“Apparently so. She was supposedly flying inyesterday.”
“That’s good, then. I know how happy that willmake Nancy.”
Ashley gulped. “Are you okay with it?”
“Sure I am.”
“You sure?”
“As you said, you spent one night together. It wasn’t a big deal. You chose to remain friends afterwards and that’s all it’s been ever since. As long as she feels that way as well then there will be no objections onmy behalf.”
Ashley felt guilty for withholding the truth, despite her own understanding of the truthbeing foggy.
“Thank you for being so understanding.”
“Well, I am the one with the big rock onmy finger.”
“That is true.”
***
The cab dropped them off at the corner of West 72nd. From there, they took the familiar route to the Lake. The bench had been the place she first discovered Nancy and Christopher’s love story; it had since become the place she went forinspiration.
The branches of the pine trees bowed under the weight of the snow. The wide-open meadows saw cross-country skiers create an array of zigzag lines on the powdery white surface below. The sweet and refreshing smell of the pine trees reminded Ashley of a fruity cocktail she used to make at Analogue. The harsh blizzard-like snow predicted for the week ahead stayed out of sight. The idea of wearing two pairs of socks, two pairs of pants, heavy-duty winter coats and fur-lined boots to a wedding felt like fashion suicide, so they were both grateful for the weather temporarily withholding the inevitable. Like any normal day, the paths were overflowing with dog walkers, tourists and locals alike. As they crossed Bow Bridge, the lake below was frozen solid.
Ashley felt Madison’s grasp tighten around her hand as they approached the party of guests who’d already arrived. The park grew quieter the nearer they got to the bench. Christopher had chosen the perfect spot all those years ago. From a distance, she didn’t see Nancy, but she recognised the woman blowing ferociously on her hands as Julie.
One man towered above the rest. With a short grey buzz cut and a slim athletic build, Ashley assumed he was military. It wasn’t until he turned to the right and she had a clear view of his face that she recognised him. It was Nancy’s son—aka Megan’s father.
Ashley closed in on the group, her eyes darting from one face to the next. No Nancy and no Megan.
“Where’s Nancy?” Madison said.
“I’m not sure.”
The guests gathered around the bench in no particular order. Julie stood at the front talking with Christopher. Ashley and Madison tucked themselves away at the back of the crowd. The chatter faded as people split off one by one creating a natural pathway throughthe middle.
Then she saw Nancy, her arm linked tenderly with Megan’s as they gingerly made their way across the snowy pathway. Ashley noticed the original wedding gown from the photo in her article. The minimalist crepe fabric and delicate back still looked as elegant as it did twenty years earlier. She wrapped a faux fur shrug tightly around her shoulders to partially keep out the cold.
When Nancy glanced her way she mouthed,you look beautiful. Nancy winked in response. Megan remained to Nancy’s side, hiding her from Ashley’s view. As she leaned forward to adjust the strand of hair falling loose from Nancy’s chignon hairstyle, shespotted her.
Their eyes said all that needed to be said. Megan softly parted her lips to reveal a knowing smile. Ashley could have sworn the slightest blush appeared on her olive-skinned cheeks. There was something so safe inside her eyes. Instantly, the cold air that had made her skin icy to the touch felt no more—it was replaced by a warmth she’d only ever felt in Megan’s presence. Her elegance and grace matched Nancy’s and Ashley imagined her walking down the aisle at her own wedding one day, picturing how she would be the epitome of beauty.
Were they ever strangers?The first day Ashley saw her, there was some pull that she still struggled to understand. That same pull was stronger now. Over the three years they’d known each other, they had formed a bond that was forged in the timeline of their lives. In that moment, Nancy should have been the only focus, but as though Nancy was somehow a ghost, Ashley saw straight through her, maintaining a steady gaze as Megan guided her grandma into Christopher’s arms. Throughout the ceremony, Ashley’s eyes met Megan’s with each softly spoken vow. She tried to look away, but unaware of the time she had left in her presence she felt compelled toadmire her.
***
After the ceremony finished, Ashley got a cab along with Madison and three other members of Nancy’s family—none of which she recognised. The short twenty-minute ceremony had been a beautifully meaningful show of their love and their willingness to recommit to each other once again. The celebration afterwards was at Nancy’s bar—that was the part Ashley feared. She was yet to make any contact with Megan that didn’t solely involvetheir eyes.
Nancy’s had been closed off to the public for the day, meaning the forty people in attendance were all guests of the happy couple. A large white balloon arch towered over the entrance as the main feature and smaller balloon arrangements were dotted around the room. A make-shift stage had been assembled beside the bar where the DJ finishedsetting up.
Ashley found Nancy by the bar after afew minutes.
“You honestly look unbelievable.” Ashley beamed.
“Thank you, darling.” Nancy leaned forward and air-kissed both cheeks—LaBise-style.
“Were you nervous?”
