The letter read:
“Dear Chloe,
You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I knew from the day I left Half Moon Bay thirteen years ago, I would come back and marry you. So here I am now asking you to marry me. If you marry Richard you’ll be making the biggest mistake of your life, but if you marry me I will make you happy always.
I love you, Chloe. I always will.
Love,
Josh
Chloe folded the letter, her hands trembling as they had each time she’d read it. His feelings for her were definitely real and at least now she knew the truth about how Josh felt for her. She loved him too. Always had and always would. So why was she marrying Richard? She knew the answer – because he was safe. He could never break her heart the way Josh had when he left.
“What am I going to do?” she moaned.
Just then she heard tires on the driveway and quickly stuffed the letter back in her pocket. Chloe looked at the clock on the mantle. Four p.m. The doorbell rang seconds later and she ran to answer it. There stood Richard all geared up to go to Yosemite. This was supposed to be the weekend where Richard would prove himself to her.
He gave her a quick kiss, helped her put her overnight bag in the car and then they were off. Chloe was quiet for the next hour.
“Are you all right?” Richard asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“You seem so quiet.”
“Just tired,” Chloe said, biting her lip. “Worked with a lot of clients today. Most of them are preparing for their weddings in June.”
Richard grinned. “I can never figure out why everybody wants to get married in June. What’s so special about it?”
“What do you mean?” Chloe asked.
“We’re getting married in June, my co-worker’s getting married in June and a cousin of my friend is also getting married in June. Is there a logical explanation why people get married in June?”
Chloe shrugged. “Does everything have to be logical? Maybe it’s because the weather is sunny in June. Besides, I read somewhere that the Roman goddess named Juno is the goddess for marriage.”
Richard snickered. “I’m surprised you know that.”
Chloe kept quiet. Sometimes she felt that Richard used his intelligence over her, whereas Josh accepted her for who she was. She remembered what Nicole had said about destiny and her thoughts shifted again to Josh. What was she going to do? She knew she loved him and worried that she was following in her mother’s footsteps – marrying for security instead of love. Why had it been so difficult for her mother and Ignacio to be together? She couldn’t imagine how painful it was for two people so deeply in love to be apart. It reminded her of Romeo and Juliet. Oh no, I forgot to check Facebook to see if Ignacio emailed back.
“Did you bring a camera?” Richard asked when they arrived at the cabin five hours later.
It was already dark and cold. Chloe had purchased the “Enhanced Romance Spring Package,” which included two nights and a massage for both of them.
“I sure did,” Chloe said, walking to the cabin.
Richard came up behind her, unlocked the door, and then turned on the lights. “This is romantic. I’m so glad you chose this place. I definitely need a break.”
Chloe breathed in the fresh air and the smell of pine. She had their whole weekend planned. They would change into their pajamas and then order a massage for the following day. The weekend would give her a chance to clear her head and to decide which direction to take. They unpacked, settled in, and both fell fast asleep. They woke up the next morning to the birds chirping.
“Wow, what time is it?” Richard asked, rubbing his eyes and sitting up in the bed.
“It’s nine thirty,” Chloe said, looking at the alarm clock she’d set on the night stand.
“We better shower and get dressed so we don’t miss out on all the fun.”
“Don’t worry. There are no deadlines and meetings here. We came to relax and enjoy the scenery so let’s take our time.”
“You’re right,” Richard said, getting out of bed and searching for his shaver.
They showered and ate a heavy breakfast at the Main Lodge Dining Room. The view of Yosemite was breathtaking. The leaves had changed to green in preparation for summer. Already, people were lining up on the trail to climb the dome. Chloe and Richard spent the whole day hiking the trails and taking photos of the beautiful scenery. Chloe even took a dip in the waterfall, but Richard found it too cold. After a long day, they had an early dinner at the lodge and retreated to their room exhausted.
