We Ended Up Together

by Makers, Veronica

Chloe was surprised to find an email from Brad. They had made it a habit to email each other on a regular basis, since it was an act that was close to their heart. Chloe read the email.

  Chloe,

  Never in a million years could I have imagined life would be this great. Only a few years ago, I was in a marriage that was slipping away from me. That day that you encouraged me to end my marriage is a day that will always mean a lot to me.

  Then I saw you in the elevator. You were so beautiful, and yet something about your eyes showed your sadness. It was so incredible that we met after many years of not seeing each other. I was glad to have you by my side in such a frightening situation.

  That moment when you told me you left James was the proudest I've ever been of someone. You followed your instinct and took a risk.

  When I answered the phone that one evening, I almost stopped breathing when I heard your voice. I couldn't help but feel the need to help you.

  After that, you shocked me with your kindness towards Jake, and not because I didn't believe you could take care of him, but because he looked like he belonged in your arms.

  The day we found out we were emailing each other all along is a moment I can't find words to describe. It was the one time in my life I actually felt like something was going right. I now truly believe that everything happens for a reason.

  And here we are today. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. I can't wait for the moment I get to see you walk down that aisle. And I especially can't wait for the moment you become my wife and a mother to Jake.

  I love you with all my heart and soul. I will see you soon.

  Yours Truly.

  Chloe had tears streaming down her cheeks. She was so lucky to have found a man like Brad to share her life with. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

  A knock on her door made her quickly wipe away her tears.

  "Chloe, are you awake?" Vanessa asked as she opened the door and peeked inside.

  "Yes," Chloe responded as she closed her email.

  "We have to start getting ready. Charlene's already awake so let's go," Vanessa said. Chloe smiled at her friend's take-charge attitude. It was hard to believe that the two had ever drifted apart, since they were so close now.

  That was another reason Chloe was glad to have escaped her old life. She had found a group of people that really cared about her.

  Chloe had butterflies in her stomach as the tall, wooden double doors opened. The beautiful room in front of her was enough to bring tears to her eyes.

  The church was unbelievable with its high peaked ceiling and floor to ceiling windows. The room was decorated with lilies and white roses on every pew and on both sides of the altar. Her friends all stood at the end of the aisle. Brad was in the middle. He was beaming as Chloe began to walk to the wedding march, which filled the room with its soft melody. He couldn't believe how stunning she looked. Her dress hugged her body in all the right places, her vale perfectly flowing behind her. Her hair was in an intricate bun with a few strands framing her face.

  Chloe held on to her bouquet of lilies in one hand and linked arms with her father with the other. Her father was never fond of Brad when they lived in the same neighborhood long ago. But, after their talk years ago, he was definitely learning to accept him, especially since he made Chloe so happy.

  The two reached the altar; Chloe couldn't get over how handsome Brad looked in his suit and tie. She couldn't believe that this day had finally come. And, who knew the one she'd be marrying would end up being Brad DeMarco, the brother of her best friend?

  Chloe turned to her father, who gave her a kiss on the cheek. Philip placed Chloe's hand in Brad’s.

  "Take care of her Brad," Philip whispered, looking directly at Brad. Brad smiled at his soon-to-be father in-law.

  "I promise I will, sir," Brad answered. Philip smiled back and then took his seat in one of the front pews.

  Brad was glad he and Chloe's father had worked things out. He was an intense man, but Brad knew he meant well and was just protective of his daughter.

  Chloe stood in front of Brad, tears already in her eyes. Tears were in Brad’s eyes as well as he looked at the wonderful woman who would soon be his wife.

  "You look beautiful," Brad whispered. Chloe smiled and took his hands in hers. They held hands as the minister began to speak.

  "Welcome, everyone. We are here today to unite Chloe Etienne and Brad DeMarco in holy matrimony. On this day three years ago, this couple met over a text message. Now they have chosen you, those most special and important to them, to help celebrate the beginning of their life together. As this marriage begins, we create with it a new bond and new family."

  Chloe glanced at Jake out of the corner of her eye. He sat with Brad’s parents. He sat on the pew, his little feet dangling in front of him, in a tiny little suit that matched the groomsmen. When Jake noticed Chloe look at him, he waved and smiled a sweet grin. Chloe blew him a kiss back.

  Chloe then noticed that Brad’s mom Mary and his dad Raymond were smiling up at her. Mary was on the verge of tears already. Chloe remembered the day she and Brad visited them for the first time as a couple. They walked into the DeMarcos’ house holding hands and smiling giddily. Then Brad told them that they were dating.

  Mary hugged them hard enough to leave them breathless. They were so glad that their son was happy again, and with a girl as delightful as Chloe.

