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Chapter 1: The Stranger in the Room
Rosa Sharon stood in front of the mirror. She was drowning in white lace. She didn't turn around when he entered.
-Rosa Sharon, sorry, he said.
-Hi Joseph, right? We met once, she continued. My soon-to-be husband doesn't have a lot of people he calls friends.
He just looked at the back of the dress.
-I'm feeling quite nervous about everything. But I love him so much.
He stepped further into the room.
-He's quite lucky to have you, he said.
She took a deep breath. Her shoulders rose and fell under the silk.
-Thank you, Joseph. That means a lot coming from a close friend of Jack's.
She turned around. She looked small inside the gown.
-There's so much riding on this perfect wedding fantasy. The dress, the venue, the guests. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by it all.
-You'll be ok, he said.
She laughed. It was nervous. She picked at the fabric of the dress.
-Easy for you to say, Joseph, she said. You're not the one who has to walk down that aisle and pledge eternity to someone.
-Are you getting cold feet? he asked.
She shook her head. The veil fluttered around her face.
-No no, it's not that at all, she said. I want nothing more than to spend forever with Jack.
She paused. She looked at the ring on her finger.
-It's the enormity of it all, you know?
-I get it, he said.
-A big step, huge. Irrevocable, And what if... what if somewhere along the line, I change? Or he changes? What if we wake up five years from now and realize we made a terrible mistake?
He leaned against the wall. He kept his hands in his pockets.
-You're both gonna change but you'll be changing together, he said.
She blinked.
-You got this, he said.
-Thank you, Joseph. Truly. Your perspective helps put things into better focus.
-You look like a dream. He's lucky to have you.
-I feel like Cinderella getting ready for the ball.
-You are, he said.
She smiled. She stepped closer.
-Tell me a little about yourself, if you wouldn't mind, she said.
-Not much to say, he said. Just a guy.
She raised an eyebrow.
-Oh come now, don't sell yourself short like that, she said. No one is just a guy.
-Divorced loser quickly entering midlife, he said.
The word hung in the air. Divorced. It was a crack in the perfect white room. She looked at him with soft eyes.
-Divorced, huh? she said. I suppose neither of us could have imagined ourselves standing here, in these particular shoes, a decade ago.
She reached out. She put a hand on his arm.
-Thanks Rosa Sharon, he said. I'm gonna let you go now. But I'm happy for you.
He turned to the door. He had done his job.
-Wait, Joseph, she said.
He stopped. He looked back.
-What do you need?
-Perhaps you'd consider being my escort as I wait for the ceremony to begin?
It was a strange request. The bride asking the stranger to wait with her.
-Sure Rosa Sharon, he said.
She exhaled. She sat on the plush couch.
-How long do you have until the ceremony starts?
She looked at the clock on the wall. It was ticking loudly.
-Forty-five minutes, she said.
Chapter 2: Cold Feet
The room was quiet except for the ticking.
Rosa Sharon sat on the couch, the white tulle of her dress spilling over the cushions like a tipped-over glass of milk.
Joseph stood by the door. He looked at the gown. It looked expensive, restrictive.
-Should you be wearing that? he asked. With so much time left to wait?
Rosa Sharon ran her fingers along the lace.
-Normally, no, she said. I would have changed. Avoid wrinkles.
-Don't let me get in the way of a perfect dress, he said. I can leave while you change.
He made to move. She stiffened.
-No, she said. I think I want to remain as I am.
Joseph stopped.
-Would you leave it on if I weren't here? he asked.
She blushed.
-To be perfectly frank, no, she said. I'd be in a robe.
-Then preserve the neatness, he said.
-It's an emotional security blanket, she said. If I take it off, I might undermine the gravity of what I'm about to do.
-Even if I weren't here? he asked.
She looked away. She looked at the floor.
-Even if you weren't here, she said. It's not just about you being present.
-I'd hate to think I was the reason for wrinkles on that pretty thing, he said.
She smiled.
-It's my choice. Life is filled with moments where we must weigh our desires against convention.
He nodded. He checked the room. There was no way out but the door he came in.
-How much time do you have left? he asked.
She looked at the clock again.
-Thirty-five minutes, she said. Thirty-five minutes until my life changes irrevocably.
