Love Letters

  The ticket agent smiled. “Good luck.”

  Josh let out a whoop, then went to find a seat comfortable enough to allow him to rest during the layover. He had twelve hours before his next flight. It sure was going to be a long night, he realized as he set his bag onto the seat. He didn’t mind as long as he was sure to stop the wedding. He would be arriving at Oakland International airport at three o’ clock. He remembered Chloe telling him that her wedding would be at four o’ clock. He knew it was going to be at the Ritz hotel, but would he make it in time? He couldn’t afford to lose Chloe again.

  ***

  Chloe had Nicole apply her makeup before everybody else, since she had to facilitate that everything was in order. After Nicole did her makeup, Chloe went down to speak with the manager of the hotel about the food. She checked the table settings, the flowers arrangements, the photographer and videographers. The band had arrived and was already setting up their equipment. Chloe squealed when she saw the flower arrangements. The combination of the white gardenias, blue hydrangeas and pink ginestras were a lovely combination.

  The weather was exactly as she had envisioned it to be: seventy degrees, the sun shining with a gentle breeze. The sky was clear and matched her sky blue dress. She could smell the scented candles in the souvenir box. She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the waves. The day was perfect, only it wasn’t her wedding. She thought about Josh and sighed. She didn’t want to ruin her makeup so she choked back her sadness and decided to concentrate on successfully fulfilling her mother’s wedding. She took the elevator and went back to the room.

  “Mom, I checked everything downstairs and it’s all in place,” Chloe said, taking her mother’s hand. “You’re going to have the best wedding ever.”

  Suzanne smiled and squeezed her hand. “Very good Chloe. I’m so proud of you.”

  “She takes after you, Suzanne,” Jill said, as Nicole applied her makeup.

  “Nicole, I’m amazed at how much talent you have,” Suzanne said, sitting down with her curlers in the chair opposite Jill’s. “Chloe and Jill look amazing.”

  Nicole tilted her head and smiled. “I’m saving the best for last.”

  Jill rose and Suzanne transferred to the chair Jill was sitting in. She closed her eyes as Nicole applied foundation.

  “Mom, did you and Ignacio talk about where you plan to live?” Chloe asked.

  “Yes we did. We both agreed we’d stay at his San Francisco home since it’s nearer to his kids and to you.”

  “That’s great, Mom.”

  “I will truly miss her,” Jill said, squeezing Suzanne’s hand.

  “I won’t be too far away and I’ll still be active in our charity functions,” Suzanne said, licking her lips.

  “I can’t believe this is all happening so fast. I’m happy for you, Mom.”

  “Thanks, sweetie,” Suzanne said, opening one eye.

  Nicole smiled at Chloe. “Why do I get the feeling that you and Josh are going to end up together?”

  Chloe looked away. “Enough about Josh.”

  “Chloe, let me tell you something. If he’s the one for you then nothing or nobody can come between you,” Suzanne said.

  “Really.” Chloe paused. “So how do you explain your situation with Ignacio?”

  “Easy.” Suzanne grinned. “We fell in love at the wrong time. We had commitments and obligations to other people, and now fate has found us again at the right time, thanks to you.”

  Chloe’s throat tightened. What about me? Had she and Josh fallen in love at the wrong time? And why wasn’t he here with her?

  “Did you ever hear of the saying that people are sent to you for three things?” Jill asked while putting on her sky blue dress.

  “What is that?” Chloe crossed her legs.

  “Some people are sent to you for a reason, others for a season, but the real one is for a lifetime.”

  Chloe felt that Jill had struck a chord. All she could think of now was Josh.

  “I did hear that somewhere,” Suzanne said, looking in the mirror. “Chloe, that applies to you and Richard. He was sent to you for a season.”

  Why was he sent to me for a season? Was it for the time being till Josh came back? Things between Richard and her had become shaky once Josh returned.

  Nicole washed her sponges and brushes and dried them with a towel before returning them to her makeup container. She looked at Chloe. “With that said, Josh was sent to you for a lifetime.”

