Chapter 117

The One Under The Weather

NATE

I’ve somehow managed to catch the flu.

I’ve had a fever on and off for about two, maybe three days. When I’m not sweating balls, I’m freezing and forced to rest under a mountain of blankets.

I also have a runny nose, my body aches like I’ve been hit by a large truck, and I’m so fatigued that I’ve been sleeping the majority of the last few days.

I’m not quite sure where I happened to catch it from, but luckily for me, Arielle hasn’t caught it. Although, she’s been taking care of me ever since I started feeling under the weather, despite my telling her to bolt the fucking bedroom door shut and leave me quarantined away in here until I’m all better. I don’t want her to catch this shit.

However, she doesn’t listen. Obviously. She’s fucking stubborn in that way.

Speak of the gorgeous devil, she steps into the room with a tray that holds soup, a glass of orange juice, crackers, and likely some more medication. I sit up with a groan, “I thought I asked you to stay out.”

“You’re not getting rid of me.” She approaches, placing the tray over my lap and then reaching a hand up to press the back of it against my sweaty forehead. “You feel about the same,” she pouts and it makes me want to take her in my arms and kiss that frown right off her.

“I feel a bit better,” I lie, surely not convincing her.

She runs her fingers through my hair, peering down at me with concern. “Have some soup, take the medicine, and go back to sleep. I’m sure you’ll be better tomorrow.” As I sit up further, she tells me, “I’ll be right back,” and then she leaves the room.

Picking up my spoon, I stare down at the chicken noodle soup she’s made me. It looks delicious, but this flu doesn’t exactly have me super hungry. However, I carefully crush some crackers into the bowl and begin to eat. I watch American Dad! reruns as I eat the soup, enjoying it more than I initially anticipated I would. Not because it isn’t delicious—it is—but simply because my appetite has basically ceased to exist since this flu started.

I can’t be sure how many minutes pass, but eventually, I’ve almost finished the entire bowl and I take the flu medication Arielle has left for me and then down the orange juice. As I’m doing the latter, Arielle steps back into the room, appearing pleased that I’ve had as much as I’ve had.

“How was it?” She lifts the tray from my lap as she awaits a response.

“Very good, thank you.”

She smiles before carrying the tray out of the room. I settle deeper into the bed, pulling the covers over my body while positioning myself to be able to watch the television as I lay. I sniffle, tucking my face further into the softness of my pillow.

I must nod off a bit because when Arielle returns, the credits are rolling on the television. I observe Arielle as she undresses, washes her face, and uses the bathroom. She slides into one of my shirts and then crawls under the comforter beside me.

“You shouldn’t be in here,” I fight, weakly. I really don’t have the energy, but I desperately wish she would keep her distance so she doesn’t get sick too.

“Shut up and sleep.” She tucks into my side, running her fingers through my hair repeatedly.

I stretch my legs in an attempt to relieve some of the ache, but it’s pointless. I’m drowsy from a combination of the illness and medication, so I’m struggling to keep my eyes open. I’m clammy, I know I am, but she is still pressed up against me, warming up my frozen body.

I fall asleep quickly.

I stand at the end of the dock, in front of an arch decorated with blue and white flowers, along with green leaves. Roses, lilies, and blue daisies. Candles flank the dock, illuminating the way to me and the setting sun behind me.

I glance down at my suit, aware that I’m standing at the altar of my wedding. The sound of music makes me lift my head and my eyes find the woman I was destined to spend the remainder of my life with—Arielle.

She walks down the aisle alone towards me, looking so beautiful it takes my breath away and has tears welling up in my eyes. I had always thought my heart might race in my chest at the idea of how serious this day is, but it doesn’t. In fact, I’m completely calm—I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.

She looks ethereal, like an angel crossing the threshold into heaven.

Her wedding dress is the perfect dress to represent her—a combination of sexy, yet elegant. It’s tight to her body, flowing like waves off her curves. Her collarbones are exposed, with the straps off her shoulders. It sparkles in the sun, the train long and trailing behind her. Under her veil, I see she’s lifted her hair into a fancy up-do and the makeup artist has done her eye shadow in a way that frames her eyes strikingly.

My God, she’s beautiful.

It feels as though the world stills on its axis as she approaches and I can sense that everyone is looking at her like she’s the most stunning creature to have ever existed.

I can’t help it, I choke up a little. I love her so fucking much and we’ve overcome so many things to get to this point. I can’t wait to spend forever with her.

Forever isn’t enough.

When she gets close, I step forward to extend a hand to aid her the last few steps. We move to face each other before the arch and Arielle passes off her bouquet so we’re able to hold hands.

I take a big inhale, holding it for a moment to steel my nerves. When I’m positive I can do this, I reach into my pocket, pulling out the vows I’ve written. I was going to memorize them, but after trying for hours, my anxiety would always get the best of me.

Arielle must be able to tell how I’m feeling because she reaches a hand out to brush against mine and she smiles.

“I’ve always thought that half my heart resides in your chest. Today, is no different. We are soulmates, Arielle Hawthorne. Two separate bodies who have found the other half to make them whole.”

“Don’t ever think that when I say I love you that I’m saying it out of habit. Being in love with you is something I take seriously, that I’d give up my life to protect.”

“Thank you for showing me that I deserve to be loved. I want to thank you for showing me that I was never broken to begin with. I’ve always felt like a thousand scattered puzzle pieces, but then you came into my life and suddenly everything made sense. The puzzle took shape. You made me the man I am today. I’m nothing without you.”