His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I have regrets, but last night isn’t one of them. My regret is that I’m not someone else.”

My cheeks rose. “I like who you are.”

“You don’t know who I am.” Walking to the end of the bed, he lifted my clothes from the footboard. “Your clothes are dry.”

“Then I guess I’m done wearing your shirt.”

“I’ll never look at that shirt the same way.”

“You don’t owe me any promises,” I said as I pulled back the covers. Turning to Van, I asked, “Have you seen my panties?”

6. Julia

Julia

A FEW DAYS LATER

“Miss McGrath?” the older gentleman asked, standing to shake my hand.

I reached forward and shook Mr. Fields’s hand. “Thank you for seeing me today.”

“I was surprised you were able to get here so soon. We’ve had some difficult weather.”

Warmth filled my cheeks as I recalled the difficult weather. “Yes, I had a problem with my rental car. Thankfully, Chase at the automotive shop was able to rescue it and all of my belongings.”

I was currently dressed for success. With a silk blouse, high-waisted black slacks, and high-heeled black boots, I wasn’t left to interview in a shirt owned by a man with only a first name. Yet as I stood in the office of Fields and Smith, I knew that the white ribbon had taken me to a place that not only rescued me from the cold but also showed me that I could survive without Skylar or life’s well-laid plans.

“You’re wrong, Van. I don’t regret a thing.” That was my thought as I waited for my interview.

I deleted the numerous text messages from Skylar from my now fully charged phone. I’d spoken to my mother. She was caught somewhere between supporting my decision and not. “There’s more than love involved here,” she told me more than once.

She was right. There was also fidelity and trust.

I’d also spoken to my friend Vicki. She was supposed to be my bridesmaid. Vicki, Beth, and I had been close since high school. Vicki was shocked to hear my news. “I swear, if I knew, I’d have told you,” she’d said.

I wanted to believe her, unwilling to lose both of my best friends to Skylar’s infidelity.

Over the past few days, I’d also gotten a feel for the beautiful Great Lake shore town. Ashland was a city with a small-town feel. Despite the snowfall, the streets and sidewalks were cleared, allowing residents and visitors to walk about. From my hotel, I found the cafes, restaurants, and stores inviting and the people welcoming. Many of the downtown buildings had some of the prettiest murals I’d ever seen.

Mr. Fields appeared. “Miss McGrath, Mr. Sherman will see you now.”

“Is he your client?” I asked.