The Christmas Vow by Shanna Hatfield

strawberry jam and he slathered it over the entire surface before taking a bite.
    “If Tia does agree to wed, would you give us a few days to prepare? The ladies of Hardman would be terribly disappointed if they lacked the opportunity to make a true celebration out of the event.” Alex offered Adam an innocent smile, belying the impishness twinkling in her eyes.
    A groan escaped Adam. “Can’t we just have Chauncy marry us in a quiet little ceremony?”
    “Most likely,” Alex grinned at him, “but where’s the fun in that? Besides, the women of Hardman are quite good at throwing together a wedding reception on a moment’s notice.”
    “The ladies in town had a nice spread for Luke and Filly’s wedding and that was with less than a week’s notice. Ginny and Blake got married with only a few hours to plan, although it was a Christmas Eve wedding, so the church was already decorated,” Arlan commented. He reached across the table and squeezed Alex’s hand, sharing a look full of love. “I thought we might have a second Christmas Eve wedding last year when I begged this gorgeous woman to marry me with as much speed as possible, but she insisted we invite you to the wedding and wait for your reply.”
    “I wish I’d been here. By the time I received the telegram, it was a week old and I didn’t want to hold things up any longer than necessary.” Adam waggled his eyebrows at Arlan. “I suppose I should have asked you to wait while I arranged to take time away from work and then traveled halfway across the state. However, I assumed you’d much rather marry your bride and have your way with her in all due haste.”
    Alex blushed and Arlan choked on the bite he’d just swallowed. Adam thumped him on the back and winked at his sister-in-law. “In the event I failed to mention it before, I’m so glad you two have each other. I’m thrilled to see you both so much in love.”
    “Thank you, Adam.” Alex turned back to her meal, although a pink hue persisted in coloring her cheeks.
    After dinner, the three of them gathered in the parlor where they continued discussing Adam’s plans.
    When they retired for the evening, Adam hugged Alex and shook Arlan’s hand. “Even though marrying Tia isn’t what you believe is best for me, I appreciate knowing you’ll support me no matter what I decide to do.”
    “Of course, Adam. That’s what family is for.” Arlan squeezed his shoulder then disappeared with Alex into their bedroom.
    As they readied for bed, Alex sat in front of the mirror at her dressing table, brushing her long, dark hair and smiling at Arlan in the reflection of the glass. “Do you really think Adam will work up the gumption to ask Tia to wed?”
    “Yes. Once he’s decided on something, there’s usually no changing his mind.” Arlan moved behind Alex and took the brush from her hand, running it gently through her hair, admiring the way her midnight tresses gleamed in the lamplight. “Adam never stopped loving Tia and she hasn’t gotten over him, either. It’s about time the two of them finally do what they should have done years ago.”
    “Why, Arlan Guthry! You are a matchmaker in disguise.” Alex grinned at her husband as he continued to brush her hair. “What was all that falderal about his plans to wed Tia being a terrible idea and suggesting he was rushing into things?”
    “Generally, Adam does the opposite of what I suggest just to show he can. He might be the oldest, but he’s also the most obstinate and stubborn. I learned a long time ago if I wanted Adam to do something, I had to tell him he couldn’t or shouldn’t. The more I emphasize it’s a bad idea, the more determined he’ll be to prove me wrong.” Arlan gave her a smug smile. “By noon tomorrow, he’ll be an engaged man.”
    “I had no idea I’d married such an underhanded schemer.” Alex’s eyes held amusement and invitation as she gazed at Arlan in the mirror. “I kind of like seeing this side of