Be My Shelter (Book II)

Chapter 12

"Did you sleep at all, Reg?" Nolan asked me the next morning. I glared at him and he sighed. "You're giving me the silent treatment." He stated with a frown. "I'm sorry." He sighed.

I sighed and lay back on our bed. "You left me." I whispered.

He copied my actions and moved closer to me. "I didn't leave you."

"Yeah, you did. You got mad and walked out and didn't come back for hours! Do you know how worried I was about you, ya big jerk!" I said, slapping him on the arm.

He sat up and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration "I said I'm sorry!" he yelled and then took a deep breath to calm himself. "What's really bothering you?"

"I just...I don't know."

"Come on, Reg, we both know that's a lie."

"You asked me yesterday if I could 'turn off my emotions for like, two minutes.' Did you mean that?" I asked, looking at the ceiling. "And don't lie."

"I...yeah, a part of me does."

"Well don't worry, in about six months or so I'll stop being such an emotional mess."

"Regan..."

"Where did you go?" I asked suddenly.

"...I'm right here."

"I mean yesterday, when you left."

"Oh! I went to Keegan's."

"I still can't believe you."

"I know...I'm sorry." He said for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"I know you're sorry, and I forgive you because you're my husband. That doesn't mean that I'm not mad at you, though."

"What do you want me to do?"

"I don't know...figure something out." I said, hopping off the bed and walking downstairs in search of food.

"So how did everything go?" Peyton casually asked from the kitchen table, as if it was completely normal for her to be in here when no one let her in.

I jumped and put a hand over my racing heart. "Holy cheese! How did you get in?"

"You have an extra key hidden under the welcome mat. You should probably change that." She said.

"So how did everything go?" She asked.

"How did you-"

"Alexis." She said. I keep forgetting that Alexis is Payton's cousin.

"Oh." I sighed. "Well, he apologized."

"That's good. What did you say?"

"I told him that I forgive him because he's my husband and I love him, but that didn't mean I wasn't mad at him."

"What do you think he's going to do?"

"I dunno. Nolan isn't the most romantic person in the world."

"That's true...Do you know what we should do?" She asked and I shook my head. "Shop for baby things!"

"We're kind of short on money at the moment..."

"Darn. You still have your baby shower anyways."

"That's true. I am in need of maternity clothes though."

"Shopping!" She shrieked.

I cringed. "Inside voices, Payton."

"Sorry." She grinned sheepishly. "Let's go shopping!"

"Okay, but...um...do I look alright?" I asked.

"Are you kidding? You're the cutest pregnant person I've ever seen!"

"We're going shopping, Nolan!" I shouted up the stairs.

"Wait!" He cried, running to the top of the stairs. He grinned when he saw us. "Have fun." He said. We left the house and drove to the store in a comfortable silence. When we got to the store, Payton grabbed my arm and marched towards the entrance and into the maternity section.

"Okay, we need to get you pants, shirts, undershirts, swimsuits, shorts, bras, underwear, dresses and pajamas. You cover the right side, and I'll cover the left side of the maternity section. Ready...break!" She said like a woman on a mission.

"It's just clothes shopping, Payton." I said, patting her on her head.

"You are so cute." She said, giving me a hug and patting my back. "It's not just 'clothes shopping', it's a way of life, sweetie." She said and I rolled my eyes.

"You are way too dramatic."

"Which is why you love me."

"Yeah, 'cause that's your only redeeming quality." I said sarcastically.

She sighed dramatically. "I know."

"Whatever, dork. Let's just get this over with."

***

"I want something fancier, our anniversary is next week and Nolan said he's taking me out." I told her and she showed me this super fancy, navy blue floor length dress. "Ack! Too fancy! Too fancy!"

"Well what about this?" She asked and I grinned. It was perfect. It was a really pretty half sleeved purple dress that looked like it would fall right above my knees.

"Yes! Let's try it on!" I said, clapping excitedly. Minutes later, I was wearing the dress and standing in front of the mirror, grinning from ear to ear.

"If you don't get this dress, I WILL tackle you." Payton threatened me. "And then Nolan will kill me. So, if you love me, you will buy this dress."

"Oh, I'm getting the dress." I said, going back into the fitting room to change into my clothes. We made our way to the register to buy the clothes Payton was forcing me to buy.

"Let's go!" She shouted, pointing to the doors and dragging me to the car. "Nolan is going to love the dress on you." She said, turning to look at me.

"Keep your eyes on the road!" I shrieked as she collided with another car, I heard the screeching sound of grinding metal and felt the car spinning. My last conscious thought was 'I'm going to die.'