Chapter 28 #2
“Wait. What did you say?” She closes her eyes dramatically and waves her hands in the air. “Okay, say it again.”
I chuckle. “Someone really wise told me to up my game. That I needed to push myself in the romance department.”
A wide grin inhabits her face. “Would you mind if I asked your name?” She reaches for an order form, seeming to act all business.
“Ben. My name is Ben Banks. You wouldn’t happen to be Tuesday?”
“Oh, my gosh. Yes!” she blurts. “It is you! It’s so rare I ever have the good fortune to meet people I connect with over the phone. And admittedly, your situation has stuck with me. I’m so glad it all worked out.”
“It did.” I snicker. “But not like you think.” I can feel a bit of embarrassment stain my cheeks at the memory of that humiliating time in my life.
“Your advice was spot on. I admit I haven’t been the most attentive boyfriend in the past. My focus has always been on my work.
But that ridiculous relationship was a wake-up call.
” I reach back to rub the back of my neck.
“I’m embarrassed to admit, I think at that time, I was trying to pull out all of the stops to keep her from leaving again. But not because I loved her.”
Her face scrunches in confusion.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself since the day we spoke on the phone. I’m quite driven. It’s how I’ve managed to pursue a successful business. Failure isn’t an option. I did as you suggested. Wined and dined her. Showed her how much I cared. But the whole time, something seemed off.”
Tuesday gives me her undivided attention. Either because that’s simply the type of girl she is, or perhaps because my ridiculous life is like watching a car wreck or a reality TV episode.
“Even though she wasn’t rubbing my nose in my mistakes, and she was still giving us a chance, it began to feel like I was forcing a square peg into a round hole.”
“It’s good you were observant of your feelings,” she adds.
Am I the only floral customer who treats this place like I’m spilling my emotions at the local pub?
“Yes. You’re right. There’s a time I would’ve been so fixated on closing the deal that I might not have.
Anyway, I started to pull back a bit. When she seemed unbothered by all of it, I questioned whether she wasn’t really committed to this anymore.
To us. And it got me wondering. Was I really ever the problem? ”
She stands up straight. “What do you mean?”
“Basically, the long and short of it was, I got tested, and I was clean. She had the nerve to blame me when it was her all along. She’d been having an affair with some guy she was dating before I moved to the States. I’d go to work, and she’d go to him.” I shake my head.
“Oh, Ben.”
“Yeah. But the silver lining was, I realized I was ready for more. Just not with her.”
“And now you’ve found her?” Tuesday steeples her hands together in anticipation of my sharing my happily ever after.
“Yes. And I never would’ve met her if I hadn’t listened to you.”
“How so?”
“You said something that stuck with me. You said to show her your actions are more than asking for forgiveness. It’s because you love her.
Somewhere along the way, it dawned on me that I should be excited to shower the woman I love with flowers and gifts.
But I wasn’t focused on forgiveness with Chanel. Just avoiding failure.”
My head drops recalling that time. How I attempted to hold on to something that was never a good fit.
“I’d finally taken a chance on a mature, committed relationship and didn’t want to admit I couldn’t make it work.
But those test results proved I wasn’t a failure at relationships. I simply chose the wrong girl.”
“You’re absolutely right. How would anyone ever find the right person for them without trying a few on for size?” She giggles. “Well, that’s what my friend Grace says to do.”
I let out a snort. “That’s funny. The girl I’m seeing is named Grace.”
“I hate to say it, but I doubt my eccentric friend would be dating someone like you. I mean, you’re so sophisticated. Not to mention, a bit older.”
My forehead scrunches. Hmm. She is a bit younger. But I’m not sure I’d refer to my Gracie as eccentric. “Thank you, Tuesday. I don’t know why I’ve told you all of this. I don’t typically confide in anyone. Not personal stuff like this, anyway.”
“Well, maybe that’s why you did. You just needed to get it out there. But don’t thank me. It’s the flowers.”
My brow quirks in question.
“There’s something about them. When I’m here alone, I must look like a crazy person.
” She laughs. “I talk to them. Confess what I’m feeling.
My hopes and dreams. Flowers emit such joy.
They welcome you into their space without judgment.
But that’s why we give them to others, right? To share the love they bring?”
I can’t help but smile at this open and honest creature. She’s genuinely one of the kindest people I think I’ve ever met.
“Just consider the counseling session a free bonus from Cygnature Blooms.” She giggles.
“You’re a real treat, Tuesday. This town is lucky to have you.”
After our conversation comes to a close, I take Tuesday’s advice and pull out all of the stops.
