Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 47

A few peaceful weeks went by. Gwen and AJ were downstairs eating. Nate walked down and got a water.

"Hey, Nate. How are you?" Gwen asked.

"I'm okay. I— I actually wanted to talk to the two of you."

"Sure, man, what is it?" AJ gave Nate his full attention.

"I— I'm ready to ask Becca out. But I don't want to make a fool of myself. I know I love her, and she says she loves me, but what if—"

"Nate, I'm gonna stop you right there," Gwen chimed in. "All that matters is that you love her, she loves you, and you both are in the same place. No 'what if's, buts, however,' or anything. She has been your friend for so long, Nate. She knows you better than most. Don't let your head get in the way of your heart."

"Are you sure? I mean, my head has lead me down less dangerous paths than my heart has."

"Nate, Gwen is right. I will say I was terrified when I actually asked her to be my girlfriend." He took her hand in his. "It was the best thing I could have ever done though. Well, third best thing. Second was asking her to marry me, first was saying 'I do.'"

Gwen put her forehead on AJ's while Nate rolled his eyes and smirked. "Okay, Romeo, I'm not going that far tonight. I just want to ask her to be my girlfriend. Nothing else yet."

"Nate, just follow your heart. All we want is you to be happy, and your heart won't guide you wrong," Gwen said.

Nate smiled. "You guys are right. I need to just trust my heart. Okay, I'll call her now." Nate went up to his room.

Becca's phone rang, indicating it was Nate calling. Since they talked often, and they went to dinner together often, this was nothing out of the ordinary.

"Hey Natemare."

"Hey Bex. Are you doing anything tonight?"

"No, just have some laundry to finish up. Why?"

"I wanted to take you out to dinner. How does 7 sound?"

"Sounds good. Do you want to meet there?"

"I'll come pick you up tonight."

"Okay. Did you want to pick me up earlier then, or just keep it at 7?"

"I'll be there around 6:45. That will give us enough time to get to the restaurant by 7."

"Okay, sounds good! See you then!"

"Bye."

"Bye."

After hanging up, she smiled to herself. She enjoyed the closeness they had built up over these last few weeks. She knew he needed time before entering into another relationship, and she was willing to wait for him as long as it would take.

She turned back to her computer to focus on her work. As difficult as it was, she finished up her workday.

Stretching her arms above her head, she looked at the time. She saw she had just under two hours to get ready. She stood and walked out of her office, into her bedroom. Becca walked to her closet to choose something to wear.

She normally wasn't much of a girly-girl, but she felt like a simple dress would be sufficient tonight. Nate had complimented her the last time she wore it in front of him. She chose her shoes and a necklace to wear too.

After showering, she got dressed. She put on a little makeup. She wasn't one to ever wear a lot, but every now and then she would wear it.

Checking the time, she had about 15 minutes before he would arrive. She sat down and grabbed her book.

Nate walked up to her door. He took a deep breath. He knew he was nervous because it was Becca. He had loved her for so long, and now... he was ready. He wanted to ask her out. He was going to ask her out.

Gathering up the courage, he knocked on her door. She opened it, and he was speechless. She is beautiful. After a moment, he realized he was staring. "Hi."

"Hi."

"You look amazing."

"Thank you. You look very nice yourself."

"These are for you," he said, handing her a small bouquet of daffodils.

"Thank you. You know daffodils are my favorite." She smiled at him and lead him inside. "Let me get a vase for these."

She walked to her kitchen. Getting a vase down, she smiled. Smelling the flowers, she put them in the vase and filled it with water. Carrying the vase to her living room, she set them on the table.

"So, are you ready to go now?" Nate asked, just watching her in awe.

"Yeah, let's go." She grabbed her purse and locked the door behind them.

Getting to Nate's car, he opened her door for her. "How chivalrous of you, good sir." She smiled to him and got in the car. Closing her door, he walked to his side and got in.

Heading to the restaurant, they had an easy conversation about their day.

Pulling into the restaurant, Nate told Becca to wait in the car a moment, and he came around and opened her door for her again. Becca smiled at him. He held his hand out for her to take while getting out of the car. Once she stood, he let go, and she was saddened by the loss of contact.

They walked inside and got sat pretty quickly.

Their server took their drink order and left. More small talk between the two of them ensued.

The server came back with their drinks and took their food order.

As he left, Nate cleared his throat. "So, how have you been? Really?"

Becca smiled at him. "I've been good. A little stressed out at work, but I've dealt with this before. Otherwise, the highlight of my day is when I get to talk to you."

He smiled and took her hand. "Honestly, I feel the same way. The best part of my day is talking to you." Nate rubbed his thumb gently over her knuckles. "Thank you for waiting for me. You have been so patient."

"Nate, you know I'll wait as long as you need. I'm not wanting to pressure you into anything you're not ready for."

He looked down to summon the courage. "Becca, I asked you out here tonight because I wanted to tell you..." Nate felt his heart pounding. "I wanted to tell you I am ready." Nate took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He looked in her beautiful eyes. "Would— would you be my girlfriend?"

Tears welled in Becca's eyes. "Oh, Nate. Yes. Yes I will be your girlfriend." She got out of her chair to hug him. Breaking from the hug, she caressed his cheek. "Thank you, Nate. You have been very patient as well. You are such a wonderful man." She hugged him again.

Embracing her, he took in the feel of her hugging him. It was so incredible to finally be able to hold her, to know he could kiss her whenever he wanted- even if he has yet to. That will come when the time is right. It just feels incredible to know I can say to the world, "This is my girlfriend. This is my partner. This is the love of my life."

Breaking the hug, Becca sat back down. "So..."

"So."

Becca couldn't stop smiling. Nate looked at her and smiled as well.

The server dropped their food off and made sure they were okay. They started eating, glancing at each other and smiling every now and then.

Nate knew this was the right thing to do. He never felt so happy.