Richard took out three books from his bag while Chloe pulled out her new book called, “Soulmate: A Novel of Eternal Love,” by Deepak Chopra and lay down on the bed beside Richard.
Richard laughed out loud. “I swear, baby, don’t you have anything better to read besides books about love? You should read books that train your mind. Look at this one I’m reading called, ‘Make Today Count: The Secret of Success Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda,’ by John Maxwell. You need to read books that make you think and improve yourself.”
“What’s wrong with the books I read?” Chloe sat up. “Just because I’m different from you doesn’t mean you’re right. I like reading novels that give me an emotional experience. It lets me escape from reality.”
“Why do you need to escape from reality? Your job isn’t nearly as stressful as mine.” Richard raised his voice. “How difficult is it to sell wedding gowns?”
“Did it ever occur to you that women are very picky when it comes to their gowns? It’s their special day and everybody will be looking at the bride,” Chloe snapped. “My job goes beyond selling. I have to reassure them that they look beautiful.”
Richard shook his head. “That’s nothing. I have to convince client’s every day that the loan I offer will benefit them. A lot of them can ditch me for a better loan, but it’s how I market myself to them that earns me the sale. Can you do that?”
“You’re good at what you do. Nobody is questioning that, but it doesn’t give you the right to bash what I do. My job is very fulfilling to me.”
“Whatever you say, baby.” Richard scowled. “But life isn’t all about fairytales.”
Chloe threw her pillow at him. “Life isn’t all about facts and figures, either.”
Richard stood up and went outside to cool off.
Chloe rushed to the bathroom to blow her nose. She was hoping that this weekend would help him realize he would need to change, but she was seeing his colors more clearly now.
A half hour later Richard returned to the room. They didn’t say another word as Chloe gave him a brief goodnight kiss.
They went white water rafting the next day along the Merced River. Chloe screamed with delight, while Richard frowned each time they hit the rapids. He vomited after the tour and ran back to their cabin to check if he had any messages on his cell phone.
Chloe followed him, humming away.
“Isn’t there any signal here?” he asked, moving around the cabin to find a good spot.
“Richard, why do people come to Yosemite?”
“Don’t be sarcastic. I need to know if any of my clients called.”
“I don’t know about you, but I came here to escape and to be free. Cell phones and technology don’t concern me at this point,” Chloe said. “I’m starving and we need to eat before we leave. You can call whoever you want when we get home.”
Richard glared at her as she walked ahead to the restaurant. A breakfast buffet was set. Richard shoveled the eggs, hash browns and sausages on his plate, then sat down and began horsing it down. She brought her plate to the table and shook her head. When she saw what Richard was doing, she purposely took her time chewing her sausages and eggs.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I heard that they have a Wi Fi connection here, so I’m going to check my emails at the office,” he said, excusing himself.
Chloe shrugged her shoulders. It wasn’t the weekend she’d expected, but at least she’d enjoye
d a good nature trip and had taken a lot of photos.
After Richard checked his emails, they packed their bags and checked out of the hotel. Richard put the bags and jackets in the trunk and closed the hood. The drive home was longer than expected since they were silent the whole way. The minute Richard dropped Chloe off he gave her a cold kiss goodbye, but said he would call her the next day then left.
Chloe’s cell phone rang as soon as she entered her house. It was her mother. “Hi, Mom.”
“Chloe, I’ve been trying to reach you. Didn’t you get my messages?”
“I was at Yosemite all weekend with Richard. I just arrived.”
“How come you didn’t tell me?” Suzanne asked. “Did you mail the invitations? Make sure you have an invitation for Aunt Jill. When will I meet Richard’s parents?”
Chloe took her bag to her room and sat down on her bed. “Yes, I have Aunt Jill’s invitation, and yes, I will be mailing it tomorrow. I don’t know when you can meet Richard’s parents. They might be flying ov—”
“I don’t mind flying to Atlanta,” Suzanne interrupted. “Maybe Jill can even come with us.” When Chloe didn’t respond right away, her mother said, “Don’t tell me you’re going to wait till the wedding day for me to meet them.”
