Page 62 of Bittersweet

“Just that . . .” She sniffs. “Just that we only ever wanted you to be happy. And if this is what makes youhappy. . .”

“It does.” I run one hand over that beautiful white material one last time. This is a dream I’m finally ready to let go of. “It reallydoes.”

“Good,” she says. “We’ll support you however wecan.”

And I know they will, because at heart, despite the pushing and the digs about me still being single, my parents are good people who only want what’s best for me. I don’t know what that is yet, but for the first time in a long time, I can’t wait to findout.

We end the call, and I stare at my wedding dress. The one that brought me so much happiness, so much hope for thefuture.

Then I walk back to the door, pulling it closed. It’s time to keep the room shut for awhile.

Just as the lock is about to click, I race back in and grab those Jimmy Choos. There’s no need to say goodbye to them justyet.

* * *

Five hours later,my house is clean. I’ve washed, dusted, and aired everything, getting rid of the old and inviting in the new. I did it all in sweats and crystal heels, because what’s the point in saving them for a day that might never come? What’s the point in stopping myself from living in thenow?

I’ve called Marc and left three messages, but he hasn’t replied. He probably had clients all day.Looks like I have to meet the parents afterall.

I’ll break up with him in the car on the way home. Then I’ll never have to see Marc Morettiagain.

I check the time.Thirty minutes to go. I pull out my laptop. My Jimmy Choos thunk down on the floor as the computer hums to life. My fingers itch for it toopen.

It’s times like these when I love what Ido.

It’s times like these when I’m inspired towrite.

Dear lovers,

Awedding isa time when you celebrate the love you have for your husband-to-be. It’s a time when you begin your new journey together, full of dreams for the future—dreams that are all aboutweandusandtogether. Dreams that I hope will cometrue.

In all this coupledom, this focus on union during your big day, it can be easy to lose sight of one other person—yourself.

You’ve found the man of your dreams, but never stop believing you’re good enough withouthim.

He’s promising to be with you forever, but never doubt your strength if something should goawry.

You’re discovering a new and beautiful side to your relationship, but you’re also discovering a new and beautiful side to yourself. Your ability to love will grow. Your ability to compromise will,too.

So, my dear bride-to-be, please live in the moment. Dance like no one is watching. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and eat that tart you’ve been lusting after at the bakery. You deserve it. You’ve earnedit.

Your wedding is a time to celebrate love, but love for yourself is important,too.

Love,

Romy

23

Romy

Istareup at the house. It’s gorgeous, all dark wood with a shingled siding and roof. It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Like Aurora’s cabin, only bigger. Much bigger. It’s hard to believe people actually live here. I take in the mountains surrounding us and breathe the crisp, cool air. “Wow.”

Marc smiles. “You likeit?”

“What’s not tolike?”

“Good,” he says, falling into step beside me. “I expect one day it’ll all bemine.”

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