The Art Of Love (The Conclusion)

The Lovely Thomas Story

Photo by Fray Bekele on Unsplash

You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.- Dr Seuss

The Art Of Love (The Conclusion)

2023, Henery X ©

Lovely and William had just finished eating and were now enjoying the sounds of smooth jazz compliments of the restaurant’s house band, as they sipped red wine.

The interior of Lucy’s was just as memorable as the meals it was responsible for. Everything about the experience was meant to make diners appreciative for stopping by and showing some love.

“Nice ambience, huh, Lovely?” William was staring at Lovely, who was an absolute vision of loveliness.

“Very nice, William. As is the company,” Lovely said softly.

William smiled, “Ditto. Lovely, I know we’ve only known one another for just over a day but, I feel as if I’ve known you all my life.”

“I feel the same way, William. And truthfully, I’ve never felt a genuine connection with no man I’ve dated. Sure, there was a lot to like but, I couldn’t see myself ever loving any of them.”

“So, it’s safe to say that this could turn into something serious?”

“I would say yes. As long as you don’t switch up on me. Please, never lie to me. I respect honesty, even if it ends up breaking my heart.”

“I’ll never intentionally do anything to cause you discomfort, Lovely. I truly want to be in a loving relationship. One where marriage is definitely in the cards.”

“Really, William?” Lovely stared at William, smiling.

“Absolutely, Lovely.”

“So, you can see me as your wife?”

“I saw it right after Kiss showed me a photo of you.”

Lovely began crying, “Oh, William. You’re so sweet. I’ve desperately wanted to be in a loving relationship. It was something I thought would never happen, but now my thoughts have changed. You get me. I get you. I believe you and I are meant to be together.”

William reached his hands across the table and Lovely placed hers in his.

“I know we are, Lovely.”

**********************************************************************

A year and a half later

William and Lovely had become virtually inseparable. Every spare moment they had, they spent it together, creating a memorable moment. He had taken her to Champagne and introduced her to his family and friends, who would all grow to care a great deal for her. And she introduced him to her parents, who were impressed with their daughter’s love interest. William even had him a space in the receptionist area of Immortal Moments Art Gallery/Studio, compliments of his lady love. Life for the two of them seemed as if nothing could go wrong but, a relationship is measured by how it stands before adversity.

“My love, what do you want to drink?” William said. He and Lovely were at his apartment in Champagne, which was where they spent their time together over the weekend. He had just prepared them some lunch.

“Whatever you’re having is fine,” Lovely said. She was sitting at the dining room table, with a plate of delicious looking food sitting before her.

William came out of the kitchen carrying two glasses of white wine. He sat one down beside Lovely’s plate and then sat down in his designated seat, sitting his glass next to his plate.

“A man that does everything. What more could a woman ever need?”

William chuckled, “I don’t do everything but, I do everything that matters.”

“Indeed, you do, handsome. Have I told you I adore you today?”

“About ten times,” William said, he and Lovely laughed. “But please, don’t let that stop you from saying it again.”

“William Wesley Walker, I adore you.”

“I adore you as well, Lovely Rose Thomas. So, what do you want to do today?”

“As long as it’s done with you, I couldn’t care less.”

“I was thinking we could — ”

The vibration of his phone, which sat atop the table, cut William’s response short. He picked it up.

“Hello. This is he. I’m grateful. And yourself? That’s awesome. Okay. Yes, I remember. That was three years ago, right? I see. Oh my god! Really? Can I get back to you? Alright. Thank you. You have a better day.” William discontinued the call.

Lovely saw he was excited, “Who was that, darling?”

“It was a representative for an art gallery in Paris. Three years ago, I had applied to oversee the day-to-day operations. I knew it was a long shot and after I never heard from them, I concluded I had missed that shot. But the representative said the delay was because they hadn’t gotten to my application. My love, they want to hire me.”

“Oh, my god! Congratulations, William,” Lovely’s excitement was short-lived. She now had a sad expression on her face.

