Chapter Two: Memories

Chase

I swear; hearing her say these things makes me hate Connor all the more.

“What else do you remember, Ava?” I finally ask. 

She squints her eyes as if trying to remember something. “Nothing before that day.” 

“Try, honey,” Marshall says softly. “Anything at all.” 

Her eyes dart to mine and I wonder whether she remembers something about us. “No, nothing. I’m sorry.” 

“This is huge, Ava,” I say. 

“I’m going to call Doctor Adams,” Claire says, standing. 

“Good idea,” Marshall says. 

Ava looks at Nichole and offers her a weak smile. “It looks like you have a grandson.” 

We all look at Nichole.

She says, “He’s in foster care. My grandson’s in foster care.” Nichole stops and watches Ava. They both look hurt. I’m not sure Ava doesn’t remember more than she’s letting on. “Ava, I know this is going to be hard for you.” 

“Nichole, don’t worry about me. You have a grandbaby and he needs you.” 

Nichole smiles slightly. “I have a grandson. I’m a grandma.” 

“May I use your restroom?” Ava asks.

“Sure, you know where it is.” 

“Are you all right?” I ask before she stands.

“I’m fine.” 

I search her eyes for the truth, but I can’t see it. Ava stands from her chair and collapses halfway to the bathroom. Marshall and I rush to her as I yell over my shoulder at Nichole to call 911. She has a pulse and she’s breathing, but she’s unconscious.

“It was too much for her. I shouldn’t have said anything to her about any of this. I should have protected her,” Marshall whispers. 

She wanted to know. She said she was ready. She said she was tired of the secrets. Could it be an overload on her brain? Are we wrong to have told her about Lorraine?

“Maybe we should have consulted with her physician first,” I say. 

“I’ll be right back. Stay with her,” Marshall demands.

Before I can answer, he’s gone into the other room where Claire is.

Ava

I remember playing dolls with Mom. I remember having a tea party with Dad. I remember the first time I met Skylar, and loving her from the very beginning and knowing this friendship was something special. If you are lucky, you meet someone and talk to her for a minute, and it’s like you’ve known her your entire life. I remember every single dating break-up we ever planned and executed. I remember meeting Chase and thinking he was so cute and sweet. I remember butterflies and goose bumps. I remember long conversations and late-night texts. I remember a friendship I never wanted to end. I remember Connor, and fear, and pain. I remember every time he hit me. I remember excluding my family and friends from my life to protect them. I remember being embarrassed about my poor judgment in choosing him as my lifelong partner. I remember lying about my injuries. And I remember the man I loved and could never confess my feelings to from fear of losing my best friend. I remember Chase. 

I wake up and I’m in the hospital. Mom, Dad, Chase, Nichole, Skylar, and Drew are all standing around. Skylar, Mom, and Nichole are sad; they’ve been crying. Chase is sitting beside me and holding my hand. 

“Hey.” He smiles when our eyes meet.

I squeeze his hand. I like holding his hand. I don’t want him to let go.

“I think Ava’s done resting,” he says as he stands from the chair.

Everyone rushes over to my bedside. Chase releases his hold and takes a few steps back, never taking his eyes off mine.

“Thank God! We were so worried,” Mom says.

“My head hurts,” I croak.

Dad says, “You hit your head when you fainted. The doctor said you have a mild concussion.” 

“How are you?” Skylar asks.

I watch as Dad leaves the room. How am I? My head hurts. I’m in a hospital. “I’ve been better.” 

Everyone laughs and it hurts my head even more.

Chase says, “Do you remember falling?” 

I look at Nichole, who looks the most fearful of anyone. “I remember.” I offer Nichole my best smile. I want her to know I’m fine without having to actually say it. She smiles with tears in her eyes.

The nurse comes in with some Tylenol. Everyone stands back while she assesses me.

When she’s done, I whisper to the nurse, “I have my memory back.” 

“Are you remembering bits and pieces?” 

I shake my head. “No, I remember everything,” I whisper so only she can hear. “I need to speak with everyone privately and individually. Do you think I could have some alone time with my Dad first?” 

“Of course. Call me if you need anything, and I’ll call our doctor and also Dr. Adams in Lake City with the news.” 

“Thank you.” 

Everyone watches me as she escorts them out of the room. I wait until it’s just Dad and me in the room. He looks concerned. “Are you okay?” He sits carefully on the chair beside the bed.

“Do you remember the time when I was about six and you dressed up for my tea party?” Tears fill his eyes. “You wore the purple boa and the big floppy pink hat?” 

“Ava? You remember?” 

“You were the best dad and I don’t know how, for one minute, I ever could have forgotten that.” I watch his tears fall. I have never seen my dad cry. Ever. “I remember now that I wrote it down in a tablet so I would never forget that I had an amazing childhood.” 

“It was so easy to love you and to put you before anyone else.” 

“I love you, and I thank you for loving me as much as you did.” 

He stands, but he doesn’t wipe away his tears. He hugs me and cries. “I just wanted you to have the best life always. I’m sorry I didn’t protect you.” 