I purchase dozens of red long-stemmed roses, red and pink rose petals, and make a quick detour after landing to pick up all of Grace’s favorites: Hershey kisses, Ring Pops, and even boxes of little candy conversation hearts. Thank heavens Valentine’s Day is near.
Never imagined I’d ever say that out loud.
But otherwise, I’m not sure I would’ve hit the “candy love language” jackpot. Once I have everything set up, I dial Grace’s number. My hands are shaking so badly I almost drop my phone.
“Grace,” I say the second she answers. “I need to see you. Like… right now.”
There’s a pause on the line. My chest squeezes.
“Is everything okay?”
“I don’t know how to do this over the phone,” I admit. “But please tell me you haven’t gone to a lawyer yet.”
Her breath hitches. “Ben…”
“I just—please. Let me see you first.”
Another pause. Then she softly answers, “Okay.”
I pace the floor of the hotel suite where we spent our first night together. I’m still amazed that Milton agreed to help me out with this. The pride on his face answered for him.
It was a huge gamble, but I came clean to him about everything.
And I mean everything. I told him how important this project was to me, but over time I discovered, so was Grace.
I think he actually respected me for admitting I’d lied, but ultimately, knowing he was securing our relationship by providing his hotel for our formal re-engagement likely sealed the deal.
Whatever it was, I’m grateful. Because if she’s willing to stay married and give this thing a real go, and I get to move on with this project, well, I couldn’t have asked for more.
I’ve been anxiously working to set the scene like a man on a mission.
I even tried to pull up some old Hallmark Valentine movies on Prime to get a few pointers.
Rose petals scatter across the floor, leading from the door to the living room.
Candles glow on every surface. Candy hearts spell out crooked, hopeful words:
Will U B Mine 4Ever
On the table in the center of the room sits my final, ridiculous, grand gesture. A signature engagement ring perfectly chosen for Graceland Montgomery Banks. A Ring Pop. I stare at it suddenly terrified. Not of marriage. Of losing her.
Because she’s going to think this is stupid.
A knock sounds. Shit. Too late to turn back now. I open the door.
Grace stands there in a soft sweater and jeans, eyes wide, her hands clasped over her mouth when she sees the room. “Ben…” she gasps.
I take her hand and lead her inside, heart hammering. “I didn’t know how else to say this,” I tell her. “We did something wild and spontaneous. But I don’t regret a second of it.”
Her fingers tighten around mine.
“I don’t want you to ever feel like our marriage was one of convenience,” I continue.
“That there was any other motivation for me other than the fact I’m hopelessly in love with you.
It wasn’t alcohol, it wasn’t for Milton and this property, and it wasn’t about fulfilling your Viva Las Vegas bucket list. I married you because I love you.
And I want to stay married to you. But ultimately, it’s up to you.
This is your future too. I want it to be your choice. ”
I reach for the table and lift the Ring Pop.
She lets out a startled laugh, tears tumbling down her rosy cheeks. “This is the part where you’re supposed to kneel,” she says.
I drop to one knee.
She squeals and starts to dance from one foot to the other in excitement.
“Grace, will you forever be my Valentine?” I ask, voice breaking. “Will you stay married to me for the rest of my life?” I give her my best puppy dog eyes. “Please?”
Her tears spill. “Yes!” she shouts. “Yes. Yes!”
I slide the Ring Pop onto her finger, and she laughs through her tears, pulling me up and crashing into my arms. I lift her off the ground, spinning her once before kissing her deep and breathless.
I’m so incredibly grateful she feels the same way.
That this wasn’t simply an impulsive weekend.
That staying married means as much to her as it does to me.
We break apart both laughing and crying and a little unsteady on our feet.
“I can’t believe I married the perfect woman in Las Vegas and then proposed with candy,” I admit. “But I wanted you to be able to pick out the perfect ring. So I hope this will do until then.”
“It’s perfect,” she reassures, peppering my face with kisses. “You’re perfect.”
Later, after getting reacquainted, the candles have all gone out, and the sugar high has been burned off. Grace is curled beside me on the couch, legs tucked under mine, absently tracing my forearm. “Can I tell you something?” she murmurs.
“Anything.”
“I was scared,” she admits. “Not of you. Of how easy this feels. Once we landed, I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall. I didn’t want to let myself believe this was real, only to have the rug pulled out from under me.”
I wrap an arm around her and pull her into me.
“I’ve never had easy,” she admits. “But I don’t want the fairy tale, Ben. I want the real thing. Good times and bad.”
“Same.” I turn toward her, brushing my thumb across her cheek. “And I can’t wait to see how our real life unfolds, Mrs. Banks.”