by Arell Rivers
He chuckles and leans over to give me a coffee-tasting kiss. “And I’m never leaving again. But, no. Congratulations on getting your driver’s license.”
“Merci. I hired a driving company. My instructor worked with my schedule.”
Wills kisses my cheek. “I knew you could do it. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
I place my mug to the side table and take his face in my hands. “You are now.”
“You’re never getting rid of me. Which reminds me.” Lifting his hip, he reaches to his back pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. It is the RSVP card to the wedding. “I haven’t responded to my invitation yet either. May I attend Cole and Rose’s wedding as your plus one?”
I tap my cheek with my index finger, then smother him in kisses.
He laughs. “I’ll take that as a yes.
32
Wills
Ten days after my Angel returned into my life and I feel like a totally different man. And not only because I’m twenty-nine today. As I walk around Complete, members smile and wave at me, which I return. It’s all new. And good.
“Work out with me, W?”
“Nah. I want to talk with the new members over there.” I point with my head. “Need to make sure they’re comfortable with the equipment and to make sure they don’t have any questions.”
“Giving yourself a birthday present of a day off?” Zak punches me on the arm. “You don’t need any more muscle, anyway.” He winks and we break apart—he goes toward the weight room while I make my way to the new members.
“Hi, ladies.” The group stops talking and greets me. “Do you have any questions for me? I want to make sure you feel like one of the family here.”
After I give them some pointers, I leave them to their workouts and continue my circuit around the gym. I’m no longer someone members smile at and avoid. I’m surprised by how much I enjoy this interaction.
Leo approaches me when I enter the rock wall room. “Hi there, Wills. You’re looking good. I understand today’s your birthday.”
“Yes, it is.” He’s big on birthdays, maybe due to the fact he’s approaching fifty.
“Doing anything special?”
“Oh yes.” I have something very special planned for later on today. But it certainly doesn’t involve Complete. A smile tugs at my lips, but I don’t share. Not yet.
“I bet it involves our newest teacher,” he winks.
I chuckle. “Maybe.” Ems agreed to teach a style class here at Complete as she branches out with her new business. Almost all of our female, and quite a few male, members have signed up to attend. Goes along with the whole Complete package, not only helping people achieve their ideal internal balance, but physical appearance as well.
“Want to see if you can beat me up the rock wall, old man?”
I slap him on the back. “I’ll take you up on that, Leo.”
Together, we walk over to the most difficult wall and suit up in our harnesses. Soon, I scramble up the wall next to him. I have a slight lead. My fingers reach out for the next handhold … and miss. Clenching the rock under my left hand, I try to find purchase with my right. And slip again, falling backward off the wall. Leo’s laughter travels up to me as he passes by and rings the bell, while all I can do is hang from the ceiling, helpless, in the halter.
My spotter brings me down and unhooks me while Leo makes his own way back to the ground. “Good try, Wills. Maybe next time.”
“Count on it.”
We fist bump and head back out to the reception area. On our way, he says, “You know, October fifteenth has always been a big day around here. Addie loved to celebrate her birthday.”
His comment brings to mind one of her more outrageous birthdays. “She always did. Once, when we were twelve, she walked around wearing a shirt that said ‘It’s My Birthday, Do What I Say.’ Then, she demanded everyone give her twelve push-ups. And people did!” We laugh at the story. It feels good.
As we approach the crowded reception area, the music stops. A bunch of employees and members step back to reveal Emilie standing at the counter, a huge, rectangular cake alight with candles in front of her. The group starts to sing “Happy Birthday!”
My heart feels full. This is my family, with my Ems leading the pack. How could I be any more blessed? Arriving next to the woman I love, I wrap my arms around her and give her a kiss, not caring who’s there to witness it. She giggles and steps back, allowing me to blow out the candles.
“Speech! Speech!”