“Shhh. That’s in the past. Connor can’t hurt me anymore.” I smile at him and he nods. He sits down and holds my hand. “Did you know that Skylar wanted you to adopt her when we were little?” 

“Why, so she could stay with you forever?” 

“No, so she could have what I had. A dad who would be happy to see her. A dad who listened to every word she said. And a dad who loved her unconditionally.” 

“Skylar was a special child, and I never understood how her father could have walked out on his family like he did. I tried to treat her as I did you.” 

“She knows that, and I appreciate it.” 

We talk a few more minutes, and I share some memories that I think are important from my childhood for him to hear. My first day of kindergarten when I overheard him telling Mom to wait another year before sending me to school. Mom later told me it was because he wasn’t ready to be apart from me. I was his little girl. Then at my high school graduation when he stood up and gave me a standing ovation. He was the only one standing. 

“I need to see Mom, but don’t tell her I have my memory back.” 

He dries his wet eyes. “I can do that.” 

Mom cautiously walks into the room. “You have me worried, Ava.” She sits carefully in the same chair Dad was sitting in just moments ago. 

“Do you know that every time I eat or smell no-bake cookies, I think of you?” Her lip quivers and I want to cry. I try to hold it together. “Do you know that cranberry and vanilla are my favorite scents for everything because they remind me of my childhood?” 

“Oh, Ava, you remember.” 

“Do you know that my love of baking came from your love of cooking? I had an amazing childhood and I know how much you loved me. I know that you used to threaten Dad to be on time for my dance recitals because I would be sad if he wasn’t there to watch me.” I sniffle when she begins to cry. “I know that my childhood was wonderful because I had the best parents around.” 

“I love you.” She stands and hugs me.

“I love you, Mom.” 

When she tries to apologize about not being there for me during my marriage, I tell her that my childhood is what matters the most. Those eighteen-plus years I spent at home matter far more than the two years I had with Connor. It’s the truth. When she believes me and is able to forgive herself, I tell her I need to see Nichole. I ask her to please not expose my secret to the others.

Nichole walks in and she looks terrible. I can’t even begin to imagine what her life was like. I remember some things that are painful to think about. She holds my hand before sitting down. I decide to not delay with what I have to tell her.

I tell her, “I never thanked you for helping me.”

“I just called 911…” 

I interrupt. “I mean with Connor. I know that he hurt you the time you tried to help me. I’ll be forever grateful to you standing up for me.” 

“You got your memory back?” 

“I do. I don’t want the others to know how bad it was during my marriage to Connor.” 

“I understand. I wish I could have done more for you. I wish I could have helped you.” 

We don’t break eye contact. “I think you helped me more than you know. We’ve been through so much with Brett and Connor; they are very much alike. I hate that one or the other could have fathered Lorraine’s child. It makes me sick thinking about it.” 

“Me, too.” 

“I also think you should get custody of your grandson and give him the best life possible. You have so much love to give and I think he needs it more than anyone.” 

“I’m a grandmother,” she says proudly. Then her smile fades. “I’m worried that you’ll think of Connor every time you see him.” 

“Don’t you worry about me; you need to do what’s right for him. He’s had a rough start, and I think he needs you.” 

“Thank you, Ava. It’s important that you remain in my life. I don’t ever want you to not come around because the memories are too painful for you.” 

“You have nothing to worry about. Nothing will ever keep me away from you.” 

She stands and hugs me. “You know I love you like a daughter, right?” 

“I do. I love you, too.” 

Skylar walks in and says, “I can’t take any more of this shit. I’m going to need a prescription for Xanax if we’re going to remain friends. Your memory loss and your passing out just now are making me a nervous wreck.” 

“Do you know what my favorite memory is?” 

“When we bought the inn?” 

“No. It was the night before we took the NCLEX test for nursing. We got the hotel room and stayed up all night studying.” 

“Shut the front door.” Skylar has the biggest smile ever. 

“I was so scared, but you kept assuring me that we had nothing to worry about.”

“I was right. We aced that test.” 

“We did.” Well, we think we did. We both passed. The computerized test shut off at the lowest possible number indicating a passing score.

She hugs me and it almost hurts. “You came back to me. What took you so damn long?” 

“I don’t know. Can you ever forgive me?” 

“If you can forgive me.” 

“Are you talking about Connor?” 

“I am.” 

“Can we never talk about him again?” 

“Let me say this one thing, and then I’ll never bring his name up again.” She continues without letting me answer. “I was this close to digging up his corpse and killing him again.” 

I don’t laugh because I know that that is how much she loves me. “Thank you.” 

“I am so glad to have you back.” 

“I’m glad to be back. Before I talk to Chase, I have one question for you.” 

“Ask anything you want.” 

“Do you love Drew, or should we plan your next breakup?” 

She looks dreamy eyed. “I am totally in love with him. He’s the one.” 

“Are you sure? You haven’t known him very long.” 

“I can’t tell you how I know, I just know.” 

