Worthy Opponents(64)
There was a small area with a dance floor set up, and Mike danced with Spencer for a few minutes and then stopped to say good night to their guests as they left.
People stayed late that night. The last guest left just after midnight, although the invitation had said “until ten.” It was a dazzling success, and old and new customers couldn’t wait to shop there. And there was a long mention of the party on Page Six of the Post the next day.
The day after the party, the realtor called Spencer to remind her that the old store would be coming out of escrow shortly, and she wanted to give Spencer an opportunity to say goodbye to it if she wanted to. It seemed like a foolish gesture, but it meant a great deal to Spencer. So much of her life had been spent at the store in Chelsea. So many wonderful things had happened there, so many people she loved had been there before her, so many dreams had been born in that building, and so many people had been touched by what happened there. Her life and her future had taken form in that store, and even the lives of her children were touched by it.
She quietly walked through the building remembering the events that had taken place, the precious moments that had touched her life forever, the people she had loved who were the essence of it.
She thought she would be leaving them all behind when she sold it, but as she stood there, she realized that she was taking them with her. She had thought that the magic was in the structure in Chelsea, only to discover that it was within her, woven into the tapestry of her life and her being. And now new people had come into her life and were part of the magic too.
By some miracle, she and Mike had found each other, and had traveled their lifetimes to get here. Worthy opponents, beloved friends, loving partners, and together, they were taking the magic with them and adding to it with new memories and adventures.
Her footsteps echoed in the hall as she walked to the front door for the last time, turned, and looked at the building, imprinting the memories on her heart.
And then she walked through the front door and closed it softly behind her.
Mike was waiting for her outside, and he looked into her eyes when she came out.
“Ready?” he asked her, and she nodded. He knew how hard it had been for her to sell it, but so much lay ahead of them now, so much to look forward to. She remembered her grandfather’s words, “Never be afraid of change.”
“Ready,” she answered in a strong, clear voice, as he put an arm around her, and they walked down the street together. She looked up at him and smiled, and he pulled her closer. He had protected her, and she had been brave for him. They had proven that they were worthy of each other. Her grandfather would have been so proud, as they walked down the street into their future, taking the legacy with them like a blessing.
THE WEDDING PLANNER
Faith Ferguson is New York’s most in-demand wedding planner, the go-to for the elite wanting stylish affairs that go off without a hitch. She appreciates a simple celebration as much as a dazzling event, knowing that a dream wedding is not necessarily the most expensive one.
As much as Faith enjoys her work, her two failed engagements leave her with no desire to get married herself. Instead she finds her fulfilment in her career and in her relationship with her treasured twin sister, Hope.
In one challenging year, she signs up new clients with different desires and budgets for their big day. Faith finds herself forming bonds with them and their loved ones, including the handsome brother of one of her grooms.
But weddings are not always champagne and roses. Soon Faith is grappling with private quarrels, family scandals, dark secrets and the possibility of cancelled ceremonies. Through her own journey, Faith learns that that there is no one path to happily ever after.
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PURE STEEL. PURE HEART.
WITHOUT A TRACE
Charlie Vincent feels trapped in his treadmill of a life. He’s wealthy and successful doing a job he doesn’t want to do, in a marriage to a woman where the romance died many years ago. All that interests Isabelle is his money to fund her extravagant lifestyle. The children have left home and there is nothing for him to look forward to.
One Friday evening he leaves work in Paris after yet another row with his CEO, to head to their Normandy chateau where Isabelle has invited guests for the weekend. He’s been working late every night, he’s tired and he’s not concentrating. Just an hour away from the chateau, his car veers off the road, down a cliff and into the sea. The accident should’ve killed him and he almost felt ready to die. However, he does escape the vehicle and he somehow finds the strength to climb to safety. The area is remote but in the growing darkness he sees a light on in a cottage in the woods. He knocks on the door and is greeted by Aude, an artist who is escaping her own demons.
This fateful meeting will change Charlie’s and Aude’s lives forever.
PURE STEEL. PURE HEART.
THE WHITTIERS
Connie and Preston Whittier raised their six children in a once grand mansion in the centre of New York’s Manhattan. The children are now adults and have lives of their own, but the house remains the heart of the family and somewhere they all love to return to, particularly in times of stress. But when Connie and Preston take what they fondly call their annual ‘Wintermoon’ to go skiing in Europe, an avalanche hits their resort, resulting in tragedy.