by Terri Lane
“Wait,” Tasha said, looking puzzled. “What do you mean he didn’t have family?”
“You didn’t know? His dad got imprisoned and his mom died of depression. It’s really sad.”
Tears began to form in Tasha’s eyes. Her heart constricted as she pictured the happy family they’d once been back then. “I never knew,” she whispered, blinking back tears. “Why did his dad go to prison?”
Amy shrugged. “No one knows. Mr. Crawford has always been secretive about his past and his personal life.”
It’s probably why he changed his last name, Tasha thought.
Tasha turned the box in her hands nervously. She hadn’t wanted to open the gift in front of Amy. That afternoon, she sat on a bench in her favorite park, holding Carter’s present.
Upon opening it, she was surprised to find a framed photo of the two of them in Solvang. They were hugging each other, looking silly with their funny faces. She remembered it clearly, as if it had happened just yesterday.
A tear rolled down her cheek as she clutched the photo to her chest. Was it too late for them already? He had been treating her so wonderfully the past weeks, showing her how much he cared. But somehow both of them were still holding back. She had no idea where it was going to lead them.
There were eight envelopes in the box too. She picked up the first one. It had a written date in Carter’s handwriting, dated on the first December after he’d disappeared.
With trembling hands, she began to read…
Dear Tasha,
I’m in a foreign country. I don’t know anyone here, but I’m striving to make it. It would have been so much easier if you were here. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you along.
I’ve lost everybody I love. It makes me wonder what else is left for me to continue living. But there’s this fire deep within me that keeps rising to the surface. It’s a fire that you ignited in me. You taught me to dream and to believe in myself. And so I’m planning this business while working as a clerk in a small office. No matter what, I’m going to keep pushing.
It’s going to be a lonely Christmas. Wherever you are, I know you are better off without me. I love you so much, Tasha. I will never, ever forget you.
Love, Carter
Tasha couldn’t help sobbing as she read the letter in Carter’s handwriting. She went on to open the second one.
Hi Tasha,
I haven’t forgotten you. Day in and day out, through all the struggles of living on my own and trying to put up a business, your memory is the only thing I have that keeps me sane.
I think I’ve finally struck gold this time. After failing six times in business, I’ve built something that has big potential. I guess it’s true what they say that we must focus on our core gift and interest. I’m going to keep fighting.
You must hate me now. But that’s a lot better than if I had stayed and gotten you in trouble. I wouldn’t have been able to live with that. I want you to have the best life you deserve. Even if it hurts me to think of you with someone else, I know it will be better for you. I hope you find that someone who will truly take care of you for the rest of your life.
Love, Carter
Tasha couldn’t believe it. Every December of every year that they had been apart, he’d been writing letters to her. He had never forgotten her.
She wondered what it was that had driven him away. Why did he think she’d get into trouble if they had stayed together?
Opening the third letter, she read on. Perhaps she’d find some clues in the other letters.
Dear Tasha,
Christmas is in the air. My business is doing extremely well, but there’s a part of me that can’t rejoice without you. How I wish we could celebrate together!
I couldn’t resist not knowing how you are, so I’ve been following you on social media. You look amazing as always. I see you’ve also launched your own business. That’s great, Tash. I know we’ll both make it big.
Someday, when I fall ill or if ever I pass away before you, these letters will be part of my will. They’ll be sent to you, and then you’ll realize that I never stopped loving you.
Love, Carter
Tasha put the letter down, tears streaming down her cheeks. He had planned on having the letters sent upon his demise. She wondered why he’d changed his mind and given them now.
For a few seconds, she just sat there weeping. She didn’t even care that passersby were staring or pointing at her.
After what seemed like an hour of crying, she found the courage and strength to open the fourth letter. She never got to read it, though, because her phone rang.
“Hello, Tasha?” Amy said, sounding breathless. “I’m rushing my dog to the hospital. He’s been whimpering in pain!”
“Oh, my, I’m sorry to hear that. I hope he’ll be okay. I know how much you care about him.”
“Yes, thanks. Anyway, I called because I needed a huge favor!”
“Anything I’m capable of doing.”
“There’s this party that I have to be at in about two hours at Windmill Premier’s grand ballroom. It’s an important event for Solvang’s business people that Mr. Crawford asked me to go to as MileRun’s representative. I’m hoping you can cover for me if just for a few hours please?!”
Tasha was stunned into speechlessness.
“Please, Tasha, please?!” Amy begged. “I mean, if you don’t have any plans, of course since it’s your birthday. I promise to follow as soon as I’m done at the animal hospital. And I swear I’ll make it up to you!”
“But won’t Carter… I mean, Mr. Crawford, find that inappropriate since I’m not officially an employee of MileRun?” Tasha hesitated.
“I know, but there’s nobody I can trust right now. The other senior workers in the office are not available. Please, Tasha, please…”
“Alright, I’ll go,” Tasha finally agreed. “At least I’ll have a reason to get all dressed up on my birthday. Can I bring Alex along?”
“Of course,” Amy replied quickly. “I’ll just make a call to the organizers. Text me, okay? Thanks!”