“Okay. As long as you’re happy, that’s all I care about. Tell him for me that if he hurts you, he’ll have to deal with me.” We both laugh. “On second thought, I’ll have that talk with him myself.” 

“Thank you, Ava. I love you, girl.”

Chase is next. This talk will be harder than the others. I exhale slowly in anticipation of his entrance. Some things need to be said and clarified, and now is the time. He knocks on the door before coming in.

“You don’t need to knock.” 

“Just wanted to make sure you haven’t fallen asleep. It’s been a busy day for everyone.” 

“It sure has. Nichole is really going to need your help now.” 

“Yeah, she told me she wants to see about getting custody of Lorraine’s son. It shouldn’t be a problem. Sadly, I don’t see anyone fighting her for custody.” 

I know he’s talking about Brett, since he’s the child’s grandfather. “The sooner the better. He’s been through so much as it is.” 

“You’re going to be okay with that?” 

“I am.” Connor can’t hurt me any more than he already has. He tried to kill me the night of the accident. “The baby needs her.” 

“Yes, he does.” 

Chase

I sit and watch Ava. She seems different. Her eyes are brighter and clearer. “Are you all right?” I ask. Something’s different about her.

“I’m good. I have something to say to you.” 

“I think I know what it is.” 

“You do?” Ava says. 

“You think I knew about Connor and Lorraine. I swear on all that is important in my life that I knew nothing about them.” 

“I believe you.” 

“You do?” 

“I know you well enough to know that you wouldn’t sit by and let him hurt me. Physically or emotionally.” 

“You’re right. I wouldn’t.” If I had known about Connor, her life would be so different today. I would have stopped him and taken her away. I would have told her about my feelings from the very beginning. I wish I could redo the past. Make it right. Make it the way things should have been for us.

“Do you remember when I asked you not to keep anything from me, that I was strong enough to hear it?” 

“I do, and you were right. You were stronger than I gave you credit for.” 

“Do you remember when you told me that you loved someone and she’ll be the only one for you?” 

“Of course I do.” What is she getting at? 

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” 

I watch her. “I do. I’ve experienced it.” 

“I have, too.” How could she know this? “I have something important to tell you and I hope you can handle it.” 

“I’m listening.” I have no idea what this can mean. What can she have to tell me? 

“I met a guy in college and as soon as I laid eyes on him, I knew he was someone special. We had this friendship that I cherished, and I feared if I revealed my true feelings, it would have ruined everything we had.” 

“How do you remember that?” 

“I remember you.” 

“Ava? What are you saying?” 

“I remember the way my heart would patter when someone mentioned your name. I remember the butterflies I got every time I saw you. I remember the looks we gave each other from across a crowded room.” Tears fill her eyes.

“Ava, you remember?” Is she saying what I think she is? 

“Chase, I’m saying that enough time has passed and I’m tired of hiding from my true feelings. I’m tired of being afraid that me loving you would ruin our friendship. I love you. I loved you in college and I loved you when I was married to Connor. You’re what kept me going in my darkest days. Your face, your smile, your touch. Everything about you.” 

She loves me? Is this a dream? Does she really have her memory back? Does she know that she’s the girl of my dreams? “You know how I feel about you, right?” 

“Am I the girl whom you talk about?” 

I stand more quickly than I intended. I cup her face in my hands. “You are. You’ve ruined me for all others. No one else compares to your beauty, your innocence, your kindness.” I search her eyes and she’s back.

“I love you, Chase.” She leans in and kisses me. 

“Oh, Ava. I’ve waited for what feels like an eternity to hear those words from your mouth.” I kiss her forehead, her eyes, her nose. I kiss the sides of her naturally red lips before claiming her mouth. I kiss her deeply and passionately. I should kiss her softly and tenderly. I’ve waited so long for this. I want her to know how I feel about her. How much I love her. Pulling away from her, my breath is ragged. I feel like I just ran a marathon. “I love you.” I’ve waited forever for this day.

“I love you, Chase.” She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me down to her mouth. “I want everything that we’ve been deprived of,” she says between kisses.

I pull away breathless. Her breathing matches my own. “Your father arranged for Doctor Adams to see you here at this hospital. As soon as he clears you, I plan on taking you someplace wonderful, someplace you’ve never been before.” 

“It sounds romantic.” 

Trust me, it will be… God knows I’ve waited long enough. “I just need to make sure you’re medically cleared and ready.” I kiss her again.

“I feel fine, other than this faint headache.” 

“Do the others know about your memory?” 

“They do. I saved you for last. I wanted to make sure I said the right things to you.” 

I laugh. “Ava, you could have spit, sputtered, and stuttered your words, and they still would have been musical.” 

She laughs. “I doubt that.” 

I look at her and I have to wonder why Skylar never told me how Ava felt. “Does Skylar know how you felt about me?” 

“No, I never told her. She knew my feelings early on, but she didn’t know when they grew into something stronger.” 

Doctor Adams walks in with everyone. We all stand back as he assesses her. I don’t take my eyes off of Ava. I listen to the doctor and watch Ava as she responds to him. He has always been there for her. They have a bond and I’m grateful that she’s had him during her memory loss. My mind drifts off to the events of today. It started off as a whirlwind and thankfully it didn’t end the way I had envisioned.