“Mom, did you eat too much chocolate? You’re hyper,” Chloe said, unpacking her bag.
“Wait till you’re my age. I’m happy to still have this energy,” Suzanne said. “And of course I eat chocolates. Are you going to deprive me of my only indulgence?”
“You forgot to mention shopping,” Chloe murmured.
“What did you just say?”
“Nothing, Mom. Can I call you tomorrow? I have to pick up Greta.”
“I hope you didn’t just leave Greta at the kennel. You know she needs special care and attention.”
“Mom, I’m picking her up at Nicole’s place. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Is everything okay, Chloe?”
“I’m just tired. I went hiking, white water rafting and –”
“Did you take a lot of pictures?” Suzanne interrupted.
“Yes I did, Mom.”
“All right, you don’t have to be so grumpy,” Suzanne said, then said goodbye and hung up.
Chloe released a big sigh. If only she knew what I’m going through. She put her dirty clothes inside the hamper and changed into her pajamas. She stared at the wedding invitations by her nightstand debating whether she should mail them. When she had first met Richard, she had believed he was the man for her. He had been sweet and attentive back then. When had all that changed? Was their relationship too toxic? Their time in Yosemite had proved that she and Richard were incompatible. She took out Josh’s letter inside her bag and read it again. I have to see Josh tomorrow.
***
The next morning, Chloe was involved in her usual routine of helping clients choose gowns. After being gone for three days, returning to work left her busier than ever.
“Chloe, what do you think of this gown?” Darlene Walters asked from inside the fitting room. Chloe was still juggling the duel emotions of feeling angry over the way Richard had treated her this weekend, and giddy at the idea of seeing Josh again, so much so that she couldn’t concentrate on her work. Darlene pushed back the curtains so Chloe could examine the long Galina bustier with lace in front.
“It’s simple and elegant. It definitely compliments your broad shoulders.”
Darlene wrinkled her nose. “I don’t agree with you, Chloe. I want something more…”
“Extravagant?” Chloe asked.
“That’s right. I want a gown to suit my personality.”
I hope Darlene Walters makes up her mind soon. How many more gowns did she need to try for Chloe to convince her that she looked stunning? Chloe closed her eyes and sighed, then opened them. All she could think about today was surprising Josh with lunch and, at the rate Darlene was going, she’d be lucky if she could even eat lunch.
Darlene Walters had walked in the shop that morning expecting Chloe to drop everything she was doing and focus on her. She was a tall redhead who could make heads turn. Her figure was svelte and her muscles were toned. She looked like she spent hours at the gym. Her skin was smooth as milk and she could even pass for a model. Her suit was neatly pressed and she was wearing expensive jewelry. Definitely a prima donna.
“All right, let me check in the back,” Chloe said.
She came back moments later with three different gowns and handed them to Darlene. Chloe lost count of how many the woman had tried on. It must have been her twenty-third gown. At this rate she could qualify in the Guinness Book of World Records for the lady who had tried on the most wedding gowns.
Chloe’s firsthand experience in dealing with brides had convinced her that a lot of women were insecure. Darlene was lucky to have hired a wedding planner and, knowing how meticulous Darlene was, Chloe hoped her wedding planner was patient. I’m planning my own wedding without anybody’s help. A thought just occurred to her that perhaps she could convince her boss Millie to put together a whole package which would include providing wedding planner services to compliment her shop.
I think I’d make a good wedding planner. She remembered getting excited when her mother hosted parties at home. As she waited for Darlene to make a decision, she noticed customers looking at accessories. She was glad that Maureen and Faye were assisting them since her cell phone was ringing off the hook. Before she could answer it, Darlene pushed aside the velvet curtain once again.
Chloe gasped when she saw the gown. “You look truly extravagant.”
