"Our marriages failed," I said, "but we both learned from our mistakes and realized we should've communicated instead of shutting down and avoiding the uncomfortable conversations. Instead of arguing, we should have listened. You have to talk to each other. You have to be honest with each other. You have tolistento each other. And for goodness' sake, don't throw away something real because you're afraid of whatmighthappen. Fear should not dictate your choices."
"Here's the plan," Jamison began. "Tallulah and I are going to leave, and you're going to stay here and talk."
"What?" Blossom sounded panicked.
"We're not forcing you to do this,” I said. “We're simply asking you to give yourselves a shot without distractions and emotions clouding the conversation. Decide together if you really want to end your relationship or if you want to work for your happiness. Jamison and I intervened and halted thecancellations. If you still want to call off the wedding after tonight, we'll give everyone a call in the morning and make the cancellations permanent."
Manuel turned to Blossom. "I'd like to stay and talk. How about you?"
She shrugged. "If you want to, I will."
I breathed easier. Progress.
"Sounds like we have a plan," Jamison said. He stepped through the open door, and I followed.
Before closing it, I looked at Manuel and Blossom. "We love you both, and whatever you decide, we'll support you. But we couldn't let you give up so easily."
"Thanks, Mom," Blossom said softly. A faint smile touched her lips. "For caring enough to poke your nose into my business."
"Yeah, thanks, Dad," Manuel added.
Jamison nodded. "Take all the time you need."
I closed the door, and Jamison and I walked to the front of the center in silence.
"What do you think?" I asked.
"I don't know." He rested against the counter and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his slacks. "We either nudged them in the right direction, or we made everything worse."
"Or we gave them permission to choose love instead of fear."
"Or that."
We stared at each other, hoping we had done right by our kids. All we could do was wait and trust we had truly seen love in their faces. Trust that the past few days of seeing them moping and despondent meant they needed each other.
"I appreciate you going along with my shenanigans," I said, stepping closer.
Jamison opened his arms, and I melted into him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
"You had a good idea. They needed to talk to each other before they threw away their future happiness."
"So what now?" I tilted my head back to look up at him.
"We wait." He paused, his gray eyes connecting with my brown ones in a speculative way. "And maybe we take our own advice."
"Isn't that what we've been doing?" I asked tentatively.
"Yes and no. What have you told Blossom about us?"
"She knows we care about each other."
"That's what you told her?"
"Yes. Because we do, right?"
"We do," he said in a careful voice, "but my feelings are deeper than simply caring for you. I've fallen in love with you, Tallulah, and if you haven't fallen in love with me yet, I plan to do everything I can to make sure you do."
My heart warmed at his words. "I have news for you. You don't have to do anything more. I'm already madly in love with you, for some odd reason."