*
“The things I do for friends,” Tasha muttered as she eyed her reflection in the glass wall at the lobby. Hhmmm, not bad.
“Don’t worry, you look absolutely amazing!” Alex assured her.
“Thanks, Alex. Good thing I have a best friend who knows how to do fantastic hair and makeup in a jiffy!”
Alex laughed. “Thanks to YouTube!”
Tasha laughed too, feeling a lot better than earlier. She did look beautiful in the long strapless red dress with the sweetheart neckline, which she’d worn a long time ago in a formal event. The elegant strand of pearls around her neck accentuated the dress and her stylish up-do. Alex had also done wonders with her puffy eyes and “Rudolph” nose.
Feeling confident, she went ahead to the grand ballroom. The registration table was empty already, perhaps because the event had started.
Two ushers, however, were waiting at the door. They were clothed in Danish-inspired formal outfits. “Good evening,” they greeted before swinging the door open for Tasha and Alex.
Tasha came into the surprisingly dark room with impressive, well-designed glow-in-the-dark stars all around. “Wow,” she whispered.
At that moment, the lights went on and she was shocked to see a sea of people gathered in front of her. “Surprise!” They shouted in unison.
The enormous ballroom had been styled in “A Night in Paris” theme, complete with a realistic-looking Eiffel Tower in the center, surrounded by lovely makeshift café setups and a backdrop that showed a romantic garden. The ceiling had been decorated with graceful swags of white fabric that took on the gently changing hues of the mood lights. Pretend stars hung from the ceiling too.
Tasha was still in shock when Alex hugged her from behind. “Happy birthday!” Her best friend greeted.
“You knew?” She said, flabbergasted.
Before she could ask who had planned the whole thing, she found her
self surrounded by well-wishers: all the friends she’d made in Solvang and even some who had traveled all the way from their hometown.
Her eyes landed on Amy who was grinning from ear to ear. Tasha narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her waist, pretending to be angry.
Amy laughed. “Am I a good actress or what?” she said proudly, giving Tasha a hug. “Happy birthday!”
“So your dog isn’t in pain?” Tasha asked.
“Nope.”
“Oh, you!” Tasha exclaimed. “You got me worried!”
At first, her initial assumption was that Alex and Amy were the ones who had organized the party. But then, everything seemed so grand that she knew somebody else was probably behind it.
It is Bret’s hotel, Tasha thought. She scanned the crowd for him, but he was nowhere to be found. Maybe Carter? A tinge of hope fluttered in her heart.
The sight of the woman approaching her, however, made her forget all about Bret and Carter. She squealed. “Oh, my God! You’re here!”
Her sister Tyra, looking great in a simple royal blue gown, came forward with her husband and two kids in tow. She embraced Tasha tightly. “Oh, my gosh, Tasha! You are much gorgeous in person! I can’t believe I haven’t seen you in more than a year!”
“How’d you make it here?” Tasha wanted to know after hugging her brother-in-law John and also their children who immediately went off to the candy bar after.
“Excuse me,” John said politely with a smile, before heading off to follow the kids.
Tasha and Tyra hugged again.
“I just can’t believe it,” Tasha said, her eyes tearing up again. She tried to control the crying, though, as it would ruin her makeup.
“Me too!” Tyra said excitedly. “I mean, you are big time, little sister! Your personal assistant called me up and sent me airline and accommodation tickets just last week. Of course I had to do everything in my power to file my sick leave at work quickly just to make it to your surprise party.”
“What? You got free tickets and accommodations?” Tasha asked in shock. “Which assistant called you?”
“Amy Quinn. I met her a while ago.”
“She is Carter’s assistant,” Tasha whispered, her heart beginning to race.
“The Carter Smith?!”
“He’s now known as Carter Crawford. It’s a long story.”
Tyra wanted to know more, but then Tasha spotted Carter. She excused herself and headed to him.
“What is this about?” she demanded.
Carter faced her with a grin. “Hey, it’s nice to see you too, birthday girl. You look radiantly beautiful tonight.”
Tasha blushed at the way he was looking at her. She also noticed how his navy tuxedo suited him perfectly and brought out his well-built physique. He certainly looked like a real billionaire that evening.
“You’re staring.”
“I’m not,” she countered at once.
He grinned.
“You put together this whole surprise party for me, huh?” Tasha was getting emotional again. She couldn’t believe he’d gone to all the trouble, and to ask her only family, her sister, to come all the way from Singapore.
A look of worry crossed his handsome features.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, squeezing her hand. “It did get a little bit more extravagant than I had planned. I think Amy went overboard and just too excited.”
“It seems she’d acquired all the best and most expensive suppliers in town,” Tasha said, motioning to their surroundings.
“Looks like it,” Carter agreed.
Tasha smiled to reassure him it was okay. “I appreciate it all, Carter. It may be a little too much, but I love it.”
“Really?”
“Yes, but you didn’t have to do this!”
“I wanted to make you feel special,” Carter explained in a soft tone. “What’s the use of having a lot of money if I can’t even spend it on people I care about?”
