up at him, and really saw him for the first time that day. Noticed him. He’d chosen a suit and tie that matched his dark coloring and looked breathtakingly handsome. Stacy wouldn’t have blamed him if he’d worn slacks and a nice shirt, but he’d gone all out. And, dear Lord above, he smelled wonderful.

I’m about to get married to this gorgeous man. Is this my life?

“Sign here, please.” The clerk pointed to the certificate.

“Second thoughts?” Stacy joked. “Get out now while you still can.”

“Not on your life.” Adam leaned forward and signed the document.

Then, just outside the judge’s chambers, with family and friends behind them, a few words were exchanged that changed everything.

And Stacy Hartsell became Stacy Cruz.

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