Page 21 of The One Before

“I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you,” I say, touching his cheek. “But I’m here now. I believe you, and I won’t let anyone spread lies about you.”

My phone rings, displaying a number I don’t recognize. I answer.

“Madison?” There’s a pause. “It’s Josephine. Cooper gave me your number. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Everything all right?”

“Just fine. I’m calling because I wanted to pass along the names of the event planners I told you about. Cooper has given me strict orders not to intrude, so I’ll entrust you to make arrangements.” There’s a pause, as though she expects me to say something. I don’t. She reads off the names and I write them down. “However, I would mention my name. It might help with their sense of urgency. And, of course, my feelings won’t be hurt if you decide to look elsewhere. Although I can assure you the names on this list will help you plan a beautiful wedding.”

“Thank you, Josephine,” I say, turning in an ineffective attempt to gain privacy from Coop. “I’d also like to apologize for the way I took off earlier. I had such a lovely time shopping with you, and you’ve been so kind—”

“It’s all right, dear,” she says, interrupting my ramblings. “After speaking with Regina, it’s quite understandable why you were so upset.” So, Regina told her mother about our conversation, or maybe just that one part? I’m not sure if it helps or hurts that she knows what Bridgette said.

“Again, I had a great time today.” Josephine and I are still in that awkward phase where we have yet to build a bond of our own. I want her to like me, and I already sense that, at least in her mind, I’m a fitting daughter-in-law, unlike Regina who seems to reject her mother’s influence.

“Living in Whisper Falls requires some adjustments,” she says. “I only wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine,” I say. “Thank you.”

Turning back, I see Coop is standing by the fireplace. His anxiety from earlier seems to have eased. I hope we’ve moved past this hurdle. That our conversation today was a necessary step in better finding our place here. Today has tested us, put salt on his old sores. People forget that salt on a wound, however painful, can promote healing. Nothing is ever truly resolved when left untreated. Nothing is ever truly overcome when left ignored.

Fourteen

Madison

For the rest of the weekend, it feels like we’re getting back to normal, getting back to us. In many ways, Bridgette’s comment gave me more insight into Coop. It made me understand why Regina is so vindictive toward those around her. The relationship between the Douglases and this town is a complicated one. At least now I have a better understanding why. They’ve given so much to this place. They’ve supported its people and their businesses, only to be rewarded with rumors and accusations.

I’m determined to move forward. I don’t want to inherit Regina’s bitterness or Coop’s shame. I’ll find my footing in Whisper Falls, despite how foreign it feels. The first step in all that is the wedding. Major details, like the location and dress and date, have already been decided upon and booked. We agreed it would be easier to finalize the finishing touches (the flowers and decorations and caterer) once we’d moved. On Monday, I call the event planners Josephine suggested and arrange a series of one-hour consultations, in hopes of finding someone to help me juggle the remaining tasks.

I spend the rest of the week unpacking and making room for our new furniture. By Thursday, I drive to Whisper Falls Park for a mid-morning run. Maybe I’ll be one of those housewives who picks up jogging. I’d prefer yoga or Pilates, but they don’t offer any classes here. I already checked.

I can see the whole park in its entirety. It’s almost empty, save a mother and her children on the swings and a woman sitting alone on a bench. There’s a white and blue playground in the center of the running track. I start jogging, knowing the sooner I elevate my heart rate, the less I’ll feel the early morning chill lingering in the air. Like everything else in Whisper, this workout is different. I’m used to weaving through crowds on narrow sidewalks, music blaring from my earbuds. I’m not even listening to music, instead taking in the unique melody of the crunching leaves, a little girl’s laughter in the distance and my own breathing.

As I start my third round, my body begins to sweat. I’m getting faster, puffing out all the frustrations I’ve attempted to ignore since the move. All the anger I have toward myself for having to leave. All the lingering questions I have about Celia Gray and her death. A strong gust of wind unsettles a bundle of leaves, blowing them into my path. Along with them come a few pieces of notebook paper. I look to my left and see the woman by the bench scrambling.

I grab the papers swirling nearby. “Are these yours?” I shout.

The woman turns, holding papers in one hand and brushing back her brown, shoulder-length hair with the other. She’s about my age and wears a puffy olive coat. “I guess that’s what I get for trying to do work outside.”

I approach the bench, offering the documents I recovered. “Hopefully you aren’t missing anything important.”

“Thanks. I’ll sort it out later. Writers fare better when they stick to a desk.” She smiles. There’s a small stud piercing her left nostril.

“Do you work for theGazette?”

She laughs. “No, but I can’t blame you for asking. It’s the only paper we have around here. My stuff is a little more offbeat. It’s a blog, really, but I like to think I start reporting where theGazetteleaves off.”

“I’ll check it out. What’s the name?”

“The Falls Report,” she says, sorting her papers. The name triggers a memory.

“I remember seeing a flyer about that at Nectar.”

Another laugh. “I guess I’ll take advertisements where I can get them.” She holds out her hand and shakes mine firmly. “Bailey Bloom.”

“Madison Sharpe,” I say, matching her grip. “I’m new to Whisper.”

There’s a brief look of recognition, then she smiles. “You’re Cooper Douglas’ fiancée, right?”

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