“We’ll keep you overnight for observation, and if there’s no problems overnight, we’ll release you to go home in the morning.” 

“This is great news,” Marshall says. “Is there anything that we need to be concerned about?” 

Doctor Adams laughs. “If she was sassy before her accident, she’ll probably return to being sassy again.” 

I just stare at Ava. I can’t take my eyes off of hers. Is she worth the wait? Hell, yes, she is. She’s my girl, and I love her. I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember. I wonder how long she’ll want to wait before we tell the others. I’m ready now. How will Drew take the news? Will he feel bad for his brother Xander? I can’t think about that. This is my life and I’m ready to live it, with Ava. Marriage and children. Is she ready for that? God knows that I am.

As soon as the doctor leaves, I continue to remain at a distance. I’m following Ava’s lead. Whatever she’s comfortable with, I’ll go along with. Ava looks over at me and smiles.

“What in the hell is going on?” Skylar demands.

I pull my eyes from Ava’s and look at Skylar. “What? Ava got her memory back. Did you miss that news, Skylar?”

She points her index finger at me and moves it side to side. “No, you don’t. I know that look. Spill it, Murphy. You two are hiding something.” 

I laugh and pretend Skylar’s imagining things. I try to avoid Ava, but I can’t. She’s sitting up in the hospital bed with a smile on her gorgeous face. Her eyes are no longer clouded; she’s able to see things more clearly.

“I have something to tell everyone,” she says, not taking her eyes from mine.

I walk over to her as she reaches her hand out for mine. I eagerly accept it.

“I knew it. Murphy, congratulations, you finally told her.” 

“No, Skylar. You have it all wrong.” Ava squeezes my hand. I don’t look, but I can feel all eyes are on us. “When my memory returned, my mind was flooded with Chase. All those years of emotions I kept to myself finally surfaced.” 

“Wait a minute? What are you trying to say?” Skylar asks.

“I’ve been in love with Chase for as long as I can remember. I didn’t want any more time to be wasted, so I told him how I felt the first chance I got.” 

“Chase, you’re in love with our daughter?” Marshall asks. 

“I am. I’ve been in love with her since before her to marriage to Connor..” 

“Well, that explains a lot,” Claire says, smiling her approval. 

“I suppose it does,” Marshall says.

I bend down to kiss Ava. 

Later that night, everyone leaves the hospital to go home while I stay with Ava. I’m still not sure whether this is a dream or not. I scoot the reclining chair as close to her as I can.

After a few moments of silence, I finally get the nerve up to ask Ava about Connor. She hasn’t spoken about him or what her life was like with him. I need to know what he did to her.

“I don’t know how to bring this up.” 

“You want to talk about Connor?” 

“No, Ava, I don’t want to, but I have to know what he did to you.” 

“Why, it won’t change anything?” 

How do I explain this to her? Because hearing it is my punishment for not protecting her. Because I need to know what the bastard did to her. Because I never want to be anything like him. “I can’t explain it.” 

“Can we agree this is the only time we’ll have this conversation?” 

“We can.” 

Ava

I think Chase wants to torture himself for not being there for me during my marriage. But if he wants to talk about Connor, then we’ll talk about Connor. I’ll share a few details I think he can handle, and I’ll keep the more horrific ones to myself. If he doesn’t believe me, I’ll swear on my life that I told him everything. I can do that with a straight face and make it believable. It’s from years of hiding my feelings for Chase from Connor. My life doesn’t need to become his nightmares.

“Connor and I fought very early on in our marriage.” I don’t tell him it started with, “I do.” I add, “I remember he cut all ties with you and Skylar because he was jealous of the friendship we had.” 

“Is that what you fought about?” 

“Not always. I pretended it didn’t bother me. I got very good at hiding my sadness at the loss of my best friends.” 

Chase gives me his undivided attention. “Then what angered him the most?” 

“The house was never clean enough. My makeup was smudged. His food was cold.”

I look him in the eye so he doesn’t have a reason not to believe me. The truth is Connor was always in a rage. I don’t recall a time in two years that I wasn’t marked up somewhere on my body from his abuse. If he knew we were going out to dinner, he would kick me in the ribs, or push me against a wall. If we didn’t have plans with his clients from work, then he would hit me in the face.

“You’re saying he would hit you if his meal wasn’t hot enough?” 

“Connor didn’t start hitting me until later in our marriage. He would throw things and break them, then he’d make me clean the mess up.”

The truth is, the beatings started the day after our wedding day. Connor hit me so hard that I lost consciousness. It was his way of letting me know he was serious about me not seeing Chase and Skylar. He said he would kill them if I ever spoke to them, and I believed him. Cutting off all ties with them was easy. I would do anything to protect them.

Chase looks sad. “How did you lose your front teeth?” 

I swipe my tongue over the dental implants. This is a tough one. I don’t dare tell him Connor pushed me down a flight of stairs.

