Welcome to DE Holidays 2023.
"You're showing that house on Elysian Avenue at 11:00 and you have a lunch interview with Luxury Real Estate Magazine at 1:00," Elena informs Tyler as she enters his office and sits on the desktop.
"What would I do without you, Elena?"
"You'd be lost."
"Yes, I would. I like the holiday decorations you put up," He complements Elena as he runs his hands over her thighs. "And you, my lovely, should have locked the door." Tyler winks at her.
Elena leans forward to kiss him at the same time his cell phone vibrates against the desktop. She glances at it and sighs. "It's your mother."
"Do you want to take it?"
"You're on your own!" Elena hands him the device and walks out of the room.
"How did your interview go?" Elena asks when Tyler returns to the office.
"It went great. I'll be their center spread article. They want me to take some photos and I have that speech to give, too."
"Tyler?"
"I promise I won't be late for any of the wedding festivities. After this weekend, you'll be Mrs. Tyler Lockwood and you'll never have to work again." He kisses the tip of her nose.
"Mrs. Realtor of the Year Lockwood, that is catchy."
"I know right?"
"And I'm not quitting," Elena states firmly. "You don't think we're rushing things, do you?"
"We've been together for three years," Tyler wraps his arms around Elena's middle.
"No...I've been your office manager for three years, and we've been together for two of those years. Although they do say marriage requires work."
"Are you getting cold feet?" Tyler asks and locks eyes with hers.
"No," Elena scoffs. "Maybe...just one cold foot."
"Wedding jitters. Happens to everyone."
"But not you?" Elena counters as she stares at him pointedly.
"Well, if I had jitters, I wouldn't be much of a salesman, now, would I?"
"You're right. I just can't believe I let my mother plan our wedding," Elena feigns incredulity.
"Everything's going to be fine," Tyler says to placate her.
"Fine. That's what you tell your clients?"
"Yes, and I sell million-dollar homes, Elena. They are fine."
"I know, Tyler," Elena concedes with an exaggerated roll of her eyes.
"I sense a but there..." he counters.
"What if we have complications?"
"We won't. We've never even fought. We make a great team," Tyler contends as he gives her a peck on the lips. "But right now, I need to run; I have a house to show. I'll see you Saturday..."
"I'll be the girl wearing the long white dress," Elena calls after him as he hurries through the door. Sighing, she turns off the coffee pot and grabs her purse before locking the door behind her.
Elena can't shake the nagging feeling in her gut but Tyler's probably right, it's simply bridal jitters.
"When you see him standing at the altar waiting, you're going to laugh at yourself," Elena tells herself. Smiling at the image, she unlocks her apartment door, steps inside, and is immediately pummeled with volleys of rice being thrown at her.
"Surprise!" Her parents and sister yell aloud.
Elena sets her bag down on the counter and pulls a piece of rice out of her mouth. "I thought you were supposed to throw rice after the ceremony."
"We're just so excited. We've been waiting for this moment for so long. All of your friends are already married. Katherine is married."
Elena rolls her eyes. "Being the last single woman on the planet is my burden to bear..."
"What your mother means is, if you're happy, we're happy. That's all we want for our children," Grayson comments with a wink and another handful of rice.
"Our course, she's happy, Grayson. She's getting married this weekend."
"It's a miracle," Elena laughs.
"Although, I don't understand why he isn't coming until Saturday," Miranda comments as she shares a look with Grayson.
"Mom, we've been over that. He's attending the regional Realtors Seminar."
"And he can't change his plans?" Miranda continues, looking at Elena with consternation.
"He's the keynote speaker and he's receiving an award. It's a great opportunity for him."
"Where's your ring?" Miranda gasps and lifts Elena's left hand.
"I could whiplash with that segue. Tyler took it to get resized. It was a little too tight."
Miranda opens her mouth to retort when Grayson erupts, shouting at the TV. Walking into Elena's living room, she puts her hands on her waist. "What are you doing? Turn that TV off. I don't want to be late."
"Late? We've got a few hours. Matt, let go of my daughter and sit down. "Ref just threw a flag for holding."
"You okay with that?" Matt asks Katherine as he kisses her.
"What are you asking her for?" Grayson scowls.
"Because he loves me, Dad," Katherine counters blithely.
"What does that have to do with it?"
"Everything." Matt winks at Katherine and joins Grayson on the couch to watch the football game.
"Matt, you know what I did before I got married?"
"I don't have a clue," Matt answers as he watches the scrimmage on the TV.
"Whatever I wanted!" Grayson replies as he shares a somewhat scathing look with Katherine and Miranda.
Katherine rolls her eyes and follows her mom out of the room.
"I'm excited you're getting married. Matt is just so good to me."
"He adores you." Elena hugs Katherine.
