32. Faye
Mark wasn’t kidding when he said he wanted to spend forever with me, starting as soon as possible.
We no sooner get back to the States, and he asks me about dates.
Knowing all of his family and mine would be in town for the Seaside Music Festival, we decided to ask them to stay a couple more days and get married the Tuesday after the chaos of the festival is over.
I’m quickly learning that if you need anything done in this family, Sloane makes it happen.
All the girls will pitch in at a moment’s notice, but she’s the one who has an uncanny ability to really put things into action.
Within days of asking, she has helped secure nearly everything we need—except for my dress.
When Mark hears his girls and me talking about the issue, he makes it possible for them to join my mom and me in Portland to look at dresses.
Knowing I want to spend more time with his daughters, he personally watches all nine of his grandkids while we make the trip.
We have the best time laughing, sipping champagne, and telling stories about Mark.
He pretends to grumble about it, but we all know he loves that his daughters and I are becoming fast friends.
The best part is, I came home with a dress that day, and it’s perfect for me.
The big day is finally here.
I’m officially marrying the only man I’ve ever truly loved.
There’s only one place our wedding could be held: where it all began, at Mark’s childhood home.
As I put my finishing touches on my makeup in Lanie’s bedroom, I hear a knock at the door.
Mom steps in and gasps. “Oh, Faye. You’re just… breathtaking.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, standing to hug her.
“Being back in this house makes me miss Jane something fierce. She and I always wished the two of you would run into one another. We just knew the sparks would fly because you two always had the strongest chemistry. We knew it even before you did as teens.”
“Really?” I ask in disbelief. “Why didn’t you ever tell me? I spent years avoiding Mark, only to fall in love with him the second I saw him again.”
“Oh,” she tsks and swats a hand in the air. “Jane and I never wanted to meddle. We’d hoped you’d find your way back to each other but didn’t want to sway your destiny. I have something I’d like you to read, though, to prove I’m not pulling your leg about this.”
Placing my hand on hers, I assure her, “Mom, I trust you.”
Taking a long breath, Mom smiles and digs into her purse. “Jane would’ve wanted you to read this, as well. She and I used to write one another when she’d travel with the girls to visit Mark. This is one of the last letters she ever sent me.”
My heart thunders in my chest as she hands me the envelope.
As I open it, my chest squeezes when I immediately recognize Jane Lancaster’s familiar cursive script.
Dear Virgie,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am loving each and every moment with my granddaughters this summer, but I miss home all the same.
There’s something to be said about waking up next to the ocean each morning.
I don’t sleep as well without it lulling me to sleep, but we’re both at that fantastic age where sleep evades us, so it doesn’t really matter, does it?
The girls and I are heading to London in the morning.
With Lanie starting college and the rest officially in high school, it might be one of the last family trips they’re all obligated to partake in.
I know they don’t really need me, but with Mark only getting leave for the second half of our trip, I promised I’d spend the entire two weeks taking them to sites around the UK before he arrives.
So, they’re eager for our adventure together.
Speaking of Mark, I love my son to the ends of the earth and back, but sometimes I want to rip his arms off and beat him with them.
He’s a phenomenal father and has had an outstanding career, but he needs to learn there’s more to life than that.
He and I were talking about home last night, and somehow the subject of Faye came up.
I’m not saying this to bring either of us false hope, but you should’ve seen the way his eyes lit up when he talked about her. Even after all these years, I sometimes wonder if she’ll be the only person he ever truly loves.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. He loved Sarah in his own way. She gave him four amazing children, and he repeatedly says he has zero regrets about how things started or ended with them. But even after all these years, I’ve never seen him light up the way he does when he talks about Faye.
I also know our sweet Faye avoids poor Mark like the plague.
But even you have to admit… there’s something to be said about never talking about someone.
The last time she came to visit, I caught her staring at a picture of him with an expression much like his when he talked about her yesterday.
She loves hearing all the stories she can about his girls, but clams up when I start talking too much about Mark himself.
So, of course, I do my best to sprinkle in details every now and then, to let her know he’s still single.
I’m not sure what her hang-up is over Mark, but I hope I get to see her resolve those feelings in my lifetime. Mark my words (no pun intended), if those two ever sit in the same room again, I’m certain they’ll be right back to where they started in no time.
She’s worked hard over the years, and she, too, has a phenomenal career, but you and I both know she’s also kept her heart guarded.
Even if it’s not with Mark, I hope she truly finds a way to bring love into her life.
She is far too special a person to spend her life alone.
She has so much love in her, and I hope she gets to share it with someone special.
I know I sound like a ridiculous busybody, but you of all people know how strong my intuition can be. I had to take a moment and write it down, or no one would ever believe me should this finally happen in the future.
Of course, I won’t do anything to interfere with their fate, but between you and me, this is something I feel deep in my bones will happen. The two of them just need to pull their heads out of their stubborn asses and simply be in the same room with one another to let it happen.
Until then, I’ll just mind my business, and you be sure to do the same.
Please send Herb my love. If you have a chance, feel free to stop by my garden and pick anything you’d like for yourself. I’d hate for any of it to go to waste while I’m galavanting through the British countryside.
Take care. I miss you tons, but I’m loving every moment with my girls and wouldn’t miss this time with them for the world.
Until next time,
Jane
By the time I get to the end, tears stream down my face. “Oh, Mom.” I gush, throwing myself into her arms and squeezing her tight.
When I pull back, I suck in a deep breath and admit, “I’ve been missing Jane so much today.”
“She’s always here, sweetheart. She loved you so much.”
“Can I get a copy of this letter to share with Mark? I’m sure he’s missing his mom like crazy on a day like today.”
“Oh, Faye,” she sighs. “You can have it. I think this is something you should share with Mark when you feel the time is right.”
When I spot my reflection in the mirror, I laugh. “It’s a good thing I’m wearing waterproof makeup, or I’d be starting from ground zero again.” Taking a tissue, I dab at my eyes and grin excitedly. “Can you send Dad in here? I think I’m ready to officially start my forever with Mark.”