Clearing my throat, I start. “Thank you, everyone, for making my day so special. A year ago, I couldn’t imagine myself where I am now.” I look at Ems. “With the woman I love, taking over the gym my sister started. Now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Thank you for welcoming me into Complete. And thank you for loving Addie.” I look at the blaze on the counter. “Oh, and don’t forget to give me one hundred push-ups for every piece of cake.”
Clapping, cake and push-ups mark the next half-hour. Everyone comes over and wishes me well. I enjoy getting to know each person and sharing in their challenges and successes.
After the cake is devoured, Ems kisses me once more and heads off to her classroom—the one painted blue and filled with memories of us, including the photo from the Caymans. I love to see the piece hanging there on the wall, like she stepped straight out of it and into my life. The group disperses, either following her or off to their own workouts. I head to my office to grab my keys. I need to head to my appointment with my therapist.
Sitting in a comfortable chair across the room from him, I continue to work through both my PTSD and issues with my father. He’s recovering at home now. Even though our relationship has taken a turn for the better, it will take time for us to heal. The wounds run deep. Therapy has opened my eyes to several truths.
When our hour comes to an end, he says, “Happy Birthday, Wills. Do you have any plans for tonight?”
A small smile plays around my mouth. “Well, as you know, Emilie came out publicly about her abuse at the hands of Lloyd Price and Wade Block yesterday. Both men have become instant pariahs. We weren’t able to celebrate then so I’m planning a special something for both of us tonight.”
He shakes my hand. “Sounds good. Have a great evening.”
I plan to.
I get to our house before Ems and open a bottle of our favorite French wine to let it breathe. Who knew I would become a wine guy? So many changes, all because of her.
I putter around the kitchen, placing wineglasses next to the open bottle. Folding and refolding the dishtowels. Rearranging the flowers I placed on the island earlier. When nothing’s left to do in here, I make my way to the living room. Are the magazines out of alignment? I nudge them into a proper stack.
Rubbing my clammy hands down my jeans, I walk over to the drawing her mother gave her. Is it crooked? Standing in front of it, I decide the shops depicted are listing and push it up from the bottom right. Now it’s too high on the right. Expelling a breath, I push it back down. Turning on my heel, I enter the bedroom.
Bed turned down. Check.
Candles strategically placed. Check.
Flowers on the dresser. Check. I don’t think I’ve ever bought so many flowers as I did today.
I open the drawer under the flowers and pull out the little black velvet box buried between gym and dress socks. Flipping it open, a diamond gleams at me. I chose a round brilliant solitaire. A classic look for my classic bride. To-be bride. I hope. My eyes shut as I whisper to the empty room, “please say yes.”
Zak gave me shit about Ems from the start, but when I asked him to join me for this purchase, he became all business. He even printed out information about the 4 C’s of diamonds—cut, clarity, carat and…well, another “C” word. I swallow hard, shut the box and slip it into my back pocket.
Color—that’s it! I’m smiling at my success at remembering the fourth “C” when the front door creaks open. I race to the salon, as she calls it, in tim
e to see her close the carved front door. I give her a welcome home kiss.
“Class go well?”
“Oui.” She kicks off her shoes. Eyes alight, she says, “You know the new member Karen, right? She works with Dan at the television studio.”
My brows knit.
“Dan O’Connor? Cole’s best friend.”
“Oh, right.” My mind is so consumed with thoughts of the question I’m going to be asking that it’s difficult to concentrate on what she’s saying.
“Well, Karen said she is looking for new talent for a television show she is doing. It is a type of revival of an old show featuring stylists. And she says I would be perfect for the role.”
“Oh, wow. That sounds like it’s made for you.”
She nods and runs her hands around my torso, clasping them behind my back. “I am very excited.” She tilts her head up for a kiss. Who am I to refuse?
“Let’s go celebrate. I opened a bottle.”
“Great.”
Arm-in-arm, we walk through the archway into the kitchen. When I reach the island, I pour the wine.
“Oh, these are gorgeous!” She places her nose into the bouquet. “Buy yourself flowers for your birthday?”
