“Painter and Daschle are pure chemistry.”—Movie News
“Did anyone know Chloe Daschle was this talented?”—Harvey Beckham, critic
CHLOE
January
You see, love stories worked for her. She got the guy in the end. At least in real life.
This yearVarietydubbed her “the one to watch.” Death could not have her any longer.
So when the Academy Award nominees were announced, she laughed to see her name listed under Best Actress.
But a week before the biggest night in Hollywood, the Gonda, Daschle, and Gates clans, along with their dearest friends, gathered on a Santa Monica beach for a sunset wedding.
Smitty reappeared in their lives after months of silence, clapping his hand on Jesse’s shoulder. “It’s about time. I never thought I’d get you two together.”
Then he vanished again, leaving them to ponder and wonder,Man or angel?Either way, they would never forget his divine help.
A stringed quartet played as the celestial lights dimmed and the stars beamed along the horizon.
Dad offered Chloe his arm. “Last chance to change your mind.”
“And break Hamilton’s and Esther’s hearts all over again?”
Chloe walked down the white runner to where Jesse stood under an ivy arch. She carried Hamilton’s first love letter tucked into her bouquet.
She never determined what happened to unrequited love, but when it wondrously, mysteriously landed on her, she yielded.
Jesse’s sweet aunt Pat worked overtime to confirm Chloe’s connection to Esther. Mom paid an artist to paint both family trees. Chloe bound it in a gilded frame and presented it to Jesse as a wedding gift.
He winked at her when she stopped at the top of the runner. “Hello, gorgeous.”
“Hello to you.”
Their pastor, Shawn Bolz, opened in prayer, then asked Dad, “Who gives this woman to this man?”
“Her mother and I.” Sniffing, he placed her hand in Jesse’s, and Chloe stepped into the role she wasbornto play. Wife, lover, and friend.
They spent their honeymoon in Bora Bora and watched the Academy Awards from their ocean hut, eating chocolate-covered strawberries and sipping champagne.
“You’re going to win, babe,” Jesse said during the commercial before the Best Actress category.
“I’ve already won.” She kissed him, then searched his eyes, finding love in his deep blues. “Are you happy?”
“What do you think?” Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her as a man in love. Chloe sighed and shivered.
“I think I’m never letting you go.”
The commercial ended, and the camera zoomed over the Oscar stage. “Hey, there’s Mom and Dad.”
The great Raymond Daschle and Rachel Hayes smiled for the viewers.
“Jer and Laura are right behind them.” Jesse popped another strawberry in his mouth, then waved at the TV, calling hello.
“You’re ridiculous.” But Chloe savored every moment of her new life with him.
The show announcer introduced Chris Painter, who walked to the podium amid hearty applause.
