A New Life: Sequel to Amber

Chapter 41

Time skip. Friday.

Rhett's POV

Link's been getting a lot better these past few days. His concussion and random uncontrollable emotions went away. His bones are still healing though. That's going to take a while. I woke up at the hospital in a chair beside Link's bed. It was early, but when I opened my eyes, I saw Link was awake. He smiled. "Morning, Rhett. Today's the big day!" I smiled back and took a deep breath.

"Yes, it is. Gosh, do you think she'll like the ring? Sorry, I'm just so nervous for tonight." I chuckled a little.

"Don't apologize, but don't worry either. Jessie loves you and the ring is beautiful. I know for a fact that when you see me tomorrow, you'll be wearing an engagement ring." Link smirked.

"Thanks man. I gotta try to be calm. I don't want her to suspect anything. Wow. I can't believe this is actually going to happen." Link chuckled a little.

"Yeah, me either. My best friend is finally getting married!" I smiled and nodded. Gosh, I'm scared for tonight. I took a deep breath and smiled again.

"I'm gonna get some breakfast for myself down at the cafe. I'll eat quickly." I smiled and stood up.

"You better." Link laughed. "Just kidding, take all the time you need, brother. The nurse will bring in my food shortly." I nodded with a smirk and left. I returned to the cafe I had been eating at for the past few days. I got myself a small bowl of cereal and ate. I was too nervous to be very hungry, but I knew my blood sugar would drop if I didn't eat anything. I shoveled the bland cereal into my mouth as I thought about today. 

I was going to propose tonight. I was nervous, but why? I love her and she loves me. We've told each other that many times. She's perfect in every way and I love her with all my heart. There's no reason to be so scared. I have to calm down. Everything will be great. I know it will. 

Link's POV

My breakfast was brought in about fifteen minutes later. Yogurt, juice, a bagel, and some berries. "Thank you, nurse. Looks great."

"You're very welcome, Mr. Neal. Be careful with that arm. Try not to use it unless you absolutely need both hands." She smiled and left. I said Grace quietly to myself, and took a bite of the yogurt. Just plain vanilla yogurt, not something I was very fond of. I poured the berries into the cup and mixed them in. That will add some flavor. After about five minutes the door opened again and Rhett stepped in with a smile.

"Hey brother, still doing alright?" He sat down in the chair next to my bed again. I smiled and nodded as I swallowed a bite of my bagel.

"Yep, doing pretty great. You still nervous?" I smirked and cocked my head to the side. Rhett chuckled and nodded.

"Yeah, a little, but it's not so bad. Calming down slowly. I don't want her to suspect anything until I'm actually proposing." Rhett smiled again and that caused me to as well.

"Gosh man, you're so smiley today!" I chuckled.

"Can't help it brother, I'm excited! Just like you will be on Christy's birthday. You're gonna give her the best birthday present ever. She will never ever forget it." 

"She'd better not!" We both started laughing. I haven't felt so good in a while. Rhett's great at that. He can make me laugh and forget about everything I'm going through and my pain. He's the best friend anyone could ever have and I don't tell him that enough. "Rhett, I gotta tell you something, man... I want to thank you for everything. You make me laugh and smile when it's hard to. You've always been there for me and have spent so many hours in this hospital with me. You're my best friend and my brother. I love you, man. Thank you so much."

Rhett smiled and gave me a very gentle hug. "You're welcome, brother. I know you'd do the same if it were me here in this hospital. I love you too, man. And you always do the same for me. I love going to work and most people don't get to say that. But I do, because I own a business with my best friend and we get to do what we love every weekday together. It's awesome." Rhett smiled widely.

We both talked for a long time just back and forth with whatever came into our heads. Hours went by and Rhett's phone alarm went off. "Oh dang, that's for when I have to leave and start getting ready. Gotta pick up the ring from your house, change into something better than skinny jeans and a t-shirt and get going. I'm sorry, man. Wish I could stay with you. Hang in there. I'll tell you all about this tomorrow." Rhett smiled and stood up.

"Don't apologize, tonight's gonna be awesome. Good luck and don't be nervous, she'll say yes and everything's going to be great. Relax. You're gonna do great." I smiled and he smiled back. He patted my shoulder.

"Thanks, man. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night." Rhett smiled again and took a deep breath. He was still a little nervous.

"You too. I'm sure you'll have a way better time than me. Though Christy and Amber are going to be coming up here soon. Good luck again."

"Thank you. Bye." Rhett smiled and stepped outside the door.

Rhett's POV

I was on my way to Jessie's apartment to pick her up. I had changed into a casual enough gray suit with a burgundy tie. I was wearing my new cologne and had trimmed my beard slightly. I had picked up the ring on my way home from the hospital. I was almost there and my heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest. I had broken out sweating, and wiped my forehead at a red light. Calm down, Rhett. Everything's going to be just great. No need to worry.

I arrived at Jessie's apartment and before I could even get out, she had come out from the front door and sat down in the seat. I leaned forward and we kissed. I smiled. She was going to be my wife before too long. "Ready to go?" I smiled as I asked. She smiled back and replied.

"I've been ready."