I chuckle. “Something like that.”
“Speaking of which, I have a present for you.” She walks over to the desk in the kitchen and opens the middle drawer. Handing me an envelope, she says, “Bon anniversaire.”
My eyes meet hers. “Thank you.” I open a card that speaks of love and happiness, and then unfold the piece of paper that she had inserted. It’s an invitation to compete on “Ninja Heroes.” My mouth drops open.
“I thought you might like to try your hand.”
I can’t contain my excitement. I let out a whoop that I’m sure the neighbors can hear and twirl her around the kitchen. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” I kiss her until we’re both breathing hard. “You’ve made this day perfect.”
Well, almost perfect. I still have one gift I want to give myself. Picking up the glasses of wine, I lead her out to the patio and hand her one. “To exciting things ahead,” I offer.
The crystal glasses clink with a ping. When we’ve both taken a sip, I place my glass on the table. Then I take hers and put it next to mine.
“What?” she begins.
I drop to one knee, my heart beating a steady rhythm. I’m not scared about taking this step. I just need to seal the deal. I reach into my back pocket and pull out the small box.
She gasps, her hand flying to her face.
“Emilie Dubois, you mean everything to me. The sun, the stars, everything revolves around you. I’ve never been one for speeches, but you give me words. You give me love. And I love you with my whole life. I promise to love and protect you forever. Your body, your mind and your heart. Will you be my wife?” That wasn’t the speech I had prepared, but nothing about this woman has ever been prepared.
“Wills. Oui. Yes, yes, I will marry you!”
Tears spill down both of our cheeks as I slip my ring onto her finger. This is the best birthday gift I could ever receive. The body I was born to guard.
Epilogue
Emilie
* * *
I pin a red boutonniere on Cole’s Armani black tux, then run my fingers down his lapels. I am honored they decided to go with my selection for his attire. After straightening a skinny silver tie that matches his vest, I declare him, “Perfect.”
“Thanks, Emsy.” My former publicity date winks and kisses my cheek. He is as calm as I have ever seen him.
“No nerves, Cole?”
He shakes his head. “None. I’m the luckiest guy in the world and can’t wait for Rose to be my wife.”
My heart warms at his obvious devotion. When it is our turn, will Wills be so composed? I do not have time to think about it as Jayson, Cole’s brother and best man, grabs me by my waist and twirls me around. Laughing, I tap his black vest.
“And you are looking mighty fine, Jayson.”
He wiggles his eyebrows. “That’s what Carl said.” I look around for his boyfriend, but before I can ask, Jayson continues, “He just went to snag his seat. Wanted to give us some bro time.”
“Well, that sounds like my cue. You two are photo ready. I am going back to check on Rose and her party.”
Cole picks up an envelope from a nearby table. “Please give this to Rose for me?”
“Of course.” I take it and turn toward the door as Jayson makes some wisecrack about half the female population crying their eyes out today. Brothers.
I hurry to the bridal suite, my smile wide. Inside, Suzanne distracts her daughter Emma, the almost two-year-old flower girl, with some blocks while McKenna fusses with her orange maid of honor dress. Her pitch-black hair has a shot of white in it. I will tend to them in a second, but my attention is drawn to gorgeous brunette in front of the full-length mirror.
“You are beautiful, Rose.” Ice blue eyes—a color that should be cold but rather is warm and engaging—meet mine.
“Thanks, Emilie.” She motions to her one-of-a-kind off-the-shoulder bridal gown. “I feel beautiful in this dress.”
The Spanish designers did a spectacular job on the gown, but her beauty comes from within. “Believe me, you outshine every model on the runway.” I hand her the envelope and give her a double air kiss so as not to mess her makeup. “Cole wanted me to give you this.”
While she opens the note, McKenna joins us. “Emilie, can you please help me?”
“Sure.”
She motions me over to the window. Seems like McKenna cannot zip her dress. “I put on a few pounds since the final fitting.”
