We Ended Up Together (12 page)

"I love you, Chloe," Brad impulsively whispered when they parted slightly. This sent chills up Chloe's spine.

"I love you too," Chloe answered in a whispering voice. Brad kissed her slowly, before he gazed into her eyes. Her blue eyes were filled with glistening tears of joy.

"This is it all right. This is where our future begins," Brad stated.

"Brad our future began when fate brought us together," Chloe said confidently. Brad smiled before he kissed her lips once more.

But their moment was interrupted by Jake's wails from the next room. Brad and Chloe both stopped what they were doing. Brad pulled away from Chloe and sighed.

"I'll be right back," he said softly. Then he kissed her lovingly one last time before carefully climbing off of the bed. Chloe smiled as she watched him leave.

For once in her life she felt completely satisfied with where she was.

She had only been living with Brad for a week and she already felt more loved than two years of marriage to James.

This was where she belonged. She just couldn't believe Brad was the one she had been talking to the whole time. But she couldn't have asked for a better man to want to be by her side.

Chloe took a big step when she left James, and even though she didn't know what events would happen in the future, she knew she'd be safe with Brad. They had trusted each other the entire time without having a clue that their history was so much deeper than just their emails.

They were meant to be together, meant to help each other find courage and strength. From the moment they first met, to when Brad’s text happened to be sent to Chloe. To when they met in the elevator, to when Brad took Chloe in.

They were proof that fate truly exists.

Chloe opened her eyes to the bright sunlight that filled the bedroom. She smiled as she sat up. Today was her wedding day. Her relaxed sigh filled the peaceful air; she was overjoyed about the day to come.

She looked at her side table gazing at the framed picture that sat there.

The picture was of Chloe, Brad, and Jake. It was taken a few weeks after she and Brad had gotten engaged. The two sat on Vanessa's sofa, Brad had his arm around Chloe's waist and Jake sat on their laps.

It was as if Jake knew all along that Chloe would one day be his stepmother, when he insisted on calling her mommy. Chloe loved that little boy with all of her heart.

That picture reminded her of the one she used to have on her nightstand at her old house--the one of her and James on their wedding day. The main difference was that the smile she wore in her picture with Brad had never left her face.

Brad and Chloe had discovered living together was very exciting. They had grown to be two very stubborn and resilient people. When they disagreed, the whole world knew. But the amazing thing about them was that there wasn't a problem they couldn't solve. After quite a few arguments, they had learned to forgive.

Chloe and Brad’s married life was surely going to be what she had always imagined. Their relationship was already full of love, passion, and excitement. Every day with Brad was different, and Chloe couldn't have asked for anything more. Brad gave her everything she had never had with James.

Chloe climbed out of her bed. She was alone in her room. Vanessa and Charlene were sleeping on the pull-out couch in the living room. Brad and Chloe were apart for the night and morning; they were sticking with the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding. Brad was at Jason’s apartment.

Chloe, out of habit, got out of bed and checked her email, hoping none of her co-workers had emailed her about anything important.

Chloe had gotten her dream job. She was now an account rep for a major advertising firm in New York City. Brad had been with her every step of the way, encouraging her to get up, dust herself off and try again when things didn't go her way.

Brad felt like the happiest man in the world. He had a son, an amazing job and, to top it all off, the woman of his dreams as his fiancée.

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.