Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN WHO FINALLY SAID NO
Clare spent her wedding night in a small coastal inn north of Boston.
Not somewhere glamorous.
Not somewhere Ethan would think to look.
A quiet place with blue shutters and a view of the Atlantic.
Her best friend, Nora, arrived shortly after sunset.
She found Clare sitting beside the window, still wearing the white gown.
Nora stopped in the doorway.
“Oh, Clare.”
Clare looked up.
Then burst into tears.
Nora crossed the room.
She wrapped her arms around her.
For several minutes, neither spoke.
Finally, Clare whispered:
“I almost married him.”
Nora held her tighter.
“I know.”
“I almost spent the rest of my life being second.”
Nora pulled back.
“Clare.”
Her voice was firm.
“You didn't.”
Clare looked at her.
“You walked away.”
Tears slipped down Clare's cheeks.
Nora smiled.
“Do you understand how brave that was?”
Clare shook her head.
“I feel stupid.”
“Why?”
“Because I should have seen it sooner.”
Nora took her hands.
“Then be glad you saw it before the vows.”
May you like
Clare closed her eyes.
For the first time all day, she let herself breathe.
