Just Don't Kiss Me

"This time would be different," she promised herself. Even though all the other players would have their exact roles and all the scripts would remain the same, she wouldn't play the game as she had before. No, she would have a different strategy; one that would change the course of her future. She wouldn't blow this opportunity. It was her second chance. She knew the value of coming in with a different mind-set, a clearer vision, and she was determined to use logic and not "follow her heart" as her youthful impetuousness had demanded before. She would decisively think before acting with each move. Failure could not...must not be an option. Not again.

It was darned perplexing to fathom how or even as to why God would ever give her a mulligan (a do over.) And for awhile, she thought she had been dreaming or caught in a bad version of that movie...you know, like the one, "Groundhog Day." But as her day began to unfold, quite naturally and as expected, she had just as readily stepped back into the motion and memory of how it had all played out before.

By the afternoon, Heather was secretly enjoying the little charade she was playing with friends and family, knowing precisely what would conspire with each sentence they uttered. She was very careful to play along verbatim, not changing any dialogue or skipping over any mundane event. She would only change the last encounter with Grady.

Grady, she had pronounced, was not to be a key player in her bright future. She had years ahead of her in which to complete the education that would surely launch her into the superlative life mapped out on her vision board. Although kind, considerate, and very handsome, Grady didn't have the drive or passion to keep up with her ambitions. He was simply a wonderful young man who was content to live in the same town where everybody knew everybody and to work on his father's ranch as generations of that clan had before him. There was certainly nothing wrong with that, but he wasn't the one for her. Her mind knew better.

But that kiss and proposal had thrown her off balance and she had blurted out "yes" to his gushing proposal on bended knee. That kiss was like an out of body experience. She was as shocked by it as he had been elated. That kiss had been magic...soft and tender, sweet and teasing. Damn him and those luscious lips of his. Her head was still spinning from the tingle it left lingering. But not for long, she conspired against those crazy, tingly feelings she felt all the way down to her toes...

As evening approached and the time was nearing for Grady to arrive for their dinner date, Heather was beginning to get butterflies in her belly and was way too anxious. She needed to find her calm and do so quickly, reminding herself that she had to be mentally acute for this next scene. So she decided to think of all the petty annoyances about Grady she had found in him over the past four years of their relationship.

Of course, going back to high school years, she should probably give him a pass since all young men that age were overall annoying anyway, right? But why on earth did he have to be so irritatingly perfect now? Exasperating!!

Heather stared at the clock...in ten minutes he would ring the doorbell. Her stomach had knots and her throat was parched. She quickly drank a bottled water. She realized she was going off script a bit, but it shouldn't matter, right?

The sound of the chimes alerted her, but when she opened the door, Grady was dressed casually, not at all like before when he had taken her to the best restaurant in town. And as he looked at her stylish dress and heels, he gave a quick laugh and said, "You look beautiful, but you need your boots on tonight." What in the blue blazes was happening??? Her head was spinning. But she was determined to play this out until it made sense.

As she hopped in his big truck, they headed towards his ranch. As they approached the big pond area where they had enjoyed picnics and campfires so many times before, he had strung up lights that shimmered and glowed and made it look like a thousand fairies were dancing in the water. There were hay bales covered in checkered cloth and a picnic basket awaiting. She saw a bucket of champagne and two glasses. It was the most romantic setting she had ever seen and she began shaking. So many emotions at once...excitement and trepidation, adoration and apprehension. This entire night was a dream? Or a nightmare?

Grady pulled her towards him, his arms so strong and safe. She felt like a princess when he did that. His cologne intoxicated her. "I have a surprise for you," he smiled, "but first, a kiss." Oh, no," she retorted, but it was way too late. And that kiss, well that kiss was even more mesmerizing than before. So, so passionate... She was indeed, toast.

"What I wanted to ask you, Heather, was if you'd mind if I went to the big city with you while you go to school?" You see, I know you aren't ready for a ring right now, but I do know we have something special. I don't mind waiting for that and my parents think I should take some classes anyway."

Heather's mind raced and she couldn't comprehend this flip to the script. "What has just happened?" she blurted out?

"Well, you don't think you are the only one who got a second chance to get things right, do you? I knew you were going to change your mind on me and break my heart, so I prayed a lot. But I still want to give you that ring one day."

For Heather, the world became balanced again and she realized she could have it all. "YES!!!" Thank God for second proposals...