Blind Love

Chapter 42 • Above And Beyond

Today was worse than our first day back to work after our honeymoon. After JJ's heart wrenching text and phone call this morning about being overwhelmed, it was all I could do not to get a ride and go to JJ's work to rescue her.

I even took my afternoon break a little early so I could call Gemma to get her advice on what I should do. I think the plan we came up with should work because who doesn't like having a special bouquet delivered to them? I've definitely earned bonus husband points for remembering her saying that strawberries sounded good, so the chocolate covered strawberries and grape bouquet should work its magic.

Now that I've clocked out and finished the work day, all I can think about is JJ picking us up and going home to spend the evening together.

"Hey, Harry, wait for me," a recognizable voice calls out, earning my attention and I hear Doris' rushed footsteps coming closer.

I stop walking and tug on the harness to stop Maggie from walking as well and I put on a smile, "Did I drop something?"

"Mmm, not that I can tell. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"That's kind of you. I'm fine, thanks."

She breathes out a laugh, "C'mon, I'll walk you two out so you can lie to me some more."

The sound of the metal door opening startles me and I hear the noise of the outside; the birds chirping and cars driving by. With my right hand gripping Maggie's harness, I push my sunnies further up my nose and stop walking to wait for Doris to lock the door.

"That's secure," she says and I hear the jingle of her keys. "Now before I go, tell me what's wrong."

I shrug a shoulder as if it's no big deal, "Nothing's wrong, Doris. I guess I was just tired today?"

"What I noticed today isn't from lack of sleep. You seemed, not like yourself. Sad, even. Is everything okay between you and-"

"Yes, everything's fine with me and JJ. We're just trying to navigate through this pregnancy and the stress of her job isn't helping. It's just, I wish I could do more for her."

"Harry, you're the most involved person in a relationship in the history of relationships. I've known you as a single bloke, JJ's boyfriend, fiancé and now husband. You're doing what you can, in fact, you're going above and beyond. Not every husband rings the florist to have flowers sent to their wife in the middle of the day."

"My sister technically made the arrangements."

"No, Harry, you did," she interrupts me and I exhale a heavy breath. "Just be patient and keep doing what you're doing. Enjoy these next several months. Don't let yourselves get discouraged. You and JJ have all our support and help. Ah, and speaking of the expectant mother, JJ just pulled up."

A smile tugs at my lips and I readjust my grip on the harness, "Thanks for the advice, Doris. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome. I think I'll say hello to JJ."

"Oh, okay, sure. Okay, Maggie, take us to the car, please." Maggie barks excitedly and starts guiding me down the pathway. The sound of the engine running gets louder and I hear the door shut. "Hello, love."

"Hello to you," she playfully says and I feel her hand on my shoulder before she pecks my lips. She hums cutely, soothing my shoulder and I feel her hand slide down to hold my hand. "Doris, it's lovely to s-, I mean it's a pleasure to meet you again," JJ says and I smile to myself at her correction.