"Tyler adores you, too. Right?"
"I guess. He asked me to marry him," Elena sighs as she pulls some lingerie out of her drawer and sets them in a suitcase.
"Elena, if you're having second thoughts, it's not too late."
"I'm not having second thoughts. Just some pre-marital jitters. Didn't you have those, too?"
"I did. But if they're more than jitters, you know I'll always support you."
"I noticed, you don't have any Christmas decorations up," Miranda points out when she appears with the wedding gown in her arms.
"I'll be moving in with Tyler so I didn't see any sense to it," Elena defends herself.
"Elena! There's always sense to Christmas," Katherine draws her brows together as she scoffs at her sister.
Miranda holds the gown and stands in front of Elena's full-length mirror. "Do you have any idea how long I've waited to see someone in this dress?" She locks eyes with Elena through the mirror.
"I'm pretty sure we do, Mom," Elena laughs as she drops some toiletries into her suitcase.
"Well," Miranda turns to Katherine. "You could've worn it if you hadn't eloped."
"And that is why we eloped!" Katherine retorts with a laugh as she hugs her mom.
Miranda puts the dress in a garment bag and glances at the bed. "Is that all you're going to pack?"
"Yes, why?"
"Are you planning to wear the same outfit to every event? We have brunch, and the rehearsal dinner to name a few."
"Mom," Elena pulls her aside. "I know you want this to be the wedding you and Dad never had but you promised to keep it simple. I don't like ostentatious affairs. It's just us and Tyler's family."
"Are you sure about that? Carol mentioned something about having another ceremony in Europe so they can invite all of their high society friends."
"This is the first I've heard of it. And it's not going to happen if I have any say in the matter."
"Honestly, Elena, I don't know what you're afraid of," Miranda shakes her head.
"Mom, it's not a question of being afraid," Elena states, trying to placate her mother. "I've always wanted simplicity. So please, respect that."
"Mom, Elena's not a pomp and circumstance kind of person. You know that," Katherine chides her mother gently.
"That's ridiculous. What kind of woman doesn't want a spectacular wedding? The guy gives you a ring, you set a date, have the ceremony, and live happily ever after."
"Well, Mom, it was you who set the date," Elena counters.
"Was I supposed to wait until I needed a walker to get by? And besides, the nuptial package at the Tides Inn was the best deal we could find."
"Mom...chill." Elena hugs her. "Everything will work out."
Tyler is tired after his exhausting day. He trots up the front steps and enters his house. Tossing his jacket on the hook, he enters the dining area where he finds he's not alone.
"Mom!"
Carol turns away from the window. "Hi."
"What are you doing here?" Tyler asks as he closes the distance between them.
"Oh...I just thought we could have a few words without all those people around. Your holiday decorations look lovely." She glances at the staircase railing covered with greenery, garland, silk white and red poinsettia flowers, and gold ornaments. "And your tree is gorgeous!" Carol walks to admire it.
"I hired the Christmas Brothers to do the work. Elena will be moving in and I want our first Christmas together as a married couple to be perfect. And "those people", Tyler air quotes the words, "They're not those people, Mother, they'll be our family and you're going to have to come to terms with that."
"What a delightful prospect," Carol retorts sarcastically.
"You might be surprised," Tyler suggests as he stares at her.
"Oh, I am surprised. You've been the perfect son...up until now."
"Really?" He counters with a disappointed shake of his head.
"I just don't understand. Of all the suitable girls in our class, you choose someone like her..."
"I'm not marrying someone like her, I'm marrying her. So, you better start getting used to it," Tyler tells her firmly, his tone expressing displeasure.
"She's the exact opposite of anyone you've ever dated. Caroline, Violet, Hayley, or the Bradley girl. What was wrong with those women?" Carol asks as she pours herself a glass of wine.
"Elena is no shallow socialite or the daughter of one of your friends. And before you say it, I'm not canceling the wedding."
"Well then, at least postpone it. Everyone knows a proper wedding takes at least eighteen months to two years to plan." Carol blows out a weighty breath.
"Miranda Gilbert worked hard on it."
"I'm the mother of the groom. Shouldn't I at least have been consulted?" Carol counters and takes a swallow of wine.
"No. No. No. We're not going there. As I recall, you claimed you were too busy."
Carol huffs. "I'll tell you one thing, I wouldn't have forced my guests to travel."
"Travel? Really? It's an hour's drive. You've driven farther for a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes...Look, I know this is difficult for you but think of it this way, you're gaining a daughter."
"I'm not one for cliches, Tyler."
"This is getting us nowhere." Tyler takes the glass, gestures for his mother to pick up her bag, and leads her to the door.
"Do you want me to pick you or do you want to drive yourself?" Tyler asks as he walks her to her Mercedes and opens the door for her.
