𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝, guy germaine

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 | in sickness

January 1998

IT WAS SET TO be a freezing cold day for our winter wedding.

Yes, Guy and I were finally getting married. After six months of touring, I was ready to settle down for a break - settle down with him as a married couple should.

I woke up that day with my legs intertwined with his, my head on his chest. The alarm woke us, smiles immediately plastering our faces. We had waited for today for so long.

Guy just kissed me, keeping it soft because we were sleepy. I wrapped my arms around him and snuggled closer.

"What time is the ceremony again?" Guy asked, pulling away.
"Babe, we've been through this... the ceremony is at 2. You better not be late."
"I won't be! I'd never leave you hanging, hon." He traced my back, holding my lower back closer to him. "We're gonna be married in just a few hours. You're finally going to be my wife."
"I'm just glad I got famous fast." I teased. "I didn't want to wait much longer."
"Me either." He sighed. "Is your sniffle better?"
"I hope so. I don't need a runny nose today."
"I think you sound better. I just hope you can kick this cold, the doctor says that will be a real sign you're better."
"I dunno Guy, I have no immune system anymore."
"I think you can. You can, and you will." He sat up, gently moving me off so I could stay laying down. "I'll get out of your hair so you can start getting ready."
"Guy..." I sighed, sitting up slow as he buttoned his pants. "C-could you stay?"
"Really? You want me to?"
"I don't exactly have anyone to help me. No bridesmaids, no women in the family... I don't need much help, just someone to be with."
"Okay then, I'll stay." He sat back down with me, feeling my hands. "You're cold baby, get a sweatshirt on." He picked his up off the floor, tossing it to me as I got up, walking to the bathroom. I put it on and felt a bit warmer.

"I know they say it ain't proper for a husband to see his wife's dress before she walks down the aisle, but I don't care." I told him. "You're my everything, there's no need for secrets."
"You're right, I just know how you are about traditions." He came up behind me, taking his toothbrush. "How about you shower while I go scrounge up some breakfast?"
"You're saying that like you'll make something. You'll just get us some donuts."
"You know I can't cook!"
"I know. It's just funny." I kissed his cheek, putting toothpaste on my toothbrush. "I love you, Guy."
"I know babe."

When he returned with the food, I was out of the shower and sitting at my small vanity in a towel. Though I had the money for my own place, I was still living with Bombay and my brothers when I was home. Guy and I had just bought a small house just outside of town so we could have a bit more land, but it wasn't ready for us to move into yet - it would be after the honeymoon.

"Stop being so pretty... how do you get out of the shower looking so beautiful?"
"Oh stop it." I teased him, taking my donut. "Thanks."
"Anything for my wife." He sat behind me on the edge of the bed, visible in the mirror.
The sight was not far from normal for us. Every night of my national tour, Guy would sit and watch my makeup be done, help me pick my outfits and tune my guitars. He was like another
manager - a manager who cared about Opal Jefferson more than Opal Starr.

Though he insisted that he wanted to be with me, that he wanted to be a part of the tour and support me, I couldn't help but feel that I had undermined his hockey career. He had just as much potential for celebrity as I did. He deserved better than following me around, missing his senior hockey season as we speak.

"You promise you want me, Guy? You don't have to marry me just 'cause... 'cause I'm sick."
"Oh Opie, you always worry about me. I'm fine." He got up, circling his arms around my shoulders. "I told you, I'm happy to be along for the ride. Watching you is the most fulfilled I've ever been. Even though Charlie and the guys call me a house husband, I'm happy to be that."
I giggled at "house husband," knowing it was very true. But he could say he was happy a thousand times and I wouldn't be sure he truly was.