  Back in reality, Chloe held Brad’s hands in hers as the minister continued to speak.

  "Brad and Chloe have written their own vows. Chloe, you first," the minister spoke. Chloe swallowed nervously, but she was soon calmed by Brad’s eyes. She pretended she was just speaking in front of him.

  "Love doesn't always come easy. I know that from experience. But every obstacle in my path, every challenge, has helped me grow and find you. In a time where we needed love most, fate and destiny brought us together. We both found someone to lean on.

  I promise to love you every second, of every minute, of every day for the rest of our lives. I will always be here for you, to support you in hard times and share the good times. I love you with all my heart and I can't wait to spend my life with you," Chloe spoke quietly, her voice shaking with tears.

  "And now Brad," the minister queued as Brad was caught up in Chloe's emotion. He took a breath and then spoke.

  "From the moment I first laid my eyes on you, I knew you were the only one for me. Your beauty, heart, and mind made me fall for you back in the ninth grade. When we grew apart, I accepted the fact that I had lost you. But, when I met you once again, years later, I was right back in that place.

  Everything happens for a reason. And the reason that you and I were brought together is that we complete each other. We fill in each other's rough edges with our love for one another. Thank you for always being there for me. I promise to continue to be there for you. I love you. This is the moment our future begins," Brad said. Chloe's tears spilled over and rolled down her cheeks.

  "Chloe, do you take Brad to be your husband, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" The minister asked, turning to Chloe.

  "I do," Chloe answered.

  "Brad, do you take Chloe to be your wife, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" The minister asked Brad.

  "I do," Brad said looking directly at Chloe.

  "Now the rings," the minister said. Jason, the best man, handed Brad his ring. Vanessa, the maid of honor gave Chloe hers. "These rings have no beginning and no ending. They are a symbol that the love between you will never end. Place these rings upon each other's fingers as a sign of the vows you have made today," the minister said.

  Brad put Chloe's ring on her finger and then Chloe put Brad’s on his.

  "By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Brad, you may now kiss your bride," the minister stated.

  Brad smiled at Chloe for a moment. With tears sparkling in their eyes,
they leaned in. Brad wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling Chloe against him. Chloe wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. The moment their lips touched, everyone else in the room faded away. It was just them and their future that lay ahead. When they parted, they quickly kissed once more before just smiling at each other.

  "Family and friends, I present to you for the first time, Doctor and Mrs. Brad DeMarco," the minister introduced. Brad couldn't believe he had actually just heard those words. His fantasy of having Chloe forever was now a reality.

  Brad and Chloe faced the church, holding hands. Everyone clapped as they began to exit.

  The reception after the wedding ceremony was beautiful. The tables were set with white tablecloths and silver cutlery. The centerpieces and other flower arrangements were overflowing with more lilies and white roses. The room romantically glowed with elegant wall sconces and a few large chandeliers above the dance floor.

  After a wonderful dinner, it was time to dance the night away. Brad and Chloe mingled with their friends and family dancing, laughing and having a great time. The newlyweds never left each other's side. They had their hands on each other the whole night.

  Brad and Chloe were talking to friends when Chloe's mother walked up to her.

  "Chloe, can I talk to you for a moment?" Maryse asked.

  "Um okay," Chloe said unsurely. "I'll be right back," She said to Brad before kissing him on the cheek.

  Maryse led Chloe away from the dance floor and out the hall's doors. They soon walked into the lobby, which had light marble floors and a high ceiling. Maryse then stopped abruptly and turned to face her daughter.

  "Chloe, there's a visitor outside that wants to talk to you," Maryse explained. Chloe looked at her strangely.

  "Okay…who is it?" Chloe asked, confused.

  "Chloe, sweetie I have to get back to the party. Please just walk around the side of the building," Maryse explained hurriedly. Chloe didn't have time to respond, before her mom kissed her forehead and walked away.

  Chloe had a nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach as she walked out the glass front doors of the venue. It was dark outside, but the parking lot was lit by a few streetlamps. The only sounds came from the speeding cars on a nearby road and Chloe's heals clicking against the pavement.

  She followed the brick wall until she rounded the corner of the building. Chloe gasped in shock when she saw who stood there.

  "Hi, Chloe," James greeted. Chloe hadn't seen him since they had divorced each other three years ago. He hadn't changed at all. Chloe stood frozen with surprise, as she definitely hadn't expected her visitor to be her ex-husband.

  "James. How did you know about my wedding?" Chloe asked, crossing her arms across her chest as she shivered in the cool evening air.

  "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.

 

 

 
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