Her mouth sets in a hard line as she stares at him for several seconds. "I'll drive myself, that way I'm not dependent on you."
"Goodbye, Mom," Tyler adds and pushes the door closed. He waves as she backs out of the driveway before going back inside.
With his valise in hand, Damon enters the offices of Shane and Slater Design. He approaches the reception desk and smiles. "Rose, how are you? Cute hat," he smirks at the Santa hat she's wearing.
"Damon," she gushes as she stands up to hug him.
"Congratulations," He smirks as he looks at her distended belly.
"Ah, thanks. Trevor and I have been trying for a while...Six weeks to go."
"That's great."
"That's not necessary, Damon. It's a boy and we're going to name him Timothy."
"I'm happy for you both. Let me know so I can pick up something and tell Trevor hello."
"I will. Do you have an appointment?" Rose asks as she returns to her seat.
"With Shane. I know where he is. Bye, Rose," he tells her and heads down the hall. Finding the door open, he raps on the frame.
"Come on in," Atticus gestures at a chair.
"Sorry, I'm a little late. I missed the first ferry."
Atticus considers Damon's attire of jeans, boots, henley, and his trademark leather jacket. "Is this how they dress for business meetings at wherever you're living now?"
"You interested in my wardrobe or my sketches?" Damon remarks sarcastically and hands his valise to Atticus.
"They are good. Very good. You haven't lost your touch."
"Thanks," Damon smirks.
"Alright, I'll set up a client dinner Friday night at Giuseppe's."
"You do realize that Giuseppe is my dad."
"I'm aware."
"Well, that's not going to work for me, I have other plans."
"That's not going to cut it, Damon. You want your old job back; you have to do the dance. Two years ago, you were at the top of your game. And now, clients want fresh blood. Do you want the job or not?"
Damon takes a breath, abruptly realizing what's been gnawing at him since he applied for this job. Laughing quietly, he looks up at Shane, "I thought I did."
"Well, put on a suit, get a place in the city and the job is yours."
"Ya know what? I don't want to be that person anymore. I was devastated when Kat left with Klaus. With time, I had to admit I gave her more than enough ammunition to leave. I prioritized work over everything else, including her. She wasn't happy and neither was I. I won't be that man again. I don't want to have a lifetime of regrets when my time here is up."
"Was it that bad?"
Damon stands up and puts his drawings back inside of his valise.
"You do realize I'll just hire someone else...This is your last chance, Damon, I won't call you again."
"Your office could use some holiday decor, Mr. Scrooge. And when the phone doesn't ring, I'll know it's you not calling," Damon mocks and walks out of Shane's office.
Grayson sighs as they wait in line for the ferry to begin to board.
"I know. We all thought she was going to be an old maid," Miranda laughs to whoever she's chatting with on her phone.
From the backseat, Elena meets her dad's eyes from the rearview mirror. "Old maid," she mouths the words with incredulity.
The ferry horn blares followed by an announcement, "The ferry will begin loading in 20 minutes. Arriving vehicles must clear the ramp to allow the others to disembark."
Elena sighs as she massages her aching temples. She points at the convenience store when her dad looks at her and steps out of the car.
Pulling her collar up to shield her from the brisk breeze, Elena strolls to the building and walks inside. She walks down the aisles looking for the health section in hopes of finding something for her headache. She reaches for the last bottle of aspirin and gasps when someone's hand lands on hers.
"Oh, sorry," Elena remarks as she pulls back and stares at the man beside her. He's drop-dead gorgeous with eyes as fiery blue as the Hope Diamond and hair as black as the night sky void of stars. His presence is commanding.
"No, I'm sorry," Damon echoes the sentiment.
"I was here first," Elena states as they reach for it again.
"I'm pretty sure we were here at the same time," Damon contends with a smirk.
"C'mon, I need it more." Elena looks at him with a soulful, innocent expression.
"I doubt that."
"I have a headache," she explains.
"I have a bigger one."
"My neck aches," Elena adds, refusing to release her grip on the bottle.
"A former colleague called me a has-been in not so many words."
"My mom insinuated I'm an old maid!" Elena counters in annoyance.
"Ouch! How old are you?" Damon asks as he stares into her gorgeous brown eyes.
"Are you saying I'm old?" she snaps, her brows drawing together.
"No!" Damon defends himself.
"But you're thinking it!" Elena narrows her eyes at him.
"No, but my headache's getting worse as we spar for the Aspirin."
"Fine," Elena sighs, releasing her hold on the bottle... "You take it. I'll get some ice cream."
"Okay, now I feel bad. How about we share it?" Damon offers.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I'll meet you outside," Damon tells her and takes the bottle and a soda to the checkout counter. Once outside, he looks around until he sees her near the side of the building. He approaches her, opens the bottle, pours a few in his hand, and gives Elena the rest.