-You're ready, he said.
She took a shuddering breath. The bodice of the dress was tight.
-I am ready. More than ready.
He walked over. He took her hand. He squeezed it.
-Thank you, Joseph, she said.
He looked her in the eyes. Then he let go.
-Does the TV in here work?
Chapter 3: The Ticking Clock
-It works, she said, looking at the small television set in the corner.
He walked over. He flipped the switch. A man in a cheap suit pointed at a map. It was the weather channel.
-The comfort my presence brings is a fraction of what your husband will, he said.
She nodded.
-You're right, Joseph, she said.
He watched the weather report.
-Who's coming to walk you down the aisle?
-My father, she said.
-When is he coming?
She looked at the door.
-He'll be here to collect me just a few short minutes before the ceremony begins, she said.
He turned the volume down. The weatherman mouthed silent warnings about a storm.
-Should I leave before your dad arrives? He may be old fashioned.
She bit her lip.
-Part of me knows that appearances matter to my father, she said. He might prefer the time... solely in the company of close family.
-Has he texted you?
She checked her phone. The screen was blank.
-No, she said. My mother mentioned earlier that he seemed a bit distracted.
-Dads will be dads, he said.
He walked over to a high chair across from the couch. He sat down. He watched her.
-How much time do you have left?
She picked up the phone again.
-Around fifteen minutes, she said. Just enough time for dad to arrive shortly after us.
-I should leave before your dad gets here right?
She hesitated. She didn't want him to go.
-Knowing dad, he'll likely aim to be precisely on time, she said.
-You should take five minutes for yourself before he gets here, he said.
She closed her eyes. She tried to find a center. She thought about a sunlit glade, somewhere far away from the heavy dress and the heavy expectations. She straightened her spine.
-Thank you, Joseph, she said.
-I think it's almost time, he said.
She opened her eyes. The glade vanished.
-You're right, she said.
She checked the phone one last time. Her fingers trembled.
-Maybe two, possibly three minutes left, she said.
She set the device down. She smoothed the skirt over her knees.
-Thank you for being here, she said.
He stood up. He crossed the room to the couch. He placed a hand gently on the top of her head.
She leaned into it. It was automatic. She looked up at him, eyes shining.
He leaned down. He kissed her cheek.
-You're going to be a great wife, he whispered.
She blushed. She turned her head, nuzzling into his palm.
-I think your dad will be here any minute, he said.
Chapter 4: The Point of No Return
She took a breath. It was shaky.
-Yes, she said. He'll be here any moment.
She stood up. She smoothed the wrinkles that weren't there.
-I know you must go, Joseph.
-I don't have to, he said. I'll do whatever you want.
She looked at him.
-I wish you could stay, she said. I feel safe with you. At peace.
He reached out. He ran a hand through her hair. She leaned into it.
-If not now, when?
She pulled back an inch.
-You know we can't, she said. Today belongs to someone else.
-I understand, he said. Goodbye, Rosa Sharon.
He turned to the door.
-Wait, she said. Will I see you again?
He stopped.
-You're about to be married, he said. It'll be hard to keep like this. You'll be consumed by the marriage.
-I won't accept that, she said.
-We're making a mistake putting it on hold, he said.
-What if we were meant to be together?
-If we were meant to be together, it would be even more difficult after today, he said.
He froze and turned his head to the door.
-I can hear your dad approaching down the hall.
She heard it too. She stepped back.
-There's still time for you to back out, he said.
-What?
-Do you want me to walk away right now, or do you want me to spirit you away from here?
She inhaled sharply. It was a cliff edge.
He held out his hand. His other hand was on the doorknob.
-What's your choice?
She looked at the door. She looked at his hand.
She grabbed his hand.
-Go, she said.
He headed into the hallway and toward the service exit.
-We cut through the kitchen, he said. To the parking lot.
They ran. The dress was heavy, but she held it up.
They got into his car. He grabbed a pair of keys and started the engine.
-We drive off into the sunset, he said.
She watched the hotel disappear in the rearview mirror.
The car ran.
Rosa Sharon sat in the passenger seat. She finally exhaled.
Joseph drove with one hand. He reached over with the other. He squeezed her fingers.