“We were actually in a car accident when that happened. Believe it or not, this had nothing to do with abuse. It was a true accident.”

When I lost my front teeth, it was also the same day I broke my right wrist. Connor had a doctor on call that he paid to come to the house to treat me after the beatings. The dentist, however, we saw after closing hours in his office. I remember thinking to myself that they’ll help me, that doctors had sworn an oath to report child abuse and domestic violence, that it was a law that they had to report their suspicions of such things. I was hopeful they would call and report the abuse and I would finally be free. Connor would go to jail, and I would finally be rid of him and the nightmare that had become my life. Sadly, they never helped me and they never called and reported any abuse. 

I think the worst part of it was that Connor would get sexually aroused from hurting me. The worse my injuries were, the more turned on he was. Before he would help me or allowed me to clean myself up, he would rape me in the same spot I lay. I remember vividly lying there with my hand in an unnatural position and blood gushing from my mouth. The more I cried, moaned, or fought, the more excited he got.

I can’t ever tell anyone what really happened to me. They don’t need to know about those days. My friends and family would feel guilty for not being there. They already feel guilty for not helping me. There isn’t anything they could have done to help me. No one could. I couldn’t even help myself.

I fake a yawn and stretch my hands over my head. I don’t know how long I can keep these lies up. The injuries that Chase knows about are too hard to cover up.

“I’m sorry, I think the day is catching up with me.” 

“It’s okay.” He leans over and kisses me. “I love you, Ava.” 

“I love you, too.” 

He turns off the lights and closes the hospital door enough to block out the lighting from the hallway. He scoots close to me while trying to get comfortable in the recliner. Just as I’m about to dose off, he says, “Ava?” 

With my eyes still closed, I say, “Mmm.” 

“Just for the record, you’re a terrible liar.” 

I open one eye and see him in the recliner with his eyes closed. I take his hand in mine, lace our fingers together, and fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.

I wake up in the morning with my memory intact. Chase refuses to leave to go to the cafeteria to eat. He stays by my side the entire time. I’m released from the hospital without any major restrictions. On the drive home from the hospital, Chase says, “This may be too soon to ask, but I was wondering how fast you want to move forward with our relationship?” 

He watches the road and I watch him. I’m not sure how fast or how slow he’s thinking of moving forward with us. Us? There’s really an us? 

“It’s not like we just met. We’ve known each other a very long time.” 

“That’s true, we have. But we also have never dated each other before.” 

I smile. “That’s not true. We were on a date just a couple weeks ago with each other.” 

He laughs a throaty laugh. “The blind date that Skylar set up. How could I have forgotten?” He pauses before saying, “I was thinking of moving to Savannah.” 

Excitedly, I say, “You would do that?” 

“I made up my mind yesterday when I knew how you felt about me.” 

“If you don’t want to make the move here, I could sell the inn and move back to Lake City with you.” 

He looks surprised. “Do you want to sell the inn?” 

“No, not really. But I don’t want to put a strain on our relationship, or on you.” 

“I could talk to Barton about opening a branch here. We’ve been discussing doing it anyway. Savannah might actually be a great location.” 

“Perfect.” 

He looks over at me and says, “So I guess we aren’t going to waste any time getting acquainted?” 

“I think we’ve already done that. I don’t see a need to wait, unless you do.” 

“No, I don’t. I’ve waited long enough. Ava, I’d like to at least take you away for a weekend in the very near future.” 

“I’d like that, but I have the inn to run.” I’m not sure how this will work out for us. I can’t get away for a day, much less a weekend.

“Maybe you could close the inn down for a few days, or have Xander’s mom or maybe even Nichole watch it for a couple of days.” 

“I could ask them. What did you have in mind?” 

“A few days in Vegas. We could ask your parents, Skylar, and Drew to come with us if you’d like.” 

“It sounds wonderful. I’ve never been to Vegas.”

“I think you’ll like it. The Bellagio has a water show that reacts to the song ‘I’m Proud to be an American.’ It’s powerful enough to make a foreigner want to become a US citizen.” 

“Sounds amazing. I hope we get to go.” 

When we pull up at the inn, Chase says, “Let me talk to your mom and dad in private while you ask Skylar and Drew to come with us. Then we’ll decide if we should close the inn for a few days, or have someone come in and work it.” 

“Okay, sounds good.” 

I watch as Chase walks behind Mom and Dad into my room. I’m not sure why he didn’t want to ask everyone together.

I brace myself for Skylar’s answer, which I know will be enthusiastic.

She shouts, “VEGAS! HELL, YEAH, WE WANT TO GO! HOW SOON DO WE LEAVE?”

I laugh. “We still need to see what we’re going to do with the inn. Close it for a few days or ask someone to come and work it. It’s easy enough, but I’m not sure someone will want to be up before dawn making breakfast for fifteen people.” 

“I guess it depends on when we leave. If we don’t have any reservations booked, we could close it, but we’ll take a loss on any reservations that could come in for those days.”

Skylar gets the reservation book and looks through it. Chase is talking to Mom and Dad longer than I expected.

