Tessa is my name. I used to think that my life was going exactly like I wanted it to. I was 35 years old, engaged to a man I loved, and only a few days away from marrying him. I had been preparing my wedding full-time for the past eight months. I made sure that every part of the wedding was perfect, from the food to the guest lists, music playlists, furnishings, and seating charts.
And I really liked it. I used to put on my mom’s old bridesmaid dresses and whirl around as a baby, thinking about this day. That dream was finally coming true.
Jared was the guy who made everything seem easy.
Two years ago, Jared and I met at a friend’s housewarming celebration. He arrived to help me open a wine bottle that wouldn’t budge in the kitchen. He had dark eyes and a lovely smile.
He asked, “Do you need help?”
“Only if you promise not to laugh at me,” I said with a laugh.
He promptly popped the cork, poured us each a glass, and said, “To the joys of being semi-functional adults.”
We got along right away. We started out with one date, then two, then weekends, holidays, and inside jokes that we shared. He worked in marketing, always made me laugh, and was so nice to me that I felt lucky to be around him. I didn’t think twice when he asked me to marry him last Christmas and put a ring in my dessert.
“Yes,” I said.
Then things changed.
A week before the wedding, Jared began to act strangely. He was mostly on his phone and not paying attention. He didn’t say clearly that he was going on a “bachelor trip” with two of his friends. He explained it was just a short trip to go hiking, drink beer, and hang out with guys. I didn’t push. I also brought his favorite trail snacks.
Three days before he was supposed to leave, I saw Dylan, one of his groomsmen, at the mall.
“Hey, Tessa!” “Good for you for being okay with the closure trip,” he stated in a calm voice.
“Go to the end?” I questioned, my voice tight.
He laughed. “Yes, you know, taking a trip with your ex before the wedding.” A courageous move.
I smiled big, like I knew what was going on. “Yes.” Jared is really good at assisting others with their feelings.
Dylan said yes. “That morning flight will be hard, though.”
I said, “Early?”
“Yes.” Tuesday at 8:40 a.m. “He told me to handle it.”
I mumbled something about the weather, made a joke about packing for Bali, and Dylan looked really confused.
“Where in Bali? I thought they were going to Cancun.
He left, not knowing that he had just messed up everything for me.
I Didn’t Cry—I Called
I spent ten minutes in my car. I didn’t yell. I didn’t cry. I just looked out the window in front of me. Then I used my phone to call someone I hadn’t talked to in years.
A Surprise at the Airport
I wore a white sundress to the airport the next morning. But I wasn’t the only one.
I saw Jared and Miranda, his ex, at the security barrier. They were smiling like nothing could bother them.
I went on. “Jared!”
He turned around. There was some uncertainty at first. Then there was fear.
Liam was close by. Liam was calm, tall, and good-looking.
I smiled and said, “Liam.” “Are you ready to leave?”
Jared blinked. “What’s going on?” Is this a joke?
I smiled nicely. “You are going on a trip to make the final plans for the wedding.” We had the same idea. “You know, symmetry.”
Liam held out his hand. “Closure is really crucial, guy. We all want to start our new lives off on the right foot.
We walked by them while holding hands.
The Reason for the Grin
Liam and I went out in college. We hadn’t talked in a while, but I remembered him as funny, steady, and, most importantly, loyal.
I called Liam to tell him everything Dylan had said.
“Do you want me to go to Mexico with you to get back at your cheating fiancé?” he said.
“Do you still enjoy margaritas?” I answered.
He laughed. “Send me the schedule.”
That excursion was more than just getting back at someone. We talked for hours, walked along the shore, remembered things from the past, and said things we had been keeping to ourselves for years.
We weren’t pretending anymore by the end of the week.
A Fresh Start
Liam moved to my city six months later. That spring, we got married in a small ceremony with only our closest friends and family.
No problem. No secrets. Just peace.
Months later, Jared sent me an email. It said, “I guess your closure worked.”
Yes, it did.
