by Donya Fenner
“Morning, sunshine,” Yvette said.
“Hi, cousin,” Ashley smiled.
Yvette laughed, “How much did you have to drink?”
“I didn’t even finish my one glass of wine at dinner last night.”
“You didn’t wear the netted beach dress I got for you either. It’s still on the bed.”
Ashley looked at the dress on the foot of the bed.
“It’s such a beautiful dress, Yvette. I would have felt overdressed in something that nice.”
“Yeah, well, I have good taste. You can wear it today.” Yvette smiled, “Today is a special day.”
“Yes, it is. I can feel the presence of the Lord surrounding me this morning. He danced in the wind with me, shined his glory down on me in the rays of his radiant sunlight. He is amazing, Yvette.”
Yvette shook her head. “Ash, did you take one of them funny looking cigarettes from one of them islanders last night? Go soak in a nice tub of bubbles. I’m doing your hair and makeup today.”
“I would love to soak before I leave this place. Too bad we leave tonight. It has been an amazing time. I’m glad you talked me into coming. I’ll go get ready. I have to tell Niles goodbye and see where we go from here.”
Yvette laughed, “Girl, you are floating on a cloud. Enjoy your bath, I’ll be back.”
When Yvette made it back to the suite, Ashley had just stepped out of the tub and put on her robe. She watched Yvette setting up makeup and makeup brushes on the vanity’s tabletop. When Yvette started taking oils, perfumes, hairspray, and curling irons out of the bags she’d brought with her to the room, Ashley chuckled.
“Okay, cousin. What is all of this? This looks like a celebrity’s green room.”
“This is for you. You are not going back home the same old boring Ash,” Yvette teased. “Here, try this oil for your skin and layer it with this perfume.”
Ashley took the items from Yvette’s hands.
“Next, I’m going to do your hair and makeup. Trust me, Ash, you will be beautiful.”
Ashley smiled at Yvette and went into the bathroom to oil herself up and put on perfume.
***
Ashley sat with her back turned away from the vanity’s mirror as Yvette put the finishing touches on her makeup. Yvette stopped and took a step back. She looked at Ashley for a moment before applying more lipstick to Ashley’s lips.
Yvette nodded, “Now that should do it.”
“Awesome, let me see,” Ashley started to turn around.
“Hold on, hold your horses.” Yvette removed the towel from Ashley’s shoulders. “Ok, now.”
Ashley turned to observe herself in the mirror and gasped. “Yvette, wow! I look amazing. You’ve always done a great job on makeup, but this takes the cake. I look good, girl.” Ashley laughed, continuing to admire herself.
“Now let’s complete the look.” Yvette walked over to the bed and retrieved the dress. Ashley slipped into the dress. “Can you zip me up?” Once she felt the dress snug at her back, she turned around and struck a pose.
“Wow! You look damn good, cousin. Come on grab your purse, we are going to be late,” Yvette said, gathering her things.
Ashley frowned. “Late for what? Where are we going?”
Yvette had already exited the room. Ashley followed Yvette downstairs, through the lobby and to the boardwalk that stood over the white sands on the beach and water. At the end of the boardwalk was a table with a white tablecloth, two place settings were set up for dining. Ashley turned and looked at Yvette. Yvette motioned for her to sit at the table. Ashley walked away from Yvette and took a seat. A man with a violin approached the table and began to play. Ashley was so surprised. She was enjoying the music when she felt someone place their hand on her shoulder.
Ashley turned and looked up to see Niles. He was wearing a nice black suit jacket, a white button-down shirt, and a pair of black slacks to match his jacket. He looked her over and a sign of approval was expressed on his face.
“Niles, you look amazing,” Ashley said.
“So do you, dear. Your dress is beautiful.” His familiar warm and inviting smile surfaced giving Ashley butterflies in her stomach.
“Why don’t you stand up and let him see the whole dress, Ash!” Yvette said.
Ashley thought Yvette was long gone and was surprised to see her standing behind them.
Ashley stood, and when she did Niles took her by the hand and dropped to one knee.
Ashley’s eyes widened as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a little black box with a ring in it. Ashley noticed Yvette was crying. The hair, the make-up, the oil, and perfumes… her cousin must have known about this.
“Ashley, these few days have been the most incredible days I have ever had in my life. You are a gem, amazing, strong and your spirit reminds me of my mother’s. You have a good heart. Ashley, will you let me be your husband, your Prince Charming. Will you marry me?”
“I-I…Niles… um, yes,” Ashley heard herself say. She couldn’t believe she’d said yes so easily, but she felt confident and sure of her yes. Even more so than when her ex asked her.
“We don’t have to rush into anything. We can take this as slow as you want. Hopefully, it will only take a year,” Niles laughed.
“We can work it out,” Ashley said.
“Put the ring on her finger,” Yvette said.
“Right,” Niles said.
Niles slid the ring on her finger and then stood. Enveloping her in a strong embrace, he kissed her.
“Well, folks I think I did my job.” Yvette blotted at her face and waved. They kissed as Yvette walked back toward the hotel.
Niles pulled away, “I’m booked to do this retreat for another week. Will you stay here with me, Ashley?”
Ashley smiled. “I could use another week of this Bahama living, but I have to check in with my job. And I used my savings to come here.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll make it work. I can take care of everything.” He kissed her again.
Ashley could barely catch her breath even after Niles pulled his lips from hers. She was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. What would her mother say about her coming back to Houston engaged and her fiancé living out of state? She’d always tried to please her mom, would she be disappointed in her daughter?
Panic tried to set in but it was overruled by how she felt about Niles. He felt right to her, they would just take things slow. Ashley had a strong feeling that it was meant to be and that it would work out for her this time.
“I can’t believe this is happening so fast, Niles, but it feels so right. I’ve waited a long time for someone just like you and you have adult teeth. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“I’m positive. I know what I want and what I’ve been praying for. Like I said, we can do this at your pace. I would never rush you.”
“I appreciate you doing that. I believe we will be more than ok. We just have to keep God first and do things the way he wants them to be done. I do believe in premarital counseling as well. I’m sure you do too being a man of the cloth.”
“It will be fine. But, what did you mean by I have adult teeth?”
“Long story, I’ll tell you later. For now, why don’t we go get one of those his and her massages at the spa?”
“I can massage you.”
“Nope, not happening. We’ll have plenty of time for that when we get married. We will lead by example. No sex till marriage.”
“You mean no more sex,” Niles teased.
She nudged him. “Stop it, let’s eat and then go get those massages.”
Niles kissed Ashley’s ring finger. The white linen on the dining table continued blowing in the wind. The neatly arranged plates, silverware, wine and wine glasses on the table secured the cloth like an anchor. While the waves splashed underneath the boardwalk, the violinist continued his sweet melody, and Ashley and Niles took a seat at the table.
About the Author
Donya Fenner was born i
n Hearne, Texas, where she discovered at the tender age of eight that she had a gift of writing. Divorce Retreat is her fourth book. She is also the author of A Creative Creature’s Testimony, Second Chances and She Pact: Sisterhood.
Fenner is the founder of Creative Creature Women’s Organization in Los Angeles, California. Creative Creature is a nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to improve the lives of women and children who are victims of domestic violence by providing a haven for recovery, respite, and rehabilitation. The mission is to reach and transform the lives of women, one community at a time.
Donya has been a resident of Los Angeles, California since 2005.