Skylar says, “Here, if we leave on this day, we can close the inn for four days. Is four days long enough in Vegas?” 

“Don’t ask me, I have no idea.” 

Drew laughs and says, “Babe, it all depends on what you’re doing. If you plan on gambling, four days is plenty of time, maybe too much time. A person can lose a shit-ton of money in four days. But if you want to see the sights, you may need to be there a day or two longer, depending on where you want to go.” 

“Prop my ass up next to a slot machine, hand me a beer, and I’ll call it home for the next four days.” 

“Has she always been this easy to entertain?” Drew asks.

I laugh. “I’m afraid so.”

Chase

We decided it would be easier to close the inn while we go to Las Vegas. The last three weeks leading up to this trip were hectic. Right away we set the date to leave, and then I had to head back to Lake City for work. My main focus at work is getting Nichole divorced and getting her visitation rights for her grandson before I leave for our trip. I’m not really surprised that Brett didn’t want anything to do with his newfound grandson, but honestly, I was relieved. It’ll make it easier for Nichole. Before Nichole gets custody of the baby, they want her to get a relationship established with him. She’s been staying in Lake City so she can see him as often as they’ll let her. Ava is handling the whole situation very well, and I’m proud of her. 

I also have something planned for our trip to Vegas, and I had to make all of the plans via email or phone calls. It wasn’t easy to do, but Skylar, Claire, and Marshall were a huge help with setting everything up for me. I haven’t been back to Savannah since I left. It’s been an internal battle with myself. I want to be with Ava, and I want our first time together to be special.

I spoke with Barton about opening a law firm in Savannah, and he was quick to agree it would be a great location to expand. It’s close enough for either of us to make the drive from one office to the other in a few hours. So, as soon as I get back from Vegas, my time will be spent in Savannah looking for the perfect office building. Hopefully, this will be an easy task. Just being closer to Ava will make it easier on me.

So we can all fly out to Vegas together, I drive to Savannah. Skylar and Drew, along with Claire and Marshall, are coming with us. Fortunately, I was able to get all of us rooms at the Bellagio with a view of the water show. I know they change the song for the water show often, but since it’s an election year, maybe they’ll play something patriotic.

When I pull up at the inn, I’m shocked at what I see. It’s a four-day trip, but the back of Marshall’s SUV is filled to capacity. I’m not surprised when I see Skylar wheeling out a suitcase on rollers.

“This is the last one,” she says, lifting it up into the SUV. 

“Don’t you think you have enough clothes already packed?” Drew asks.

“I do. This one holds my makeup.” 

Everyone laughs but Skylar, and I wonder if she’s serious. 

Once we board the plane, I hold Ava’s hand. She’s never flown before, but I had no idea how frightened she would be. “Ouch,” I say, looking down at my now purplish fingers.

“Oh, sorry.” 

“It’s okay. You have nothing to worry about.” 

“Airplanes are heavy, aren’t they?” 

I want to laugh but I smile instead. “Yes, Ava, they are. I’d say they weigh several tons.”

She leans in closer so only I can hear. “If I understood how something that heavy could fly, then I might not be worried.” 

“It’ll be okay. I’ve flown a lot and I’ve never seen one that couldn’t stay in the air.”

When I have to go to the bathroom, I stand up. Still holding my hand, Ava asks, “What’s wrong?” 

“I have to go to the bathroom.” 

“Ok.” 

She stands up, still holding my hand, and walks with me to the bathroom, and then she stands outside until I am done. 

She then grabs my hand and says, “No more bathroom breaks for you. I’m too scared not to hold your hand.” 

Once we finally land in Vegas, Ava relaxes. We walk through the airport and she’s amazed at all the bells and whistles coming from the nearby slots. “You don’t want to play these ones, we’ll play the ones at the hotel and casino. The slots at the airport are reported to be wound tight; that means it’s almost impossible to win.” 

Skylar rushes over and plays the slots I just warned everyone not to play.

“She’ll soon regret that,” Marshall says.

After a few moments, she says, “Well, that shot twenty bucks in the ass real quick.” 

I shouldn’t say it, but I do. “Told ya.” 

I am reminded of an old joke that I don’t tell: “Did I win in Vegas? Let me tell you: I arrived in Vegas in a $25,000 car and left Vegas in a $250,000 bus.” 

We use Uber to take us from the airport to the hotel and casino. Ava admires the beauty that Vegas has to offer.

“This place is really spectacular. Thank you for bringing me here.” 

“You’re welcome. I thought we could have a nice dinner tonight at one of the hotel restaurants. Does that sound okay to you?” 

“That sounds wonderful.” 

Once we are all dressed and ready for dinner, we meet everyone in the lobby of the hotel.

“Where’s Skylar?” Ava asks.

“I think my girlfriend has an addiction problem,” Drew says, nodding in the direction of the casino.

I follow his eyes and I see that Skylar is sitting at a slot machine with a beer to her mouth. “She doesn’t have any credit cards on her, does she?” 

“Dude, do you have any idea how much money she’s spent already, and we just got here?”