-The next chapter is yours, he said.
She looked out the windshield. The sun was dying.
-Thank you, Joseph, she said. For everything.
-I'm here for you, he said.
She turned in the leather seat.
-I know you are, she said, squeezing his hand.
He kept his eyes on the road. The streetlights flickered on.
-Where do you want to go first? he asked.
He had no plan.
She looked at the passing streets. She didn't recognize them. She laughed, a small, giddy sound.
-Anywhere, Joseph, she said. As long as I'm with you, anywhere will do. Isn't that strange?
-I understand that completely.
He brought a hand up. He brushed her cheek. She leaned into the touch, eyes closing.
When she opened them, she studied his profile.
He was a stranger.
Chapter 5: Escape
The car idled in the lot. The mall was a block of concrete.
-I suppose we should get you a change of clothes first?
Rosa Sharon looked down at her lap. The silk spilled over the console.
-I suppose I do stand out quite a bit dressed like this, she said.
She stepped out. He took both her hands.
-You are a sight to behold, he said. For a man who will make you feel at peace.
She blushed.
-You have a way of making me feel things I've never experienced, she said. Peace. Possibility.
They walked in. The clothing store was bright and sterile. The staff stared. A bride in a mall.
She touched the fabrics. Soft.
-Something comfortable, she said.
She grabbed black leggings. A gray sweater. She went into the fitting room.
The dress came off. It pooled on the floor. She folded it to carry.
She pulled on the leggings. The fabric hugged her. She looked in the mirror.
She walked out. She felt lighter.
-You look ready for anything, he said.
-Well, maybe not anything, she said.
They walked back to the car. The night air was cooling down.
-We'll take everything slow, he said.
-Slow sounds perfect right now, she said.
He started the engine.
-Do you want to go back to your house? To take a few things?
She bit her lip.
-No, she said. I need a clean break. New scenery.
-I have a place by the beach no one knows about, he said.
She leaned back.
-A beach hideaway sounds ideal, she said.
-I hear you, Rosa, he said.
The highway turned into a gravel road. They approached the ocean.
He pulled up to a small structure. Worn shingles, dark windows. It looked abandoned.
-Yours?
He tapped the wheel.
-I know where the key is, he said. Owners are away. Long away.
He opened her door. The smell of brine and seaweed hit them. It was cold.
She stepped out. She shivered.
He walked to the porch. He moved a heavy planter. He found a key.
He turned back to her.
-Let me carry you in, he said. You deserve that tonight.
He scooped her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder.
He kicked the door open and crossed the threshold.
He leaned in and tried to kiss her.
She gasped. She held on tighter.
She pulled back. She looked at him. Her chest heaved.
-There's something special between us, she said. Undeniably.
He looked at the dark living room. The furniture was covered in dust sheets.
-Let's rest tonight, he said. Look at the future with fresh eyes tomorrow.
She nodded. The adrenaline was crashing.
Chapter 6: Restraint
Joseph stood in the dark room. He could hear the ocean outside. He could hear her breathing inside.
Rosa Sharon reached out. Her fingers grazed his arm. She felt the muscle tense.
-Why fight it? she asked.
He kissed her again. This time, there was no hesitation. He surrendered.
His hands found her curves. He traced the lines of her body. They stumbled toward the bedroom. The bed was stripped, just a mattress protector.
They tumbled onto it.
He peeled the sweater off her. He unhooked the bra. Her breasts spilled out. He lowered his head. His tongue found a nipple.
She gasped. She arched her back.
She straddled him. She helped him with his belt. Her hands shook. He shoved his jeans down. He was hard. Thick.
Then the leggings. She kicked them off. She sat back on her heels, wearing nothing but a scrap of lace.
He pulled the lace aside. He pressed his head against her entrance.
-Are you sure you want to do this? he asked.
She looked at him. The room was dark.
-It's the point of no return, he said.
She took his hand. She placed it over her heart. It was hammering against her ribs.
He grabbed her waist. He pulled her up.
-Sit on my face, he said.
She lowered herself onto him.
His mouth was hot. His tongue found her clit. He groaned against her, burying his face.
She tangled her fingers in his hair. He worked her. Licking. Sucking.