  ***

  The plane had just landed at the Oakland International airport. Josh looked at his watch. It was three-fifteen in the afternoon. The flight was delayed in Oregon because of the fog. Too much coffee had left him wired. He hadn’t slept the whole night fearing he might not wake up for his flight. He sighed. Would he make it in time? It took another ten minutes till the plane came to a complete stop. He touched his cheeks and could feel the stubble. Although he badly needed a shave, there was no time for that now. He stood up to grab his bag and moaned. He was seated in the final row which meant he would be one of the last to leave the plane.

  After what seemed like an eternity, Josh finally exited the plane at three-forty. He looked at his watch – twenty minutes to make it to the Ritz. Time was not on his side. He ran as fast as he could, breathing hard as he tripped over an old lady and bumped into a little boy who crossed his path. He offered a brief “excuse me” as he heard the boy’s parents grumble, then shout at his rudeness. So many people wandered the inside of the airport that by the time he came to a screeching halt outside the electronic doors, a long line of people were waiting to get a cab. He tapped his foot impatiently and glanced with rising panic at his watch. It was three-fifty when he entered the cab.

  “I’ll pay you double if you ignore the speed limit.”

  The driver said, “Are you out of your mind?”

  Josh pulled out a wad of cash. “Now, can we hurry?”

  Chapter Twenty

  It was a quarter to four when Chloe went back outside to check if the minister was ready. Most of the guests were already seated and watching the waves roll in from the ocean. The sun was shining high and the sky was clear. The ceremony was about to begin. Ignacio’s family was seated in the right front row. Ignacio’s youngest son Jose was one of the groomsmen, while Ignacio’s best friend Pedro was his best man. Jill, acting as the maid of honor, held his arm and Chloe, the bridesmaid, stood next to Jose to lead the walk.

  Chloe rushed back inside to check on her mom, who was standing next to Nicole, shaking all over in her spaghetti strap, Vera Wang A-line gown. “Mom, you look amazing.”

  “Chloe, I have something blue, something old and something new, but I don’t have anything borrowed.”

  Jill had followed Chloe inside and removed her diamond white gold bracelet to lend to Suzanne. “Take this bracelet. It should complement your dress.”

  “Thanks, Jill,” Suzanne said, squeezing her hand.

  “You’re welcome.” Jill smiled.

  “I meant thanks for everything,” Suzanne said about to cry. “We’ve been through a lot, Jill, and I want you to know that I’m so happy to have you as my best friend.”

  “Suzanne, I’m so touched.” Jill embraced her. “And I’m happy that I get to see you and Ignacio together again, thanks to Chloe,” she added, giving Chloe’s hand a squeeze. “I can’t believe this is actually happening.”

  “Ladies, let’s put the sentiments aside or else I’ll have to redo your makeup,” Nicole said, rolling her eyes.

  They all laughed.

  “Mom, you ready?”

  “Wait,” Suzanne said, putting on her veil as Chloe handed her the bouquet while guests finished filling the place. The pianist played the wedding march. All eyes were on Chloe and Jose as they walked down the aisle. Jill and Pedro followed, smiling at the guests, while Ignacio stood in his black, gray and white Armani suit patiently waiting for Suzanne to walk down the aisle.

  Guests whispered how beautiful Suzanne lo
oked, while others commented on how well the wedding was arranged. Still others asked if she had a wedding planner, and Chloe overheard them say that she had planned Suzanne’s wedding.

  Chloe’s heart beat faster as she watched Suzanne walk slowly down the aisle, all eyes on her. Her mother never once lost sight of Ignacio’s face. By the way she walked, Chloe knew that her mother couldn’t believe this was all happening so fast. Ignacio never blinked as he patiently waited for Suzanne’s last step. Finally, Suzanne reached him and he took her hand. Then they both faced the minister.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together for the union of two people, Suzanne and Ignacio.” Chloe looked down feeling a tightness in her throat. This was supposed to be her wedding … with Richard. She closed her eyes and instead saw Josh’s face, his long hair tied back. She pictured him in a gray suit, smiling with wide dimples, while she walked down the aisle wearing her wedding gown and holding her breath until she reached him.