We watch as Drew walks over to her.

“I feel bad for that guy,” I admit. 

Claire says, optimistically, “She’ll be fine, it’s just the excitement of the first day.” 

I look down at Ava, “Are you that excited, too?” 

Giggling, she says, “I don’t think so. I must be excited about other things.” 

“Me, too. Let’s eat.” 

During dinner, I watch the interaction between Ava and everyone. She’s definitely back to her pre-wedding self. She’s happy and laughing. I’ve never been more grateful to be single than I am right here, right now. I knew Ava was the only one for me. I also knew early on that no one else would be able to fill the void of not having her in my life. I’m just glad I didn’t search for the void fillers. That would have been disastrous.

“Are you all right, son?” 

I look at Marshall and smile. “I am.” 

“You’re awfully quiet today,” Ava says. “Are you feeling okay?” 

“Ava, I’m fine.” I squeeze her hand under the table and leave it there.

During dessert, I clear my throat. “I have something to say.” Of course everyone at the table already knows what’s going on. Well, everyone but Ava. She has no clue. I needed help in pulling this off, and I’m happy that Skylar could keep a secret. Everyone shifts in their seat to give me their undivided attention. “This trip is to celebrate Ava being here with us. I personally couldn’t be happier.” She leans in and kisses me. “But there’s another reason I brought her out here.” Now she looks around the table. “Vegas is known for their impromptu weddings, and their saying of ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,’ which, if you ask me, makes absolutely no sense at all.”

I remove the engagement ring from my jacket pocket and kneel in front of Ava. I didn’t get her a solitaire ring. I decided to get her a halo-style, princess-cut engagement ring. She’s my angel and my princess rolled into one. 

She doesn’t look frightened or scared. She smiles.

“I’ve already reserved a wedding chapel in this hotel for tomorrow evening. Skylar’s made an appointment for you to try on wedding dresses this evening, and your mom and dad gave me permission to ask you to marry me.” Now she cries. “If you say yes, and if you want to marry me quickly, we can be married by this time tomorrow.” I pause briefly. “If you say yes, and want to wait, we can do that, too.” I look her in the eyes. “If you happen to, and I pray you don’t, say no, then I’ll patiently wait for you until you’re ready. A week. A month. A year. Ten years. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait.” I take her left hand in mine. “But, Ava, I want nothing more than to finally have you and to call you my wife. Would you do me the honor of marrying me?” 

She nods and leans in, almost knocking me over, and kisses me. The room erupts with cheers. I hold the ring tightly and kiss her. “Is this a yes?” 

“Yes.” 

I slip the ring on her finger and it’s a perfect fit. She hasn’t said if she wants to marry right away or wait. “What time’s the appointment for the fitting?” 

“You’re agreeing to marry me tomorrow?” 

“I am. What happens in Vegas isn’t going to stay in Vegas.” She giggles.

“No, it sure won’t.” 

Skylar stands from the table. “We gotta go now. We have to buy stuff for the wedding.” 

“You’ve made me a very happy man.” 

“I love you, Chase.” 

“I love you, Ava.” 

Everyone congratulates us and the guys watch as Ava, Claire, and Skylar walk out of the restaurant.

I say, “I sure hope I can trust Skylar with my credit card to purchase only wedding items.” I look over at Drew. 

“Don’t look at me. I personally think she has a problem.” 

Marshall says, “It’ll be fine. Come on, we have some tuxes we need to try on.” 

Ava

I’m engaged and I’m marrying Chase tomorrow. I can’t believe it. I honestly had no idea he was going to ask. I thought this was just a mini vacation. I have no reservations at all about marrying him. He’s been my best friend since college. He’s been there in my heart and head during my darkest days with Connor. He’s the reason I fought so hard to live. I knew if I ever had a second chance at life, I wouldn’t hold back on telling Chase how I felt. I should have done it from the beginning, but I didn’t and I can’t change that.

I didn’t think I would find a dress that fit, but I did. I should have known. This is Vegas, and they have everything here at this hotel. We get shoes, and Mom and Skylar also find dresses. Flowers also aren’t a problem. The flower shop is right beside the shoe store. It’s a relief to purchase everything we need in one area.

“I need a wedding ring for Chase.” 

“Nope, he already took care of the rings,” Skylar says.

Mom says, “I think you have everything you need.” 

“I need some lingerie and a wedding gift for Chase.” 

“Well, here’s the lingerie store.” Skylar walks in that direction. “You can buy the lingerie with a bow on it and call it a wrap,” she teases. 

I bust out laughing. “I’m not giving myself to him as a wedding gift.” 

“Don’t forget about me — your mom — standing right here.” 

I look at Mom — she’s blushing.

“Sorry, Claire,” Skylar says.

“I’ll wait for you girls in the coffee shop.” 

“Okay, we won’t be long.” 

As soon as we have everything, we take it to Mom and Dad’s suite. Then we meet up with everyone in the casino.

“If we hurry, I might have enough time to max this baby out before Chase asks for it back.” 