“What’s the matter, my love?”

“It’s Paris, William,” she said somberly.

The situation suddenly dawned on William.

“I’ll just tell them I can’t do it.”

“You’ll do no such thing.”

“And why not? Our love means more to me than some position in Paris.”

“It’s not just some position in Paris, William. Let me ask you a question. And please, be honest.”

“Always, my love.”

“If we weren’t together, would you accept their offer?”

“I would,” William said somberly. “But we are together.”

“Why haven’t you asked me to come with you?”

“Because I know you overseeing Immortal Moments is your dream come true. I’d never asks you to walk away from enhancing your family's legacy.”

“Just like I would never attempt to stop you from enhancing your family's legacy. Baby, I want you to go see if this is all you dreamed it would be. If it is, I’ll be sad but happy at the same time. But if it isn’t, I’ll be waiting right here for you with open arms.”

“But Love — ”

“No buts, William. It’s easy entertaining disappointment, but it’s hard living with regret.”

“Alright, my love. I’ll do as you requested.”

“Excellent,” Lovely displayed a weak smile.

Woman, what in the hell did you just do? Lovely thought.

***************************************************************

Two weeks later

William was at the airport about to board his flight to Paris. His news to everyone that mattered brought about mixed emotions. They were happy for the opportunity he had been given on one hand. And the knowledge saddened them he would no longer be a hop, skip, and a jump away. He and Lovely had spent everyday leading up to this day together. He didn’t want to leave her, and she didn’t want him to stay and possibly regret his decision. And now that he was about to leave, they couldn’t bear to speak to one another via a phone call.

“What did I do, E’?” Lovely was crying with her head lying in Edwina’s lap. They were sitting on a leather sectional sofa in Lovely’s living room. “What did I do?”

“You did what you felt was right, L’,” Edwina said somberly. “If it’s meant to be, it shall be.”

Lovely lifted her head from Edwina’s lap. “I’m going to get my man,” she jumped up off the sofa and ran towards the front door.

“Want me to come with you!”

Lovely was gone.

When she arrived at the airport, they informed her that the flight to Paris had just recently left. She was devastated.

Instead of going home, she went to the one place that brought her the most joy, Immortal Moments. She called Edwina and told her to meet her over there.

When she arrived at Immortal Moments, she informed Stacy that Edwina was the only person she cared to see today. Stacy gave her a hug and assured her that no one she didn’t want to see would disturb her. She started walking slowly towards her office. She made it to the door, turned the knob, went inside, and closed the door behind her.

“Hello, my love,” William said. He was lounging on the sectional sofa.

“William! Oh my god! I just got back from the airport. You stayed!”

“I did. I could never be happy without you by my side.”

Lovely rushed over to him and fell into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed passionately.

Lovely broke their heated kiss and stared into William’s eyes, “I adore you, William Wesley Walker.”

“And I adore you, Lovely Rose Thomas. So, you didn’t give away my spot in the receptionist area, did you?” William said jokingly.

Lovely laughed, “You’ll always have a place at Immortal Moments, just like you’ll always have a place in my heart.”

They resumed their heated kiss.

Six months later, William and Lovely became husband and wife. And the moment was a memorable one indeed.

Two people who never thought they’d find love found it in one another.

The End

Note: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any person, place, or thing was done unintentionally.

She’s my better half. The mathematician who came to teach me advanced math. Her plus me. A division they’ll never be. Because our memorable moments are multiplied, constantly.-Henery X

Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge my offering. May all you deserve and desire flow abundantly into your life, as a river does into a sea.

Remember. I’m not here to convince you to believe. I’m here to offer you something else to consider.

May we never lose our desire to outdo what we’ve already done.

Continue to be a lighthouse for all those who feel lost in the sea of life.

Peace, Love, and the utmost Respect.

#writewithpurposeonpurpose #creativessupportingcreatives #winningisourbirthright #selfloveisthebestlove #dreamcatcher #freethinker #sharingiscaring #writingisalifestyle