Darlene stepped out of the fitting room wearing an Oleg Cassini satin gown featuring a beaded illusion tank strap and V-notch bodice with an A-line skirt, and embroidery detailing the empire waist. She pretended she was modeling on the catwalk. Customers stared in admiration. “This is perfect and it will match my jewelry, too.”
Chloe gave a sigh of relief. “You’re going to be a knockout bride.”
“Thanks so much for your help,” Darlene said, as she changed back into her clothes and exited the fitting room. “You’re very good at what you do, Chloe.”
“It’s been a pleasure,” Chloe said, hanging up the gowns.
“Have you ever considered becoming a wedding planner? You have so much potential to do more than what you do now.”
Chloe opened her mouth. I was just toying with the idea. “What made you say that?”
“You have that gift of patience and encouragement,” Darlene said, handing her credit card to Chloe.
Chloe swiped the card and gave her the receipt to sign. “Gee, thanks.”
“You should definitely give it a thought. Do you own this place?”
“I manage the shop. My boss has other businesses and is hardly ever around.”
“Hmmm. You want to know what I think? I think you should buy her out and do the whole wedding package yourself. You could even hire a few wedding planners to help you.”
“Very interesting.”
“Here’s my card. If you’re interested I can help you. I’m a consultant for bridal magazines on the West Coast. I can hook you up with a lot of people.”
Chloe looked at Darlene’s business card and lit up. “Are you serious?”
“Of course I am. My own wedding planner flaked out on me and it’s been a pain with my busy schedule,” Darlene said, putting her card back inside her wallet. “Most brides are nervous and can’t decide for themselves. All they need is reassurance, and my first impression of you is that you have a way with brides.”
This lady was already planning her future. “Thanks, Darlene. Nobody has ever told me that except you.”
“I have a whole list of friends and acquaintances in my network who you can contact. You can even take out a small business loan if you’re tied up,” Darlene said. “Think about it and I’ll be ready to discuss matters with you after my honeymoon.”
“I will definitely call you. Thanks again.”
?
??It’s been a pleasure,” Darlene said walking towards the door.
I better call Josh. Chloe looked at the clock. It was one fifteen and the other customers had left before Darlene. Upon looking at her cell phone, she noticed she had three missed calls from Richard who kept apologizing for his behavior at Yosemite. She hadn’t spoken to him since then. After the way he had treated her, he deserved the cold shoulder.
Maybe a two hour lunch would suffice and this would give her a chance to get closer to Josh. She went to the bathroom and sprayed on some light cologne and applied her lip gloss. Then she walked to Casey’s Café to buy two sandwiches and drinks before going to Josh’s shop at the end of Main Street.
Josh was busy explaining to a customer about the different types of surfboards when Chloe walked in. His face turned red, and his eyes opened wide as she waved. He signaled to her that he would be done in a minute and she nodded.
When the customer left, he approached Chloe who was looking at the surfing T-shirts and accessories on display. “So.”
Chloe brushed her hair away from her face. “So, I was hoping you’d be up for lunch.”
He walked towards her and gave her a friendly hug. “I could use some lunch.”
“Great, I bought a couple of sandwiches from Casey’s Café.”
“Maybe we can go to the beach,” Josh said.
“This place is pretty nice,” Chloe said eyeing the display. “I see that business is doing great.”
“Can’t complain,” Josh said, walking back to the counter to lock the cash register. “We have a target market. How about you? How are things at work?”
“I have great news to share,” Chloe said, beaming. “I’ll tell you over lunch.”
“Okay. Justin should be here in a few minutes to watch the shop. We can leave then.”
“Sounds good.”
When Justin arrived, Chloe and Josh left the shop and walked towards Josh’s Mustang. To Chloe’s delight he opened the car door for her. Then they drove to the beach.
Chloe carried the big blanket, while Josh lugged the food and drinks. Two couples were reading on the other end of the beach as Chloe laid the blanket on the sand. The sun was out along with a gentle breeze.