Be My Shelter (Book II)

Our 3rd Anniversary

The week after I was released from the hospital was pretty low key, Nolan wouldn’t let me do much, and I was getting really irritated.

“Nolan! I’m so bored.” I whined, from the kitchen table.

He was standing at the refrigerator, and turned to look at me. “You do remember what tonight is, don’t you?” He asked with a chuckle.

“It’s our anniversary.” I grinned.

“And I have something super awesome planned.”

“Ooh! What is it?”

“Can’t tell you.” He smiled.  “Go get ready.  And be careful!” He said.

“I’m not made of glass, ya know.” I said as I walked up the stairs and went into the bathroom, turning on the shower and wrapping my cast in a plastic bag…or five.  While in the shower, I took a little longer than normal, shaving my legs, underarms and using my barely-used vanilla scented body wash.  When my shower was over, I blow dried my hair and then sat at my vanity, starting on my hair and makeup.  I put on a light layer of foundation and applied some mascara, making my blue eyes pop; next, I put on some bronzer and lip gloss.  I put my hair in a loose braid, allowing pieces of hair to fall out of the braid.  I opted out of earrings, and slipped on the purple dress I bought almost a week ago.  All this took longer than it should have.

“Regan, are you ready?” Nolan called up the stairs.  “Our reservations are in half an hour, hurry up!”

“Don’t rush me!” I said.  “It’s hard to do anything with this stupid cast.” I said.  “Okay! I’m ready!” I called back. No answer.  The doorbell rang and I frowned in confusion. Where is Nolan?  The doorbell rang again and I opened the door to find Nolan standing at the door in a white long-sleeved shirt and a pair of dark-wash blue jeans.  He was holding a beautiful bouquet of white roses, my favorite.

His jaw dropped slightly and he quickly closed his mouth and cleared his throat. “Wow…I knew you were going to look beautiful, but this is just…wow.” He said, handing me the flowers.  I grinned at him and kissed his cheek before going into the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase.

“Thank you.” I said, wrapping my arms around him.

“I love you.” He said. “And I really am sorry for leaving last week and stressing you out.” He said, hanging his head.

“It’s alright, I’m not mad at you.” I said.  “Are you ready to go?” I asked and he nodded, leading me to the car and opening my door for me, soon we were headed towards the restaurant and Nolan looked at me with a smile on his face.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I said with a blush on my face. “And as much as I love hearing that, please keep your eyes on the road.” I said, holding onto the armrest tightly. “I’d rather not get in another accident.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.” He said, focusing on the road once more, making me sigh in relief.

“We’re here!” He said and I looked at him in confusion.

“We’re at a park.” I pointed out.

“I got the reservation time wrong.” He said sheepishly.  “We don’t have to be there for another hour and a half.”

“Smooth.” I said. “What are we doing here, though?”

“I thought we could take a walk.” He said and I grinned.

“We haven’t been on a walk in FOREVER!” I exclaimed, pulling on his hand.  “Come on, slow poke!” I said when he didn’t move.

“I’m coming.” He laughed.  “How are you feeling?” He asked suddenly.

“Um…like accident wise, or pregnancy wise?”

“Both.”

“Well, baby-wise…I’m really tired.  Accident wise…I’m seriously contemplating cutting this cast off.” I said, glaring at my arm.

“Personally, I think you’re rocking the cast.  Are you sure you want to walk? I mean, if you’re too tired, we can just sit and talk.”

“Nah, I wanna take a walk.” I said, pulling on his hand again.

***

Nolan took me to a semi-fancy Italian restaurant, it was beautiful and we share this delicious chicken pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce. Nolan paid the bill and we left, hand in hand.

“Are you cold?” Nolan asked once we were in the car.

“No, I’m shivering because I’m warm.” I said.  “Can you turn up the heat?” I asked and he set the heater to high and got on the freeway.

“Did you have fun?” He asked and I nodded.

“I did.  Tonight was really, really fun.” I smiled. “I can’t believe it’s been three years.” I said.

“I know…I never thought I would get married, actually.”

“What? Why not?”

“I don’t give off the most warm and cuddly vibe.  My appearance doesn’t exactly make people want to talk to me.  I’m really surprised you didn’t run away, screaming.” He said, making a lane change and exiting the freeway. 

“I was considering it.”

“Really?”

“I never had the best experience when it came to men, remember?” I said as he pulled into the driveway, he grimaced when he remembered Conner. “You look tired.” He observed.

“I’m fine for a little while longer.” I said.  “You want to watch football, don’t you?” I asked and he nodded, looking forlornly at the door. “Go.  I’ll be in, in a moment.” I said and he practically ran inside.

“Stupid refs!” I heard him shout when I walked into the house.  “Can’t call a pass to save their lives.” He muttered, throwing the remote at the wall.

“Nolan!” He turned to look at me with a sheepish look on his face.

“You’re the prettiest girl in the world.”

“Flattery will get you no where.” I said.  “Will you stop getting so mad? It’s just a game.”

“But these refs suck!” He said loudly, as if they could hear him.

“They can’t hear you, Nolan.  I’m going to bed.  Goodnight.” I said, walking to our room, changing into my pajamas and climbing into bed.

“Regan?” Nolan asked softly.  “Psssttt, Regan!” He whispered loudly.

“I’m sleeping.”

“No you aren’t.”

“Well, I’m trying to, but someone decided to interrupt my attempt at sleep.”

“I’m sorry; you know how I get when it comes to sports.”

“I know, but we’re going to have a baby soon.  Do you really want to teach him that it’s okay to get so angry that he throws a remote at the wall? That was scary, Nolan.” I said.

“I know, I’m-”

“I’m sick of hearing that, it’s alright, I’m not mad anymore.  Come to bed, I’m tired.” I muttered.

“I love you, Regan.” He said, lying next to me on out bed and pulling me to his chest; I fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.

************************************************************************************************************************************************Double upload =)  on a different note, I got stung by a bee this morning.  I forgot how much it hurts =(  Please comment and vote, thanks =)

And thank you to all my silent readers, it means a lot that people are reading this.

Man, I gotta go to bed, tennis is super tiring.  Okay,,,,bye!