I look at Skylar, who is fanning Chase’s credit card in front of her face.

“I’ll take that. You really should seek counseling for your gambling problem.” 

“I know, right. If I lived out here, I could see this being a real problem. Drew would have to start stripping or something to support my habit.” She laughs and thinks for a minute. “Drew as a stripper might not be such a bad idea. Remind me to get some singles when we leave here.” 

I shake my head and smile at how happy my friend is.

We meet up with everyone and play in the casino for a while. “Were you able to get everything you needed for tomorrow?” Chase asks. 

Threading our fingers together, I lean into his side. “I did. This hotel is like its own city.” 

“It is. The hotels make it so you don’t have to leave. They want everyone to stay here, so you’ll spend your money here instead of spreading it all over town.” 

“That’s smart.”

“Did everything fit okay?” 

“No, not at all. I had to get a burlap sack to wear. But the satin ribbon should dress it up some.” 

“Oh, Ava’s making jokes.” 

“You’ll have to wait to see if it fits tomorrow.” 

“It sounds like such a long time.” 

“It’s nothing compared to how long we’ve already waited.” 

“I guess you’re right.” He kisses me and says, “Do you want to play the slots or walk outside and see the water show?” 

“What time is it?” 

“Just before midnight.” 

“I gotta go. It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride on their wedding day.” 

He laughs and says, “I’ll walk you to the room.” 

We notify everyone that we are turning in and instead of them staying in the casino, they all agree to end the night early. I stay in Mom and Dad’s suite with them and Chase stays in our room.

I don’t think I slept at all. I can only think of how truly blessed I am to be marrying my best friend. I try hard to not think of Connor, the night before my and Connor’s wedding, the wedding day, and the nightmare that haunted me over the next two years. Now that I have my memory back, I understand why amnesia took hostage of my mind. My feelings for Chase are so much deeper than what I ever felt for Connor.

“Can’t sleep, kiddo?” Dad asks, sitting on the chair in my room. 

“I can’t. A lot has happened in a short time.” 

“It has, but it’s been in the making for a long time.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“It was bound to happen sooner or later. The way you felt about Chase. It was only a matter of time before you openly admitted it.” 

“You knew how I felt about him?” 

“Your mother and I suspected it. I often wondered if Chase’s vision was 20/100. He certainly couldn’t see what others saw.” He laughs. “Your eyes are the most honest part about you.” 

“They are?” 

“If I ever want to know if you’re telling the truth, I just have to look in your eyes.” 

I think back on my childhood and he always knew when I wasn’t forthcoming. “Is that how you knew I took the car without asking?” 

“That, and the scratch on the side.”

“Always a dead giveaway.” 

He laughs, but his mood changes. He shifts in his seat before running his hands through his thick black hair. “I need to know, Ava. Are you happy?” 

“I am.” 

“No second thoughts running through your beautiful head? No worries that this won’t work out or that…” 

“He’s not Connor, Dad. Chase is a good man.” 

“I know he is. But I need you to promise me that if anything ever changes, you’ll tell me.” 

“I will. I promise.” 

“Good. Then you should probably know that Chase and I already had a talk and he knows that if he ever hurts you, he’ll soon be joining Connor in the dark depths of hell.” 

“You said that to him?” 

“I may have also mentioned the word ‘castration.’” 

I cringe at the thought. “And he still agreed to marry me?” 

“He didn’t flinch at my promise. I just want you to be happy.” 

“I know, but do you know what would make me happier?” 

“What’s that, kiddo?” 

“To have you and Mom retire and move to Savannah.” 

He laughs. “I’m sure Chase would like having a meddling mother-in-law living next door.” 

“I can hear you,” Mom yells from the other bedroom. She laughs and I hear the patter of her feet walking closer to the room I’m sleeping in. She climbs in the bed with me and says, “Should I just cross sleep off of my to-do list for today?” 

“I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay.” She yawns. “Sleep’s overrated.” 

“You wouldn’t mind living in Savannah, would you, Mom?” 

“No, I think it’s a great place.” 

“See Dad. You should buy a house and retire. I think’s it’s time you relax and enjoy life some.” 

“We’ll see, kiddo. Let’s get the wedding out of the way first.” 

Since I’m hiding in the room so I don’t risk running into Chase, we order room service for breakfast and lunch. Skylar spends the day with Mom and me, while Dad leaves and spends the day with Drew and Chase. After my shower, there’s a knock at the door. Standing in the doorway is a nail technician, a makeup artist, and a hair stylist.

“Hi, we’re here for the Emerson/Murphy wedding.”

“That’s us,” Skylar yells from behind me. 

The trio walks into the suite carrying totes and pulling a cart on wheels. “You did this?” I ask, shutting the door behind them. 

“I won some money last night after everyone went to bed, so this is my wedding gift to you. Happy wedding day,” she laughs. 

“Thanks, this is awesome.” 

“Drew should be here shortly with the ingredients for mimosas and some chocolate-covered strawberries.” 

“I always did like him.” 

“Yeah, me, too. Now let’s get our pamper on, shall we?”