Chapter 10 - The Christmas We Won't Forget
Ten Months Later – Christmas Eve
The snow fell softly outside the small, picturesque chapel tucked in the mountains of Vail, Colorado. Warm light spilled from the stained-glass windows onto the pristine white blanket covering the ground.
Inside, the chapel was decorated with pine garlands, twinkling fairy lights, and red roses. Soft organ music filled the air as guests—our closest friends, non-profit partners, and family—sat in the wooden pews.
I stood at the altar in a crisp black tuxedo, my heart racing with excitement. Beside me stood my head of security and now good friend, Marcus, acting as my best man.
The organ music shifted to a breathtaking bridal march.
The doors at the back of the chapel opened.
First came Luke, dressed in a tiny matching tuxedo, proudly carrying the ring pillow with a bright dimpled smile. Next was Violet, looking like a little princess in a white dress, tossing pink flower petals along the aisle.
And then came Cassandra.
My breath caught in my chest. She was radiant in a flowing lace gown, holding a bouquet of winter roses. Her green eyes locked onto mine, filled with absolute love, peace, and certainty.
As her father’s brother walked her down the aisle and placed her hand in mine, I leaned in and whispered, "You are breathtaking."
"You don't look so bad yourself, CEO," she whispered back with a wink.
The minister smiled warmly at the congregation. "We are gathered here today to unite Damon Prescott and Cassandra Hayes in holy matrimony—a union born of deep love, tested by trial, and restored by grace."
We exchanged vows we had written ourselves—vows promising to put family above all, to cherish every moment, and never to let the noise of the world tear us apart again.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the minister declared. "Damon, you may kiss your bride."
I didn't hesitate. I pulled Cassandra into my arms and kissed her deeply, the congregation breaking into enthusiastic applause and cheers. Luke and Violet ran up to join us, wrapping their little arms around our legs.
Later that evening, we gathered at a warm, rustic mountain lodge for our reception. A massive Christmas tree stood in the center of the hall, piled high with presents.
I stood up at the head table, holding a glass of champagne to give a toast. The room grew quiet as everyone turned to look at me.
"Fourteen months ago," I began, my voice echoing through the warm room, "I boarded a Christmas Eve flight furious about an eight-hundred-million-dollar deal. I was convinced that nothing mattered more than wealth, power, and winning."
I looked down at Cassandra, who was holding my hand, her wedding ring catching the firelight.
"Then a red crayon rolled against my shoe," I continued, smiling at Luke, who giggled from his chair. "And I discovered that the greatest treasures in life aren't found in corporate boardrooms or stock portfolios. They are sitting right beside us in row twenty-eight."
The room chuckled softly, many guests wiping away happy tears.
"To ambition," I lifted my glass high. "The kind that drives us to be better fathers, better husbands, and better human beings. Merry Christmas, everyone."
"Merry Christmas!" the crowd echoed, clinking their glasses together.
As the music started and guests moved to the dance floor, Cassandra and I walked out onto the wrapped porch overlooking the snowy mountains. The night air was crisp and clear, filled with millions of twinkling stars overhead.
I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close against my chest.
"Happy Anniversary of the red crayon," I whispered in her ear.
She leaned back against me, letting out a soft, contented sigh. "Best flight of your life?"
"Best flight of my life," I agreed, kissing her temple. "I love you, Mrs. Prescott."
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"I love you too, Damon," she replied, turning in my arms to look up at me. "Always."
Underneath the starlit sky on Christmas Eve, with the sound of our children's laughter floating through the window behind us, I knew that no matter what trials the future held, we had already won the ultimate deal: a love that restored our family, and a home that would last forever.