His words warmed her heart. “Well, you do have a point.” She said, a smile forming on her lips.
The lights dimmed then and a string quartet began to play a soft, beautiful melody.
“May I have this dance?” Carter asked with a smile, extending a hand.
She placed her hand in his and looked into his eyes. “Absolutely,” she whispered.
As they gently swayed to the music, the words in the letters he had written to her years ago came back to Tasha. “About your present, Carter… I read a few of the letters…”
He was silent, simply gazing into her eyes. A look of sadness and anxiety seemed to reflect in his eyes.
“In the cottage, I saw you wearing our matching pendants,” Tasha began. “And then now, the photo of us you had kept after all… and the letters…” Her voice faltered.
He raised a hand to caress her cheek. “I decided to give them to you because I’ve changed my mind.”
“About what?”
“Seeing you again, Tasha…” he said, his voice laced with pain. “It pierced me with so much pain. I tried to avoid any personal connection with you, but I couldn’t resist. I had made a promise to myself to stay out of your life forever… but the past few weeks we’ve been spending time together, I just… I couldn’t…”
Tasha waited for him to go on.
“I wanted you to know that I cared all those years and never really stopped loving you. I wanted you to know because I want you again in my life, Tasha.”
Hearing those words being uttered by the man who had broken his promises and caused her tremendous pain was too much for Tasha. “I’m sorry, Carter. I can’t face this right now.” She stepped back and went to join her other friends, feeling more confused than ever.
During dinner, they were entertained by amazing world-class performers. The food was also superb. Soon Tasha was able to brush off her worries and just focus on having fun.
She tried to avoid Carter as much as possible for the remainder of the event. But when he cornered her, she couldn’t say no. After all, he’d instigated that birthday surprise.
“How are you, Tasha? Having fun?” he asked casually.
“Yes, thank you,” she said. Then wanting to keep the topic light, she motioned to the first thing she saw, the Eiffel Tower. “So why this theme? Did you choose this or was it Alex?”
He stepped closer, making her heart pound harder. “Don’t you remember? You said Paris was at the top of your bucket list. Alex also said you still haven’t gone there.”
Tasha did recall that they had once talked about going to Paris and having a romantic getaway there.
“We can go there together this weekend, Tasha…” Carter whispered. “You and me.”
“There’s no you and me,” Tasha answered flatly. “You left me a long time ago.”
She was done with pretensions. All this time that they had been enjoying each other’s company without thinking about the past, she had just been fooling herself.
*
Because the party was held at the grand ballroom, the hotel management gave them a free overnight stay. Tasha didn’t want to stay at Bret’s hotel longer while Carter was there. It was all too confusing. Besides, she wanted to rest at home so she let her sister and her family use the suite.
Apparently, it was Amy who had booked that hotel. It made sense, since it was the poshest venue in town.
Tasha wondered, though, if Amy or Carter was even aware of her dating history with Bret Walton.
Back home, she faced another major decision: read the rest of Carter’s letters or just burn them and completely let him go from her life.
Alex couldn’t sleep either, so they ended up having a serious conversation at the kitchen counter.
“He seems sincerely into you, Tasha,” Alex offered gently. “I honestly think he still loves you. Even your sister thinks so.”
Tasha nodded. “Yeah, maybe. But it’s just so hard to suddenly jump back into a relationship with him after everything that had happened. Besides, how ca
n I trust him again if he doesn’t even want to tell me why he’d left in the first place?”
Alex looked at her sadly. “I understand. But give it time, he might come to his senses soon. Don’t shut him out just yet. Who knows? Maybe now is the time for you guys.”
Tasha shrugged and stared once again at the unopened enveloped in front of her.
“Read them all, Tasha,” Alex urged. “Maybe you’ll understand him more… where he was coming from at that time.”
Tasha did as she was told. Alex said goodnight and left her to herself. One by one, she read the rest of the letters, more tears spilling down her cheeks, her emotions in great turmoil.
He never revealed in the letters why he’d left. The only clue about it was when he mentioned he didn’t want to get her into trouble. But one thing for sure, she could feel his love overflowing all throughout the eight years they had been apart.
Tasha woke up late. The first thing on her mind was Carter. She wanted to speak to him, but was somehow afraid and unsure.
A beep came from her phone. It was a message from Bret Walton. Dread came onto her when he said he was back in town and wanted to see her at once. She didn’t even know what to say to him.
Alex knocked on her door. “Open up, Tash! You’ve got someone waiting outside!”
Tasha’s heart seemed to break into a sprint. She quickly opened the door. “Who?”
“There’s a limo parked in front. I’m guessing it’s your Walton lover-boy or at least his driver.”
“Oh, shut up…” Tasha said, groaning. She hurried down the stairs without bothering to freshen up.
“Tell him to get lost!” Alex called after her.
Tasha was suddenly filled with the resolve to put a stop to what was left of her relationship with Bret. After all, he hadn’t been contacting her that often lately. And now that he’s back, was she going to be his booty call again?
She asked the chauffeur to wait for her while she got ready.
