Page 94 of Save the Drama for your Mama
I opened the first steamer trunk Cooper and I had gone through, the one with the love letters from James, since we never did see everything inside.
I flipped through some postcards we’d seen before, then set them aside and picked up the leather-bound diary. That was when it occurred to me it was the only diary that wasn’t in the boxes with the others.
Was there something special about this one?
I opened it and looked at the date.
It was Sandra’s last diary.
Curious, I opened it and browsed through the entries, smiling at how much love she had for Cooper and Chad.
Then I lost my smile when I saw the next page.
Dear Diary,
My heart sinks as I write this. It’s happened again. Cooper has ended another relationship after a whirlwind weekend getaway. This pattern of his is concerning. He meets a lovely young woman, showers her with affection and grand romantic gestures, whisks her away on a lavish trip, then abruptly breaks things off when they return. First it was Belinda, then Nelly, Lisa, and now sweet Marilyn. I fear Cooper is afraid of true intimacy and commitment. He gets cold feet when a genuine connection forms. I wish I knew how to help him overcome this fear of lasting love. He grew up seeing a deep connection between his parents. There’s no reason he shouldn’t trust love. He deserves to find someone special to share his life with. But after four failed short-term romances, I worry Cooper may never let anyone get close enough to find true love. I want so badly for him to experience the joy and contentment of a committed relationship. But at this point, I just don’t know what more I can do. All I can do is hope one day he realizes that love is worth the risk, and let go of whatever holds him back from embracing it fully. My heart aches for him. I hope in time he learns to open his heart, even though I’ll never get to see it.
My heart sank down into my stomach as the realization hit me like a tidal wave. First, it was Chad with the real estate agent, now this?
It had to be a sign.
A sign that I shouldn’t see Cooper anymore.
All of a sudden, I had two red flags.
This was too much of a gamble.
I set down the diary with trembling hands, my eyes brimming with tears.
Only moments ago, we’d been happily chatting about our weekend getaway, oblivious to the fact that my world was about to shatter around me.
How could this be happening?
After opening myself up to love again, I was being dealt another crushing blow. Spending time with Cooper had awakened something in me I thought was long dead. I daydreamed about a life by his side, about what could be. But the Universe had other plans that not even Cooper was aware of yet.
I knew I couldn't ignore the blaring warning signs in front of me. As much as it gutted me, I had to end things with Cooper before I got in too deep. Before he had the chance to break my heart like he had with all the others. My heart felt like it was tearing into two as I typed out a text to him with shaky fingers.
Me:I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry.
Then, choking back sobs, I stumbled to my room and started packing. I was still going away this weekend—just me and my shattered dreams.
The future had never felt so uncertain and bleak.
Cooper was supposed to be different, but in fact, it was all just an illusion in my mind. My beautiful dream had turned into a nightmare.
ChapterTwenty-Two
COOPER
Beneath the floral arch, I adjusted my neckcloth and glanced at lovely Miss Melody. An odd assemblage of our relations and acquaintances were gathered upon the lawn, admiring the rose garlands festooning the garden.
The parson smiled, exuding the odor of spirits. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man, Cooper Galloway, and this woman, Miss Melanie Segal in holy matrimony.”
I interrupted, “Pardon me, sir, but the lady’s name is Miss Melody Segal.”
“Quite right, quite right, forgive my error! Miss Melody Segal!” he replied tipsily. “My good people, let us expedite the proceedings with due haste, for I harbor a suspicion that a most astonishing occurrence shall transpire to the delight of all present.” He smiled. “Should any object to this union, make your sentiments known forthwith or forever hold your peace,” declared the parson.
“I object!” Miss Lucinda burst forth crossly.