"Thank you," Elena tells him sincerely and offers him the five-dollar bill in her hand. "Please take it."
"No." He shakes his head. "The ferry has a sorbet stand. It's not ice cream but it's good especially the mango. Maybe we could have a scoop?" Damon offers with a waggle of his brows.
"I'm sorry, I can't. My parents are waiting for me. Thank you though," Elena smiles at him.
"Merry Christmas," Damon states and points to the wreath pin on her jacket.
"Merry Christmas to you," Elena returns the sentiment. Though she doesn't even know his name, she can't deny the butterflies swirling in her belly as she walks away.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Miranda gushes as they stop the car in the valet lane. According to the pamphlet I got, the resort is bordered by the Potomac River on the north, the Rappahannock River on the south, and the Chesapeake Bay on the east.
Elena considers the place. From the outside, the long, white, wood-sided main building looks more homespun than its five-star rating would suggest but her mother is right, it is beautiful with all the sparkling lights, Christmas decorations, and holiday songs playing over their speaker system.
"Thank you," Elena says the valet as she steps out of their vehicle.
"Welcome. How can I help you?" The concierge asks.
"Um, we'll take five tickets to the 7 pm show, and two large buckets of popcorn, please," Elena quips with a smile.
"Elena!" Miranda states aghast. "We're here for Gilbert-Lockwood wedding. The Deluxe package," Her voice trails when a wedding party exits the hotel and marches past them.
Elena ducks when stuff comes flying at her.
"Ah, quinoa. Some bridal parties prefer it to rice," The concierge informs them. "I'm Thomas, and this must be the bride," he remarks at the sight of Katherine and Matt approaching.
"Oh, no. She's already married. This is the bride." Miranda points at Elena.
"Oh, I apologize. And the groom?" the man asks, his eyes darting between Elena and Miranda.
"He's at a convention. Tyler Lockwood. You may have heard of him. He's a very successful real estate mogul."
"Mom," Elena mumbles, embarrassed.
"Well, follow me," He states and leads them inside. "We've done extensive remodeling in the last two years to earn our five-star rating. There's our formal restaurant with our award-winning chef Marcel Gerard. The lounge is over there," he informs them, pointing to his left.
"Here's our complimentary hot cocoa." Thomas nods at the waitress as Miranda grabs one off of the tray.
"And our view," he tells them as he leads them onto a patio that overlooks the now holiday-themed wedding venue looking resplendent with Christmas trees, garland, and bells. Beyond that is the Chesapeake Bay.
"Oh honey," Miranda gushes, "That will be you in three days," she smiles as watches a couple standing at the altar beyond them.
"This way," Thomas directs them toward the bank of elevators to take them to the seventh floor.
When the doors slide open, They step out and Thomas hands a key to Matt. "Your room's down this way. Parents of the bride." Thomas drops a key card in Grayson's hand and points them down the same hall that Katherine and Matt went down.
"And for the bride, follow me," he says and takes a few steps down the hallway, stopping in front of a double-door room. "This is the 'I do' suite." Thomas grins as he opens the door and hands the key to Elena. "I hope you like it." He enters with the women.
"Oh, she does," Miranda answers for Elena as she looks at the room with her mouth slightly open. Beside the fireplace is a Christmas tree decorated with a candy theme and there are even a few presents scattered beneath it.
"The nuptial basket," Thomas points to a fruit and champagne-filled wicker basket with bride and groom flutes. There is even a sprig of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling at the bottom of the staircase. "Upstairs we have his and hers robes and bedside rose petals."
"Wow," Elena says, forcing a smile.
"If there's anything you need, my direct line." Thomas hands her a card.
"Thank you," Elena says and watches as he leaves the room.
"I'm going to go check out your dad and my suite. Are you okay by yourself?"
"Mom, I'm not alone. I have them," Elena laughs as she opens the patio doors to the cheers and applause from the wedding venue outside her balcony.
Miranda joins her and smiles from ear to ear. "That's going to be you in a couple of days."
Elena forces a smile while inside her stomach is churning like a blender on high speed.
Thank you all for reading. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Thank you, Eva! Love you.
Chapter title: Christmas Time is Here by Brett Eldredge.
The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat fancy deep grayish-blue and one of history's most famous diamonds. During its long history, it has intersected with the French monarchy—Kings Louis XIV through XVI—, and likely the British monarch King George IV. It has been owned by wealthy merchants and some of the most well-known individuals in the jewelry world, including Pierre Cartier and Harry Winston. If you're interested in reading about the curse of the Hope Diamond: www dot livescience dot com / 45239 - hope - diamond - curse. html
Cover image found on Pinterest. Credit to its maker.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. We'll see you next with TQR.