“No worries. Let me see what I can do.” After several attempts, I manage to get the dress zipped. “There. How does that feel?”
McKenna inhales. “Good. Thanks so much!” She flips her hair, the shock of white catching my eye.
I reach out trace the dyed hair. “White?”
She nods. “I needed something demure for the wedding.” We burst out laughing.
From the other side of the room, Rose lets out a sob. McKenna and I look at each other and rush to her side. She waves the note from Cole.
McKenna’s eyes bounce from the letter to Rose’s face. “No crying! It’ll ruin your makeup!”
“He’s so,” sniffle, “amazing! Listen to what he wrote.”
Suzanne carries her beautiful daughter over to join us. Rose looks around to confirm we are all here and clears her throat. “My dearest Rose, you are making me the happiest man today. I can’t wait to go to bed and wake up together for the rest of our lives, sharing the happy and the sad. From our night in college to today, you have been there for me, even when I was too stupid to realize it. I impatiently wait for you at the altar to declare to the whole world that I am yours. All my love, Cole.”
My knees go weak at his words. As one, we put our hands over our mouths. A second later, McKenna reaches into her pocket and waves a tissue in front of Rose’s face.
“Here. Let me.” I grab the tissue and dab the tears, then add some more powder and blush. “There. Perfect.” Her brilliant smile is all the thanks I need. “I think my work here is done. I will go take my seat and await your perfect day.”
Emma races around in a circle and claps as I leave them to find my own happily ever after.
Once seated next to my fiancé, I admire my engagement ring on my left hand. Twisting it in the light, the diamond sparkles. Like my love.
The luxe hotel room has been transformed into a chapel, bursting with all different roses. Outside, New Jersey in mid-November is a riot of fall colors. Inside, guests take their seats to share in the happy couple’s celebration. Dreams of my own wedding dance around my head. When we were in Paris last week, Maman suggested a local garden as the venue.
Leaning over to Wills, I continue our ongoing debate. “You know, Paris in May is beautiful.”
“Christmas sounds better.”
If it were up to him, we wou
ld have gotten married when he met my parents. Maman and Papa fell in love with him on the spot and would not have minded. But, I have always wanted an outdoor wedding. “I’ve,” I say, sounding out the contraction. His encouraging smile makes me continue. “I’ve already pushed it up from September.”
He kisses my cheek. “Dad will be cleared to travel by the end of this month. February. It’s for lovers.” His relationship with his parents continues to improve, although it still has a long way to go. I’m pleased he is thinking about his father when considering our wedding date.
Dan, Suzanne’s husband and television executive, takes a seat next to me. He taps me on my shoulder and effectively ends our sparring. For now. “Congrats. Karen showed me the mock-up of the pilot for your show, and it looks great.”
Wills hears his whisper and squeezes my right hand. I’m on Cloud Nine right now. I have both a man I love and a career I want. “Merci.”
He points toward the back of the room. “Emma’s so excited to be the flower girl. You did a wonderful job with everyone. They all look great.” He winks. “Even Cole.”
“It was a tough job, but someone had to do it.”
Both men bark out laughter, causing the rest of the attendees to look at us. And smile. Cole and Rose’s wedding is finally here and everyone is excited for them. And I don’t have to worry about being anywhere else.
Cole’s friend, the television star Jessie Anderson, and her girlfriend, Amanda, take seats in the row right behind us. Ozzy Martinez, Cole’s rock star friend who’s all tatted and pierced, slides into a seat next to them on the aisle. Across the way, Rose’s business partner Shari and her boyfriend, Lance, wave to us. Seated next to them is the person everyone calls Grandma Gertie, a petite grey-haired woman with a heart of gold. My heart overflows for Cole and Rose.
A side door opens, and three men file into the front of the makeshift chapel. The officiant stands in the center, but my eyes skim over him to land on Cole. He stands straight and tall, looking excited. Next to him, his brother is chic in his tux. He winks at his boyfriend in the front row.