  In her imagination, she envisioned him taking her clammy hands and whispering softly, “You’re mine forever.” She smiled, wanting to maintain the image, but then she heard the snap of the photographer’s camera and opened her eyes. She took a deep breath and looked at Ignacio and Suzanne holding hands. Mom has reunited with her true love at last.

  Chloe went to see if the photographer was taking enough photos and if the videographer was doing the same. She checked the tables, the flowers, the food and the cake and saw that everything was fine.

  When it was time to bring the rings, Suzanne nodded to Chloe who gave the word for all guests to rise. Greta, who was dressed in a white gown and a tiara, took that as her cue. She began to walk with the two boxes of rings on top of her head. The guests started giggling, and Suzanne laughed along with them. Ignacio’s smile reached ear to ear and even the minister agreed that he had never seen such an act. Greta walked with her neck held high, looking for all the world like she knew that every eye was on her. Chloe promised her a treat afterwards.

  One guest said, “This is such a fun wedding. When I get married, I’m hiring Suzanne’s wedding planner.”

  When it was time to say the “I do’s,” Suzanne became emotional and appeared about to break down. Ignacio pulled her toward him and kissed her passionately as everybody clapped their hands. They all agreed that Suzanne and Ignacio looked like a great couple. Chloe looked away, her eyes moist. The wedding she had planned for herself was now officially her mother’s. Would she have her own wedding someday? Would it be as memorable and romantic as her mother’s?

  She faced Ignacio and Suzanne and watched them kiss. She closed her eyes and touched her lips, remembering the tenderness of Josh’s kiss. She felt a burning sensation in her heart and slumped in her chair.

  Nicole squeezed her from behind. “Are you all right?”

  Chloe turned around and nodded. “I’m fine.”

  “It will be over soon,” Nicole said, as though understanding Chloe’s emotions.

  Soon the guests were all enjoying the drinks and the good food at the reception that followed. Chloe could barely eat as she was busy entertaining guests and making sure everything was in order.

  Moments later, Suzanne and Ignacio moved from table to table to take photos with the guests. Afterwards, they cut a slice of cake and made a toast. It was time for all the single ladies to gather together while Suzanne threw her bouquet. A line-up of single ladies prepared to catch the bouquet. Chloe had been dragged to stand in line with them.

  “One, two, three.”

  The ladies attempted to catch the bouquet, but it landed right in Chloe’s hands. “Mom, you did this on purpose.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Now it was time for Ignacio to throw the garter to the single men, and his son Jose caught the garter.

  Everybody cheered as Jose put the garter on Chloe’s thigh never once taking his eyes off her. Chloe began laughing until she had tears in her eyes.

  Finally, the band came out to play music which led the guests to dance.

  When the band took a break, it was time for people to give their speeches. Ignacio’s children all gave speeches and so did his best friend Pedro. Jill was emotional when she gave her speech and it was now Chloe’s turn. She stood in front of the microphone, her fingers trembling as she unfolded the paper that held her speech.

  “Mom, Ignacio, I’m sorry I have to read this speech. I only had the chance to write this today, since I’ve been busy planning the wedding these last two weeks. So here it goes.”

  Suzanne squeezed Ignacio’s hand and he smiled.

  “Mom, I know you and I were at odds when I was growing up, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from you after all these years is that you’ve sacrificed your life for the sake of others. Today is your special day and you deserve to be happy. After all the sacrifices you’ve made, this is the best gift I can give you. Ignacio, allow me to share your story with everyone.”

  She told the audience about the ill-fated love, finishing with “As fate would have it, they met again and this time with a much happier ending. Ignacio, I see the light in Mom’s eyes each time you look at her. I see how much love and tenderness you have for her. You have truly made Mom happy. I wish you both a wonderful, long and happy life, and hope you continue to cherish one another.”

  A murmur arose among the gathering upon hearing Chloe’s speech and many of the guests had tears in their eyes.

  “I love you, Chloe.” Suzanne blew a kiss.