He took his own erection. He tucked it between his legs. He focused on her.
His hands found her breasts again. He twisted her nipples.
The pressure built. It was too much.
-Oh god, Joseph, she screamed.
She came. It crashed over her. She ground against his mouth, coating his lips.
She collapsed against him. The room spun.
She lay there for a long time. Then she realized something.
-You didn't... she said.
-No.
She blinked.
-Why?
She touched his cheek.
-I don't want you to think I pulled you into this new life just to get off, he said.
-I don't.
-It'll be special the first time we make love, he said. I know you need time.
-I do, she said.
He pulled her into the crook of his shoulder.
They fell asleep.
Chapter 7: All In
Rosa Sharon woke up. For a second, she didn't know where she was. Then she felt the arm around her waist.
She turned. Joseph was awake. He was watching her.
-Did you sleep well? he asked.
-Surprisingly well, she said. Considering.
She stared at the ceiling. The paint was peeling. It looked like a map of a country that didn't exist.
-I have money saved, he said, meaning the word liberally. There was money he could get to. Quite a bit. We can leave town. Start a new life.
She froze.
-Leave town? she asked.
-Why not?
She sat up. She pulled the sheet around her.
-That's a huge step, she said.
-It's up to you, he said.
She bit her lip.
-It's not that I don't want to, she said. But I'm terrified to leap into the unknown. I've spent my life following a path. School. Career. Marriage.
He sat up too. The sheet fell to his waist.
-We might as well go all in, he said.
-All in, she repeated. Isn't that dangerous?
-We already crossed the point of no return, he said.
He leaned in. He kissed her cheek.
She closed her eyes. She thought about the hotel where the wedding ceremony was going to take place. Two ball rooms, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. The groom waiting. Had they used both to party anyway?
-You're right, she said.
-Exactly.
She looked at him.
-So let's go all in, she said.
Chapter 8: A New Vow
He shifted on the mattress. He got on his knees. The springs creaked.
-Will you marry me? he asked.
Rosa Sharon stared at him.
-Are you serious?
-Dead serious, he said. We go to the courthouse. Before we leave town. You were gonna get married. You still can.
She reached out. She cupped his face.
-Yes, she said. Yes, I will marry you.
He kissed her.
He pulled back.
-I've got suitcases in the car, he said. We fill them up.
She looked at the boarded window.
-Should we stop by your house? he asked. Will they be looking for you there?
She shook her head.
-No, she said. Not after how I left. They'll be worried sick.
She bit her lip.
-Maybe it's better if we lay low, she said. Give everyone a chance to process.
He nodded.
-No one will look for us here, he said.
-Staying here makes sense, she said.
-We don't owe anyone an explanation, he said.
She looked at the engagement ring on her finger.
-I know, she said. But running off like this... it feels wrong somehow.
-It's not wrong, he said. But if you want to tell them, we will.
-I think we should send a message, she said.
-We don't have to make final decisions now, he said.
He kissed her cheek.
She leaned into him.
-That's what scares me, she said. How lost I'd be without you now.
-You'll be my wife now, he said.
-Your wife, she whispered.
Chapter 9: Volition
He looked at her. The bungalow was quiet except for the ocean outside.
-You deserve a good husband, he said.
Rosa Sharon looked at her hands. Jack was a good man. Jack would have been a good husband.
Jack had chosen her, like a centerpiece, like a future for himself.
Joseph was different.
She squeezed his hand.
-And you deserve a loving partner who chooses to stand by your side, she said.
She looked him in the eye.
-Not out of obligation, she said. But out of deep, abiding love.
-I know you love me, he said.
She leaned in closer. She rested her forehead against his.
-I am choosing you, Joseph, she whispered. Right now. In this empty house.
They stayed like that for a long time. Forehead to forehead.
-You make me feel seen, she said. Understood, accepted.
She closed her eyes. She thought about the rehearsal dinners. The seating charts.
The polite smiles plastered on her face for months. The performance.
-I felt like I was suffocating, she said. Beneath expectations I never chose.
-And now? he asked.
She opened her eyes. She looked at the man who had driven her away from the altar and into the dark.
-Now I can breathe, she said.
She inhaled deep.
The air in the bungalow smelled like dust.
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