The Christmas List Read Free Page A

“That’s a relief. Tell me about it.”
    â€œIt’s in Sandy and has the most amazing view of the mountains. It’s kind of like a greenhouse, so it has fountains andplants everywhere like a labyrinth, you can kind of get lost in it. I think it used to be a flower shop.”
    Jimmy’s brow furrowed. “It’s not Le Jardin, is it?”
    â€œYou know the place?”
    â€œIt won’t work.”
    Juliet’s smile fell. “What do you mean it won’t work? It’s perfect. And it’s available.”
    â€œMy father owns it.”
    She looked at him quizzically. “Isn’t that even better?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œJimmy, I don’t understand.”
    â€œTo begin with, it would mean we’d have to invite him.”
    Juliet was even more confused. “You’re not inviting your father to our wedding?”
    â€œNo. I don’t want him there. You’ll have to find someplace else.”
    â€œJust like that?” she said.
    â€œLe Jardin is not an option.”
    â€œMom and I have spent weeks looking for a place. It’s the only option.”
    â€œNo it’s not. We can do what I originally suggested and rent the ballroom at the Grand America.”
    â€œAnd where do we find the money for that?”
    â€œWe’ll pay for it.”
    She turned away from him. “I’m not going to have this conversation again.”
    â€œI think we should.”
    â€œDo you have any idea how embarrassing this is for myparents? It’s easy for you to just throw money around; my parents have saved for years for this day.”
    â€œAll the more reason my family should pay for it.”
    â€œYou don’t understand.”
    â€œYou’re right, I don’t. Your parents are being . . .” He stopped himself.
    â€œMy parents are being what? Stupid?”
    â€œProud.”
    â€œThey should be proud. They’ve worked hard to give me everything they could. You can’t just take that away from them.”
    â€œThat’s not what I meant to do.”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter what you meant to do, it’s what you’re doing . You have no idea what it’s like to not have money.” Juliet leaned against the door, crying.
    As they entered the Salt Lake airport, Jimmy exhaled. “Jules, I’m sorry.” He reached over and touched her thigh. “I’m really sorry.” Without looking she took his hand. He drove up to the first terminal and pulled up between two cars to the curb.
    He leaned over. “Come on, let’s not leave each other this way.”
    Juliet wiped her eyes. “Okay.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “It’s not just the reception. I know your father wasn’t there for you, but leaving him out of the wedding is wrong. I’m afraid that someday you’ll regret it.”
    Jimmy held her close, but didn’t answer.
    â€œI just want you to be happy.”
    â€œI promise I’ll think about it,” he said. They kissed. “We could always elope.”
    â€œI couldn’t do that to my family. My sisters are so excited to be bridesmaids. And I’m excited to be your bride. You should see my dress. It’s gorgeous.”
    â€œLike you.”
    They kissed again. Just then an airport police officer rapped on the door. “People, this is an active zone,” she said.
    â€œSorry,” Jimmy said. He popped the trunk and they both climbed out. They kissed one more time on the curb. Juliet’s eyes glistened with tears. “Come home soon, I love you.”
    â€œI love you too. More than I ever believed possible.” Jimmy grabbed his bag and walked inside. He waved one more time before entering the terminal. Juliet blew him a kiss. The police officer walked up to her.
    â€œHusband?”
    â€œAlmost,” she said.
    â€œBest kind,” the woman said. “Now let’s save you a ticket