  The band played again as the crowd danced. Suzanne surprised Chloe when she grabbed the microphone to sing. Ignacio blew kisses to her as she sang. Tears pooled in Chloe’s eyes, when she heard her mom sing in public for the very first time.

  After Suzanne sang, she and Ignacio excused themselves to prepare to leave for Tahiti. “Thank you, Chloe, for the perfect wedding.”

  “You’re welcome, Mom. You deserve it,” Chloe said, hugging her.

  The band began playing more songs and the guests looked skyward as fireworks exploded overhead. To Chloe’s amazement, clearly spelled out in red were the words, “Suzanne, I’ll love you forever.”

  Suzanne kissed Ignacio. Then they escaped, giggling, like two lovebirds.

  Now why didn’t I think of that?

  People gathered towards Chloe as she neared the dance floor, most of them requesting her business card and wanting her to do their wedding. But something was missing.

  Josh.

  She left a note with Jill to give to her mother explaining she couldn’t go to Tahiti with her and Ignacio. Then she excused herself and removed her sandals so she could run to her car. She needed to get to the airport and catch the next plane.

  ***

  Josh arrived at the Ritz hotel at five-thirty. He knew he had blown his chance with Chloe, but he had to see her one more time. She had to know how much he loved her, even if it was too late and she was married to Richard. He owed her that. His only wish now was for her to be happy. He paid the driver double as promised, then grabbed his bag and ran inside the hotel. He saw the sign that said Rogers’ nuptials by the sea.

  He wasn’t appropriately dressed, so he put on his jacket and took a breath mint from his pocket to rid him of coffee breath then ran towards the beach. He was so tired he could barely stand, but he had to see Chloe one last time – before he let her go. Before she became just a memory to him. He knew how much that would hurt, but he had no choice. He was too late.

  He was running towards the beach when he saw that people were still dancing and looking at the fireworks. He was so busy staring up that he didn’t see the woman in the blue dress until he tripped her and knocked her face first to the ground. “Oops, I’m sorry, miss. I hope I didn’t hurt you.”

  He froze when he saw who he was helping up. “Chloe, it’s you.

  “Josh.” A smile enveloped her face. “You’re here.”

  “Yes, I am, but where’s Richard?” Josh asked, looking around for any sign of him.

  Chloe peered down.
“We didn’t go through with the wedding.”

  Josh gave a big sigh of relief. Then he frowned. “So if you’re not getting married, whose wedding is this?”

  Chloe chuckled. “It’s Mom and Ignacio’s wedding. I finally found him and they decided to get married.”

  Josh embraced her. “Then I made it here in time!”

  Chloe kissed him on the lips. “I’m so glad you’re here, Josh, I was just going to drive to the airport.”

  “For real?” Josh asked, cupping her face tenderly in his hands.

  Chloe nodded.

  “We definitely think alike.”

  Chloe held him tight. The band was playing an upbeat song.

  “Can I have this dance?” Josh asked, taking Chloe’s hand and spinning her around.

  She agreed. “I never knew you could dance.”

  Josh winked. “This is our song.” He had memorized the lyrics and couldn’t stop gazing at Chloe as he sang the final beat of the song.

  They waved goodbye to Suzanne and Ignacio who were walking to the waiting limousine.

  “Chloe, you’re as beautiful as the day I met you in first grade.”

  Chloe blushed.

  Josh took out the frame from his pocket. “Remember this?”

  Chloe covered her mouth and looked at the photo of her when she was eleven years old. “You still have that picture?” She remembered that fateful day so well. “That was the day you asked me to ride on your bike. I was so shy back then and I felt so alive after riding your bike.”

  “The memory of you never left me,” Josh said, touching his heart.

  Before she could respond, guests began to gather around to discuss plans for their own weddings.

  “Looks like business is looking bright for you,” Josh said, nodding toward the guests seated in chairs, waiting to talk to Chloe. “But, now I’m going to be selfish and have you all to myself. Do you mind ladies?” he asked, pulling her toward the dance floor.

  They giggled.

  Chloe smiled and held Josh’s neck as he held her waist. “I’m all yours.”