We Ended Up Together (13 page)

"Your parents wouldn't stop talking about it at the country club. They told my parents and my parents told me and so I decided to come," James explained as he walked a few steps closer to Chloe.

"Why did you come here James?" Chloe asked, wanting desperately to get back to her new husband.

"I need your help," James said slowly.

"Okay. What's going on?" Chloe asked getting a little impatient.

"First, I wanted to tell you that I ended up marrying Becca," James stated. Chloe felt a little pained when his words actually registered in her mind. He had cheated on her with Becca and then married her? Chloe was slightly angered by this. Not because she was jealous or anything, but because it was Becca and James.

"And?" Chloe asked, trying to get him to his point.

"I'm not happy with Becca. After all these years, I finally realize what a terrible life this is to live. All I do is work. And when I come home, I don't feel loved. I just need your help and then I'll be out of here," James explained. Chloe saw the pained look in his eyes, but it didn't stop there. His whole body was stiff with sadness and helplessness.

"James, you finally understand how I felt in our marriage. I felt worthless and unloved and lonely. Do you want my advice?" Chloe asked.

"Yes, that's why I'm here. You're the only one who knows how I'm feeling," James responded.

"My advice is to leave Becca and that lifestyle. It's the only way you'll be happy. This might be painful for you to hear, but when I left you it was the best decision I ever made. I felt so free of those chains that were holding me back from being me. Then I found friends that truly loved me and I was amazed at how good it felt to be appreciated," Chloe explained, putting a hand on her chest over her heart.

"It's just not the same for me. I can't just leave. And how will I ever find someone who appreciates me?" James asked.

"You can do it. You just have to get out of that lifestyle and open your eyes to the real world," Chloe said.

"Thank you, Chloe," James said sincerely. "I've never honestly apologized for the way I used to treat you. I didn't know how you felt until now. I'm sorry I didn't love you like you deserved to be loved," James said.

"Thank you James," Chloe replied. "Good luck."

"You too. Enjoy your marriage," James said. "Goodbye." He turned and walked towards the parking lot.

"Wait James," Chloe called after him. When James turned around a few feet from her she spoke again. "Do you want to come and join the party? You might find someone you like in there," Chloe said, but didn't know why she said it.

"No, I'll get going. I need to get started on my new life. Thank you anyways," James responded.

"All right, goodbye," Chloe replied. James gave her a small wave and then disappeared around the corner. Chloe felt like she was on cloud nine. She was so happy to have closure.

When she returned, Chloe told Brad what had happened. Brad had been a little angry that she had left their wedding to go see James, but he soon calmed down when Chloe reassured him that she loved him.

When a slow song was played, Brad and Chloe decided it was a good time for their first dance as husband and wife.

Brad’s hands were on Chloe's waist and Chloe's hands were around the back of Brad’s neck. They swayed slowly to the soft melody. Chloe leaned her head against Brad’s chest, enjoying the sound of his heart. She felt so protected in Brad’s arms.

She looked up at Brad, with her head still against him. Brad smiled at her and then he tenderly kissed her forehead. Chloe caught his eyes before he pulled too far away. Then she stretched to give him a lingering kiss on the lips.

When they stopped, they kept their foreheads against one another's and just continued to look into each other's eyes.

Soon a flash went off and the two turned to see that Vanessa had taken a picture of them before smiling and walking away. Chloe immediately decided that that picture would go in a frame on her bedside table.

When the couple returned to dancing it wasn't long before they were interrupted again. This time it was Jake. The little boy ran and hugged them around the knees. Brad and Chloe looked down at him.

"How are you Jake? Are you having fun?" Brad asked.

"Can I dance with you and Mommy?" Jake asked, ignoring Brad’s question.

"Of course," Brad replied. Then he bent over and picked Jake up. Brad held him between himself and Chloe as they began dancing once more.

After all their years of frustration and unhappiness, the two were finally in an amazing marriage. Even if they'd only been married for a few hours, it was already incredible; they already knew it would work.

They were a family now, and they couldn't be happier. Who knew fate could bring people together in such strange ways. They were ready to face their future together, a future full of love and happiness.